Jaylen Waddle, an American professional football wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins, has quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s brightest stars. Born and raised in Bellaire, Texas, Waddle attended Episcopal High School, where he showcased his exceptional athleticism and versatility on the football field. His high school performance earned him a scholarship to the University of Alabama, where he played college football from 2018 to 2020.
At Alabama, Waddle made an immediate impact, earning SEC Freshman of the Year honors in 2018. His dazzling speed and playmaking ability helped him secure the SEC Special Teams Player of the Year award in 2019 and contributed to Alabama’s national championship victory in 2020. Waddle’s college career was marked by a series of standout performances, including being named a First-team All-SEC in 2019 and a Second-team All-SEC in 2020.
Waddle’s exceptional college career set the stage for his entry into the NFL. In the 2021 NFL Draft, he was selected sixth overall by the Miami Dolphins, marking a significant milestone in his career. Waddle quickly made his presence felt in the league, earning a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2021. His impressive rookie season demonstrated his potential as a game-changing receiver.
In a move that underscores his value to the team, the Dolphins picked up the fifth-year option on Waddle’s contract in April 2024. This was followed by a significant three-year, $84.75 million contract extension in May, securing his future with the franchise and reflecting his status as a cornerstone of the Dolphins’ offense.