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Jaylen Waddle
Jaylen Waddle
Jaylen Waddle
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‹ The template Infobox gridiron football biography is being considered for merging. ›

Jaylen Waddle (born November 25, 1998)[1] is an American professional football wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide and was selected sixth overall by the Dolphins in the 2021 NFL draft.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]
Waddle catching a pass during the Army All-American Bowl.

Waddle attended Episcopal High School in Bellaire, Texas.[2] As a senior, he played in the U.S. Army All-American Game.[3] He committed to the University of Alabama to play college football.[4][5][6] He made the selection on National Signing Day of 2018 and chose the Crimson Tide over Texas, Texas A&M, Florida State, TCU, and Oregon.[5]

College career

[edit]

On September 29, 2018, against Louisiana, Waddle had three receptions for 138 yards and two receiving touchdowns to go with a 63-yard punt return for a touchdown.[7] In the SEC Championship against Georgia, he had four receptions for 113 yards and a touchdown in the win.[8] As a true freshman at Alabama in 2018, Waddle was named the SEC Freshman of the Year after recording 45 receptions for 848 yards and seven touchdowns.[9][10] As a punt returner, he also returned 16 punts for 233 yards and a touchdown.[10]

Waddle returned to the Crimson Tide for his sophomore season in 2019.[11] He recorded 33 receptions for 560 yards and scored six receiving touchdowns.[12] He also returned a punt 77 yards for a touchdown against LSU and a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown against Auburn.[13][14] He was named first-team All-SEC as a return specialist and was named SEC Special Teams Player of the Year.[15] He led the NCAA in punt return yards with 487.[16]

In his first four games of the COVID-19 pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Waddle recorded at least 120 receiving yards in each of the games. He had eight receptions for 134 yards and two touchdowns in the win over Missouri on September 26.[17] In the following game, a win over Texas A&M, he had five receptions for 142 yards and one touchdown.[18] In the next game, a win over Ole Miss, he had six receptions for 120 yards.[19] In the next game, against Georgia, he had six receptions for 161 yards and a touchdown in the win.[20] On October 24, Waddle broke his right ankle when he was tackled while returning the opening kickoff in a game against Tennessee.[21] Waddle returned for the National Championship game against Ohio State.[22] On January 14, 2021, Waddle announced that he would forgo his senior season and enter the 2021 NFL draft.[23]

College statistics

[edit]
Season Receiving
Rec Yds Avg Lng TD
2018 45 848 18.8 94 7
2019 33 560 17.0 58 6
2020 28 591 21.1 90 4
Career 106 1,999 18.9 94 17

Professional career

[edit]
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash
5 ft 9+1⁄2 in
(1.77 m) 		180 lb
(82 kg) 		30+3⁄8 in
(0.77 m) 		9+1⁄8 in
(0.23 m)		 4.37 s
All values from Pro Day[24][25]

2021

[edit]

Waddle was drafted sixth overall in the 2021 NFL draft by the Miami Dolphins, reuniting him with his college quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.[26][27] On May 14, 2021, Waddle signed with the Dolphins on a $27.1 million deal.[28]

In his first NFL game on September 12, 2021, Waddle faced off against former Alabama teammate quarterback Mac Jones and the New England Patriots. Waddle caught 4 of his 6 targets for 61 receiving yards, and also caught his first NFL receiving touchdown on a 3-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa in the 17–16 win against the New England Patriots. His first big breakthrough came in Week 12 against the Carolina Panthers, finishing with 137 receiving yards as the Dolphins won 33–10.[29] Throughout the season, Waddle became known for his waddling celebrations after touchdowns, inspired by his last name.[30]

In his 16th game of the season, Waddle set the NFL rookie record for receptions in a season with 104, beating Anquan Boldin's old record of 101.[31] His record was broken by Puka Nacua in 2023. Waddle finished his rookie season with 104 receptions for 1,015 yards and seven total touchdowns.[32] He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.[33]

Jaylen Waddle being interviewed by CBS Sports at Miami Dolphins training camp in July 2025
Jaylen Waddle being interviewed by CBS Sports at Miami Dolphins training camp in July 2025

2022

[edit]

In a Week 2 game against the Baltimore Ravens, Waddle had a career high of 11 receptions, 171 yards, and 2 touchdowns including the game winner to help the Dolphins comeback from a 35–14 4th quarter deficit, eventually winning the game 42–38.[34] In Week 8 against the Lions, he had eight receptions for 106 yards and two touchdowns in the win.[35]

