Kendrick Ladell “K. J.” Osborn Jr. Bio
Kendrick Ladell “K. J.” Osborn Jr. is an American professional football wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Buffalo Bulls and Miami Hurricanes prior to being selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Osborn has developed into a reliable NFL contributor across multiple organizations, showcasing his skills as a deep threat and red-zone target throughout his professional career.
Early Life and Background
Osborn was born on June 10, 1997, in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He attended Lincoln High School in his hometown before transferring to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, for his senior year of high school. The move to IMG Academy provided Osborn with exposure to higher-level competition and helped refine his skills against top prospects from across the country. His early development in Michigan laid the foundation for his eventual journey to collegiate football.
College Career
Osborn began his collegiate career at SUNY Buffalo, where he played three seasons as a member of the Buffalo Bulls football program. During his time at Buffalo, he established himself as a productive pass-catcher, recording 96 receptions for 1,490 yards and 12 touchdowns. His standout performance in 2018 earned him second-team All-MAC honors, marking his first major recognition at the collegiate level. After his junior season, Osborn transferred to the University of Miami as a graduate student for his final year of college football.
In his lone season with the Miami Hurricanes in 2019, Osborn proved to be a versatile weapon for the offense. He led the team with 50 receptions for 547 yards and five touchdowns. Beyond his receiving duties, he contributed as a return specialist, bringing back 16 punts for 255 yards (averaging 15.9 yards per return) and 10 kickoffs for 201 yards (averaging 20.1 yards per return). His ability to impact the game in multiple phases showcased the diverse skill set that would serve him well in his professional career.
K.J. Osborn Career
Minnesota Vikings (2020–2023)
The Minnesota Vikings selected Osborn in the fifth round (176th overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft, providing him the opportunity to begin his professional football career. His rookie season served as a developmental year as he adjusted to the speed and complexity of NFL competition. The Vikings offense featured established veterans who helped mentor the young receiver as he learned the professional game.
Osborn emerged as a significant contributor during the 2021 season. In Week 6, he caught the game-winning touchdown pass in overtime against the Carolina Panthers. In Week 14, he recorded three receptions for 83 yards, including a 63-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Kirk Cousins, in a 36–28 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Osborn finished the 2021 season with 655 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, ranking third on the team among wide receivers behind Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen.
The 2022 season brought several memorable performances. During Week 15 against the Indianapolis Colts, Osborn recorded 157 receiving yards and a touchdown on 10 receptions. That game featured the largest comeback in NFL history, as the Vikings overcame a 33-point deficit to win 39–36 in overtime. In Week 18, Osborn recorded his second career 100-plus yard game in the season finale against the Chicago Bears, finishing with 117 receiving yards on five receptions. Osborn’s 2023 season saw him record 48 receptions for 540 yards and three touchdowns before moving on from the organization.
New England Patriots (2024)
On March 19, 2024, Osborn signed with the New England Patriots as a free agent. He competed for a roster spot and playing time within the Patriots offense during the 2024 offseason and preseason. His tenure with the Patriots proved brief, as he was waived on December 10, 2024. During his time with New England, Osborn recorded seven catches for 57 yards and one touchdown.
Washington Commanders (2024)
On December 11, 2024, Osborn was claimed off waivers by the Washington Commanders, providing him an opportunity to join a new team mid-season. On March 14, 2025, he re-signed with the Commanders on a one-year contract. However, on August 26, 2025, Osborn was released during roster cuts as teams finalized their rosters for the regular season.
Atlanta Falcons (2025–Present)
On November 24, 2025, Osborn signed with the Atlanta Falcons practice squad. This signing provided him an opportunity to join the Falcons organization and continue his NFL career with a new team. The Falcons signed Osborn to their practice squad toward the end of the 2025 season, giving him an opportunity to learn the playbook and contribute to the organization.
K.J. Osborn Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, Osborn has established himself as a productive receiving option, accumulating significant statistics across multiple seasons. His ability to make big plays and convert in crucial situations has contributed to his team’s offensive success.
NFL Statistics Highlights
Through the 2025 season, Osborn has recorded 165 career receptions for 1,902 receiving yards and 16 receiving touchdowns in regular-season play. His best statistical season came in 2021 with the Vikings, where he recorded 655 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. The 2022 season featured his most productive single-game performance, a 157-yard effort against the Indianapolis Colts that included a comeback victory. His career includes multiple 100-plus yard games and consistent contributions in the passing game.
K.J. Osborn Family
Personal Life
Osborn is openly Christian and frequently shares aspects of his faith through his public platform. He maintains an active presence on social media, connecting with fans and sharing glimpses into his life as a professional athlete.
In a notable act of heroism, Osborn and three others rescued Nelson Thomas, a former contestant on MTV’s The Challenge, from a burning car in Austin, Texas, on March 6, 2023. The incident received public attention for the courage displayed by Osborn and his companions. Thomas underwent leg amputation as a result of injuries sustained in the accident, and Osborn’s quick thinking helped save his life.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a transitional year for Osborn as he navigated changes in his NFL career. After beginning the year with the Washington Commanders and being released during roster cuts, he signed with the Atlanta Falcons practice squad in late November. This move provided him an opportunity to join a new organization and continue developing within their system. The Falcons signed Osborn to provide depth and competition at the wide receiver position as they evaluated their roster for the future. Osborn’s experience and versatility as a receiver continued to make him a valuable asset as he worked toward earning a more prominent role within the Falcons offense.