Wanya Morris Bio
Wanya Jacques-Keyshawn Morris is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers and Oklahoma Sooners before being selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. Morris won a Super Bowl championship with the Chiefs in his rookie season and has established himself as a developing talent at the offensive tackle position in professional football.
Early Life and Background
Wanya Morris was born on October 10, 2000, in Grayson, Georgia. His first name was inspired by the singer Wanya, reflecting his family appreciation for music. Morris attended Grayson High School in his home state, where he quickly distinguished himself as an elite offensive lineman prospect. His exceptional size, measuring 6 feet 6 inches, combined with his technical skills made him one of the most sought-after recruits in the country.
During his high school career at Grayson, Morris developed into a consensus five-star recruit who drew attention from nearly every major college football program nationally. Several recruiting services ranked him among the top 50 prospects in his class. His dominance at the high school level positioned him as a priority target for programs seeking to strengthen their offensive lines. After initially committing to Florida State, Morris reconsidered his decision and ultimately de-committed before switching his pledge to the University of Tennessee.
Path to Professional Football
Morris arrived at Tennessee as a highly-touted freshman and immediately earned significant playing time. As a true freshman during the 2019 season, he started 12 of 13 games at left tackle, showcasing his readiness for major college competition. His stellar performance earned him both freshman All-SEC honors and freshman All-America recognition, validating the recruiting hype surrounding his arrival.
His sophomore season in 2020 saw him appear in nine games with seven starts, continuing his development as a reliable presence on Tennessee’s offensive line. However, prior to the 2021 season, head coach Jeremy Pruitt was fired, which prompted Morris to enter the transfer portal. He ultimately chose to continue his college career at the University of Oklahoma, seeking a fresh start under new leadership.
The transition to Oklahoma presented initial challenges for Morris. In his first season with the Sooners in 2021, he appeared in only six games and did not earn any starts, serving primarily as a backup. The following year as a senior in 2022, he bounced back strongly by appearing in nine games and starting eight. His performance helped pave the way for running back Eric Gray’s 1,364-yard rushing season and protected quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who threw for 2,925 yards with 24 touchdowns. Despite missing three games due to a suspension and one for unspecified reasons, Morris earned second-team All-Big 12 honors for his standout play. He subsequently opted to skip Oklahoma’s bowl game and enter the 2023 NFL Draft.
Wanya Morris Career
Kansas City Chiefs (2023–2025)
Morris was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs with the 92nd overall pick in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The selection represented a significant addition to Kansas City’s offensive line depth. As a rookie during the 2023 season, Morris appeared in 14 games and started four, gradually adapting to the speed and complexity of professional football. His first season culminated in the ultimate team achievement when the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII, making Morris a champion in his rookie year.
The 2024 season brought Morris his first NFL touchdown. During Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals, he lined up at the tight end position on a second-and-goal play, qualifying as an eligible receiver. He caught a 1-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Patrick Mahomes, celebrating his first professional score. The following week, Morris ascended to the starting left tackle position, overtaking rookie Kingsley Suamataia on the depth chart. He held that starting role through Week 14 before being benched in favor of veteran D.J. Humphries.
Morris began the 2025 season as one of Kansas City’s backup offensive linemen, primarily contributing on special teams while appearing in 14 games. In Week 14 against the Houston Texans, he earned his only start of the season due to multiple injuries along the offensive line. Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending knee injury on the very first play of that game. The injury occurred on December 8, 2025, prematurely ending his campaign and raising questions about his recovery timeline.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2026–Present)
On June 16, 2026, Morris was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in a deal that sent him along with a 2027 seventh-round pick to Atlanta in exchange for the Falcons’ 2027 sixth-round selection. The trade marked a new chapter in Morris’s career, allowing him to join an organization closer to his Georgia roots. The move positioned him to compete for a role on Atlanta’s offensive line as the team sought to rebuild and develop its roster around younger talent.
Playing Style and Strengths
Morris brings impressive physical dimensions to the offensive tackle position, standing 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 307 pounds. His length and size make him well-suited for neutralizing edge rushers in pass protection. His collegiate background at both left and right tackle provides positional flexibility that NFL teams value when constructing offensive line rotations. Morris demonstrated the ability to be a reliable run blocker during his time at Oklahoma, helping create running lanes for productive ground games.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Morris’s most memorable professional moments was his Super Bowl LVIII championship in his rookie season with the Kansas City Chiefs. Additionally, his Week 2 touchdown reception against the Bengals in 2024 represented a unique highlight for an offensive lineman, showcasing his versatility and the creative play-calling of the Chiefs’ coaching staff. His first career start at left tackle in Week 3 of the 2024 season marked another significant step in his development trajectory.
Wanya Morris Career Highlights
Throughout his professional career spanning from 2023 to present, Morris has accumulated valuable experience across multiple seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs before joining the Atlanta Falcons. His career includes championship-level experience, consistent playing time, and memorable statistical achievements that distinguish him among young offensive linemen in the league.
Kansas City Chiefs Highlights
Morris’s tenure with the Chiefs included 31 games played and 15 starts across his three seasons. His most productive season came in 2024 when he assumed starting duties at left tackle and appeared in all 17 regular-season games with 11 starts. His standout moment came in that season’s Week 2 victory over the Bengals when he scored his first NFL touchdown on a reception from Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVIII championship in February 2024 represented the pinnacle of his career achievements during his time in Kansas City.
Other Notable Performances
Beyond his NFL statistics, Morris’s college career at both Tennessee and Oklahoma demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest levels of collegiate football. His second-team All-Big 12 recognition in 2022 with Oklahoma validated his development into a dependable starter at the professional pipeline level. His early success at Tennessee, where he earned freshman All-SEC and freshman All-America honors, established the foundation for his eventual NFL career.
| Competition Level | Games Played | Games Started | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Career (through 2024) | 31 | 15 | 1 |
Wanya Morris Family
Family Background and Upbringing
Morris grew up in Grayson, Georgia, where his athletic journey began. His parents chose his first name in honor of the singer Wanya, reflecting their appreciation for music and culture. Raised in the suburban Atlanta area, Morris had access to strong athletic programs and resources that helped nurture his developing talents during his formative years.
Personal Life
On May 16, 2024, Morris and his Kansas City Chiefs teammate Chukwuebuka Godrick were arrested for misdemeanor marijuana possession in Missouri. The incident represented a notable moment in Morris’s personal life during his professional career. Morris has maintained a relatively private personal life away from the football field, focusing on his development as a professional athlete and his continued growth within the NFL.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season began with Morris serving in a backup role along the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive line. He appeared in 14 games primarily on special teams units, demonstrating his willingness to contribute in any capacity the team required. The Chiefs’ coaching staff valued his versatility and professional approach, keeping him active on the roster throughout the season.
His opportunity came in Week 14 against the Houston Texans when multiple injuries to the offensive line created an urgent need at the tackle position. Morris earned the start at left tackle for that critical divisional matchup. However, his season took a dramatic turn when he suffered a season-ending knee injury on the very first play from scrimmage. The injury occurred on December 8, 2025, forcing him to miss the remainder of the season including the playoffs.
The injury raised questions about Morris’s recovery timeline and his outlook heading into the 2026 season. His trade to the Atlanta Falcons in June 2026 represented a fresh start with a new organization. The Falcons valued his experience and physical tools, believing he could contribute to their offensive line rotation once fully recovered. Morris now looks to rebuild his career in Atlanta while continuing to develop as a professional offensive tackle in the NFL.