In a Week 16 game against the Green Bay Packers, he had an 84-yard receiving touchdown, setting the record for longest play during an NFL Christmas game.[36][37]

Waddle finished the season with 75 receptions, 1,356 receiving yards, 8 receiving touchdowns.[38] The latter two figures set career highs. He also finished the season with 18.1 yards per catch which led the league.[39]

2023

[edit]

In a Week 2 game against the Patriots, Waddle went down and was ruled out of the game. He was later reported to be in concussion protocol. Before a Week 3 game against the Denver Broncos, Waddle was ruled out with a concussion.[40] He had seven catches for 121 yards and a touchdown against the Patriots in Week 8.[41] he had eight receptions for 142 yards and a touchdown against the Jets in Week 15.[42] He finished the season with 72 catches for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns in 14 games.[43]

2024

[edit]

On April 29, 2024, the Dolphins picked up the fifth-year option on Waddle's contract.[44] On May 30, Waddle and the Dolphins agreed to a three–year, $84.75 million contract extension.[45] In week 12, he had eight receptions for 144 yards and a touchdown in a 34–15 win over the Patriots.[46] In the 2024 season, he had 58 receptions for 744 yards and two touchdowns.[47]

NFL career statistics

[edit]
Legend
Led the league
Bold Career high

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team Games Receiving Rushing Fumbles
GP GS Rec Yds Avg Lng TD Att Yds Avg Lng TD Fum Lost
2021 MIA 16 16 104 1,015 9.8 57 6 2 3 1.5 2 1 2 1
2022 MIA 17 17 75 1,356 18.1 84 8 3 26 8.7 9 0 1 1
2023 MIA 14 14 72 1,014 14.1 60 4 3 12 4.0 12 0 0 0
2024 MIA 14 14 54 700 13.0 63 2 3 6 2.0 4 0 0 0
Career 61 61 305 4,085 13.4 84 20 11 47 4.3 12 1 3 2

Postseason

[edit]
Year Team Games Receiving Rushing Fumbles
GP GS Rec Yds Avg Lng TD Att Yds Avg Lng TD Fum Lost
2022 MIA 1 1 3 44 14.7 25 0 1 8 8.0 8 0 0 0
2023 MIA 1 1 2 31 15.5 17 0 1 9 9.0 9 0 0 0
Career 2 2 5 75 15.0 25 0 2 17 8.5 9 0 0 0

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Jaylen Waddle

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Jaylen Waddle (born November 25, 1998) is an for the of the (NFL). Standing at 5 feet 10 inches and weighing 185 pounds, he hails from , and played for the , where he recorded 106 receptions for 1,999 yards and 17 touchdowns over 34 games from 2018 to 2020. Selected by the Dolphins with the sixth overall pick in the first round of the , Waddle has emerged as a key component of Miami's high-powered passing attack alongside . In his season of 2021, Waddle set franchise records for a rookie with 104 receptions for 1,015 yards and six touchdowns, tying the record at the time for most receptions by a rookie (later surpassed). He followed with 75 receptions for a career-high 1,356 yards and eight touchdowns in 2022, contributing to the Dolphins' franchise record for most receiving yards by a player in their first two seasons (2,371 yards). Waddle became the first player in Dolphins history to start his career with three consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons, totaling 72 receptions for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns in 2023. His production dipped to career lows in 2024 with 58 receptions for 744 yards and two touchdowns, after which he signed a three-year, $84.75 million contract extension. As of Week 10 of the 2025 season, Waddle has recorded 46 receptions for 670 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games, ranking among the league's top performers in yards per game at 66.7 for his career. Known for his speed, route-running precision, and yards-after-catch ability, Waddle has established himself as one of the 's most dynamic young wideouts despite injury challenges and shared targets in Miami's offense.

Early life

Family background

Jaylen Waddle was born on November 25, 1998, in , . He was raised primarily by his mother, Lesha Redmon, in a working-class family environment, emphasizing discipline and perseverance from an early age. Waddle grew up with his sisters, including Amber Allen and Aspen Redmon, whose close-knit dynamic fostered his early sense of responsibility and teamwork. During his childhood in the area, including time in the nearby suburb of , he gained initial exposure to football through participation in local youth leagues such as the FUN Football League, where the sport first ignited his passion. Lesha Redmon's unwavering and personal sacrifices profoundly influenced Waddle's character, instilling a deep humility and relentless drive; in a heartfelt acknowledgment, he stated, "A lot of people don't give enough credit for the amount of sacrifices that you made, not only for me, for , for my sisters."

High school career

Jaylen Waddle attended Episcopal High School in , where he emerged as a standout and over three varsity seasons from 2015 to 2017. During his high school career, Waddle led in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns, demonstrating exceptional speed and versatility on offense and special teams. As a junior in 2016, he hauled in 48 passes for 1,382 yards and 26 touchdowns, averaging an extraordinary 28.8 yards per catch while contributing significantly to . His performance that season highlighted his ability to stretch the field and score from anywhere, often turning short passes into long gains. Waddle's athletic prowess was evident early, as he scored on a kickoff return in his first varsity play during the 2015 Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC) game, helping Episcopal secure a 28-21 victory over for their state title in the large school division. The following year, as a sophomore, the Knights again reached the SPC but fell to Fort Worth All Saints Episcopal. As a senior in 2017, Waddle earned U.S. Army All-American honors and was selected to participate in the All-American Bowl, recognizing him as one of the nation's top prospects. His recruitment drew widespread attention, with scholarship offers from elite programs such as , Florida State, TCU, , and , among others. Waddle committed to the on February 7, 2018, choosing the Crimson Tide over his other finalists.

College career

Seasons at Alabama

As a true freshman in 2018, Jaylen Waddle joined the as a highly touted recruit and quickly made an impact in a reserve role at while excelling on special teams under head coach . Appearing in all 15 games during Alabama's run, he recorded 45 receptions for 848 yards and seven touchdowns, providing explosive plays from the slot position. Waddle's versatility shone brightest on punt returns, where he averaged 14.6 yards per attempt and scored on a 63-yard return against , marking the first such touchdown for since 2017. His contributions helped bolster the Crimson Tide's dynamic offense, which averaged over 43 points per game en route to an SEC title and appearance. Waddle's sophomore season in marked his breakout as a full-time starter, where he became a key component of 's pass-heavy attack, leveraging his elite speed to stretch defenses. Over 13 games, he tallied 33 receptions for 560 yards and six s, often serving as a deep threat with big-play ability. As a , Waddle set an SEC single-season record with a 24.4-yard average on 20 punt returns, including a 77-yard against LSU that energized Alabama's comeback attempt in a high-stakes matchup. His all-around play added unpredictability to the Crimson Tide's offense, which ranked among the nation's best in scoring (48.5 points per game), though Alabama fell to Georgia in the , ending their title hopes. In 2020, Waddle's junior year showcased his resilience amid challenges from a severe injury. He started strongly, catching 15 passes for 369 yards and two touchdowns over the first three games, averaging 123 receiving yards per contest. However, a broken ankle suffered on the opening kickoff return against Tennessee sidelined him for the next four games, forcing Alabama to adapt without one of its most dynamic weapons. Waddle made a gritty return for the SEC Championship against Florida, recording two receptions for 70 yards, and played through pain in the College Football Playoff, including six catches for 98 yards in the Sugar Bowl semifinal win over Notre Dame and three receptions for 34 yards in the national championship victory against Ohio State. Despite appearing in only six games, his 591 receiving yards established Alabama single-season records for yards per game (98.5) and yards per reception (21.1) among wide receivers, underscoring his efficiency and impact on Saban's championship offense. Following the title win, Waddle declared for the 2021 NFL Draft, earning second-team All-SEC honors as a return specialist for his career contributions.

College statistics

Jaylen Waddle amassed 106 receptions for 1,999 yards and 17 receiving touchdowns during his three seasons at , along with minimal rushing contributions and notable special teams production. His year-by-year statistics are detailed in the following table:
SeasonGames PlayedReceptionsReceiving YardsReceiving TDsRushesRushing YardsRushing TDsPunt ReturnsPunt Return YardsPunt Return TDsKick ReturnsKick Return YardsKick Return TDs
201815458487000162331000
20191333560615020487151751
20206285914312021304390
Career Totals341061,99917417038733292141
Waddle's 38 punt returns averaged 19.3 yards each, the highest career mark in Alabama history.

Professional career

2021 season

The selected Jaylen Waddle sixth overall in the first round of the , reuniting him with his college quarterback from the . On May 14, 2021, Waddle signed his rookie contract, a four-year deal worth $27.1 million that included a $17.1 million . During and the preseason, Waddle focused on adapting to the professional level, emphasizing route precision and building rapport with the Dolphins' offense amid competition for snaps alongside veterans and Will Fuller V. He participated in return duties, leveraging his college versatility on special teams, and recorded three receptions for 21 yards in the preseason finale against the before an injury scare that cleared quickly. In the regular season, Waddle emerged as a key target for Tagovailoa, recording 104 receptions for 1,015 yards and six touchdowns over 16 games, which set the single-season record for receptions. His breakout performances included a 12-reception, 83-yard effort in a Week 3 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders and a 137-yard outing on six catches against the in Week 12, showcasing his speed and separation ability. The duo's chemistry, honed from their days, was evident early, with Tagovailoa posting a 157.3 when targeting Waddle through the first two games. The Dolphins finished 9–8 and clinched a playoff berth with a Week 18 win over the , where Waddle contributed five receptions for 27 yards and a . In the Wild Card round, Miami fell 47–17 to the , but Waddle tallied six receptions for 102 yards in the loss. Waddle's rookie campaign earned him a spot on the (PFWA) All-Rookie Team.

2022 season

In his second season, Jaylen Waddle emerged as a key component of the ' offense, playing all 17 regular-season games and starting each one alongside . He recorded 75 receptions for 1,356 yards and eight touchdowns, achieving career highs in yards and scores while averaging 18.1 yards per catch. Building on his rookie-year consistency, Waddle's increased production reflected an expanded role in Mike McDaniel's scheme, which emphasized speed and deep threats to revitalize the team's passing attack. Waddle reached his second 1,000-yard receiving season, finishing third in the AFC among wide receivers in that category and helping the Dolphins improve to a 9-8 record, securing the AFC's seventh playoff seed. Despite not earning a selection, his performance drew recognition as one of the league's top snubs, with analysts highlighting his efficiency and big-play ability. Among his standout games, Waddle posted a career-high 171 receiving yards on nine catches, including a 50-yard , in a Week 2 win over the , showcasing his route-running precision against man coverage. He also contributed significantly to the Dolphins' late-season surge, with multiple 100-yard outings that aided their push for the postseason, such as 102 yards and a against the Houston Texans in Week 10. Throughout the year, Waddle dealt with minor strains in Weeks 4 and 5 but managed them effectively, missing no time and maintaining his snap count above 90 percent. In the AFC Wild Card playoff loss to the , Waddle had three receptions for 44 yards in the 34-31 defeat, providing a steady presence despite the harsh weather conditions at Highmark Stadium. His efforts underscored the Dolphins' reliance on the passing duo of Waddle and Hill to compete in the postseason.

2023 season

In the 2023 season, Jaylen Waddle appeared in 14 games for the , recording 72 receptions for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns, marking his third consecutive 1,000-yard receiving season. His average of 14.1 yards per catch highlighted his continued role as a dynamic deep threat in the Dolphins' high-speed offense, though his production was somewhat diluted by sharing targets with teammate . Waddle's yards per reception ranked among the top performers at his position, underscoring his value in stretching defenses despite a statistical dip from his 2022 breakout. Waddle faced injury challenges that limited his availability, including an early-season sustained during Week 2 against the , which caused him to miss the Week 3 matchup against the . Later, in Week 16 versus the , he suffered a that sidelined him for the regular-season finale against the in Week 17. These setbacks, combined with mid-season adjustments to the offensive scheme that emphasized complementary roles alongside Hill, contributed to a more distributed passing attack and Waddle's career-low targets per game. Despite the obstacles, Waddle delivered standout performances, such as in Week 8 against the , where he hauled in nine receptions for 121 yards and a , helping fuel the Dolphins' explosive ground-and-air attack. His ability to generate big plays remained evident, with multiple games exceeding 100 yards and a long reception of 60 yards against the in Week 15. In the context of the Dolphins' 11-6 record and No. 6 seed in the AFC playoffs, Waddle's contributions as a deep-threat complement to Hill were integral to Miami's league-leading scoring offense, though the team fell 26-7 to the in the wild-card round. Waddle did not earn a selection that year, serving only as a third alternate despite his consistent output.

2024 season

In June 2024, Jaylen Waddle signed a three-year contract extension with the worth $84.75 million, including $76 million guaranteed, securing his position with the team through the 2028 season. This deal made Waddle one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the at the time, reflecting his value as a key component of Miami's explosive offense alongside and quarterback . Waddle's 2024 season marked a challenging downturn from his previous performances, as he recorded career lows with 58 receptions for 744 yards and 2 touchdowns over 15 games. Building on his resilience from a high-ankle that sidelined him for six games in 2023, Waddle started all 15 contests he played but battled nagging health issues that limited his explosiveness. A right injury sustained in Week 15 against the Texans forced him to miss the final two games, further hampering his production amid inconsistencies and offensive line struggles. Despite the personal setbacks, Waddle contributed meaningfully in several matchups, including a 91-yard performance on 7 receptions against the in Week 14, showcasing his route-running precision in a divisional game. His synergy with Tagovailoa remained evident in underneath routes and quick passes, though Hill's presence and Miami's overall scheme diluted targets, averaging just 49.6 yards per game. The Dolphins finished the 2024 campaign with an 8-9 record, placing second in the but falling short of the after entering Week 18 with only a 19% chance of qualifying. Waddle's role in the passing attack supported Miami's late-season push for contention, though injuries to key players like Tagovailoa's hip issue in Week 17 ultimately derailed their postseason hopes.

2025 season

In the 2025 season, Jaylen Waddle has emerged as the ' primary receiving threat following Tyreek Hill's season-ending knee injury early in the year. Through ten games as of Week 10, Waddle has recorded 46 receptions for 670 yards and five touchdowns on 66 targets, averaging 14.6 yards per catch. His performance has been bolstered by a 69.5% catch rate and consistent involvement in the offense, particularly in the slot where he excels. Waddle has delivered several standout performances, including his first 100-yard game of the season in Week 5 against the , where he hauled in six receptions for 110 yards and a to help secure a victory. In Week 8 at , he posted five catches for 99 yards and a in a 34-10 win over , showcasing his speed on deep routes. In Week 10 versus the , Waddle recorded five receptions for 84 yards and a . Although he has not recorded a multi-touchdown game, Waddle has scored in five contests and demonstrated strong yards-after-catch efficiency, generating 263 YAC yards while ranking among the top wide receivers in overall receiving grade at 83.7. The Dolphins, with a 3-7 record through Week 10, sit last in the AFC East behind the New England Patriots (9-2) and Buffalo Bills (6-3), facing long playoff odds of less than 1% entering the final seven games. Miami's struggles have centered on defensive inconsistencies and quarterback play, limiting offensive explosiveness despite Waddle's contributions. Mid-season, Waddle has managed a minor foot issue, fully participating in practice ahead of Week 10 without a game status designation. He has refined his route-running to capitalize on increased targets post-Hill, maintaining high efficiency against varied coverages. Trade rumors intensified around the November 4 deadline, with interest from teams including the New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Denver Broncos, but the Dolphins declined all offers and retained him. This stability is supported by his three-year, $84.75 million contract extension signed in 2024, allowing focus on team turnaround.

NFL career statistics

Regular season

Jaylen Waddle's performance has been marked by consistent production as a for the , with notable contributions in receiving yards across multiple seasons. In his rookie year of 2021, he recorded over 1,000 receiving yards, a feat he repeated in and 2023. His 2024 season saw a dip due to injuries, but he rebounded in 2025 with strong per-game efficiency through the first 10 games. The following table summarizes Waddle's regular season statistics:
YearTeamGamesReceptionsTargetsYardsAverageLongest ReceptionTouchdownsRushes (Att)Rush YardsRush TDsFumbles
2021MIA161041401,0159.85762 (2)312
2022MIA17751171,35618.18483 (3)2601
2023MIA14721041,01414.16043 (3)1200
2024MIA15588374412.86324 (4)1200
2025MIA10466667014.64650 (0)000
Through the 2025 season (after 10 games), Waddle has accumulated 355 receptions for 4,799 yards and 25 receiving in 72 games. He has also recorded 12 rushing attempts for 53 yards and 1 rushing across his career. Waddle achieved 1,000+ receiving yards in the , 2022, and 2023 seasons. In his early career, Waddle contributed on special teams, returning 5 punts for 35 yards in 2021.

Postseason

Waddle has made limited postseason appearances in his career, participating in two Wild Card games with the , both resulting in losses. His playoff contributions have been modest compared to his regular-season output, reflecting the team's early exits.

Postseason Game Log

YearDateOpponentResultGRECYDSAVGLGTD
2022Jan 15, 2023L 31-34134414.7250
2023Jan 13, 2024L 7-26123115.5170
Source: Pro-Football-Reference.com Across these two games, Waddle has accumulated 5 receptions for 75 yards, averaging 15.0 yards per catch, with no touchdowns. As of the 2025 season, he has not appeared in additional playoff contests.

Awards and honors

College awards

During his time at the , Jaylen Waddle earned numerous accolades for his performance as a and . As a true freshman in 2018, he was named the SEC Freshman of the Year after leading all conference freshmen in receptions (45) and receiving yards (848), while also contributing on special teams with a punt return average of 14.6 yards. He was also selected to the SEC All-Freshman Team as a by the league's coaches and earned Freshman All-American honors from the (FWAA). In 2019, Waddle's prowess as a punt returner garnered significant recognition, including SEC Special Teams Player of the Year honors—the first Alabama player to win the award since 2014—after leading the nation with a 24.4-yard average on 17 punt returns, including one . He was named first-team All-SEC as a by the and earned first-team All-American honors as a punt returner from the FWAA, , and Football Foundation. Waddle's junior season in 2020 was abbreviated by an ankle injury after five games, but he still received second-team All-SEC honors as a from the league's coaches, despite appearing in only eight games total. He was a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award, recognizing the nation's top receiver, based on his early-season production of 557 receiving yards and four touchdowns before the injury. Additionally, as a member of Alabama's undefeated team, Waddle contributed to their victory, catching three passes for 34 yards in the title game against Ohio State despite playing through the injury. On the academic front, Waddle was named to the SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll in both 2019 and 2020, maintaining eligibility in and while balancing his athletic commitments.

NFL awards

In 2021, Waddle was selected to the (PFWA) All-Rookie Team as a , recognizing his standout performance as a first-year player. He also became the fifth rookie in history to win the team's Dan Marino Award, voted on by his teammates for his contributions to the offense. During his rookie season, Waddle set the single-season record for receptions by a rookie with 104 catches, surpassing Anquan Boldin's previous mark of 101 from 2003; the record was later broken by in 2023. Waddle has been named a first alternate for the 2023 and a third alternate for the 2024 but has not yet earned a full selection as of the 2025 season. He has received peer recognition through the Players list, ranking No. 44 in 2023, No. 63 in 2024, and selected to the list in 2025.

Personal life

Family

Jaylen Waddle maintains a close relationship with his mother, Lesha Redmon, who has been a steadfast supporter throughout his career. Redmon, a nurse by profession, often attends his games and provides both encouragement and constructive criticism, such as after his 2019 college performance against Texas A&M where she pointed out areas for improvement. Waddle has publicly credited her sacrifices in raising him and his siblings as foundational to his success, including a heartfelt acknowledgment during his moment when she expressed her pride in a congratulatory message. As the youngest of four siblings with three older sisters, Waddle shares strong bonds with his sisters, including Amber Allen and Aspen Redmon, who have remained a constant source of support in his professional life. The family dynamic, shaped by competitive home environments, continues to influence his mindset, with siblings offering ongoing encouragement amid his tenure. Waddle's has been involved in key milestones of his journey, such as Redmon's presence at the 2021 draft where the Dolphins selected him sixth overall, marking an emotional family celebration. While his father stays out of the public eye, the overall unit provides unwavering backing during contract events, including his 2024 three-year extension worth $84.75 million. Following his draft, Waddle relocated to the area, where his has adjusted to supporting him from afar while maintaining close ties through visits and public expressions of pride. As of 2025, Waddle is not married and has no children.

Philanthropy

In 2024, Jaylen Waddle expanded his philanthropic efforts through various community initiatives aimed at supporting youth in . These activities focused on enhancing access to sports, education, and for underprivileged children, drawing inspiration from Waddle's own background of overcoming challenges as a young athlete. A key venture was Waddle's deepened involvement with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward County, highlighted during the NFL's My Cause My Cleats campaign in December 2024, where he wore custom cleats to promote the organization and raise funds for youth programs. This partnership extended to a "Day of Care" event in August 2024 at a Fort Lauderdale club location, where Waddle led interactive sessions on saving and financial responsibility for elementary-aged children, distributed backpacks filled with supplies, and collaborated on a community mural project near . The initiative, supported by the Dolphins and financial sponsor Truist, emphasized empowering kids with practical to build long-term stability. Waddle also launched and hosted the Jaylen Waddle Football ProCamp in 2024, a hands-on program in the Fort Lauderdale area that provides football training, skill-building stations, and mentorship to children ages 6-16, particularly those from underserved communities. The camp partners with the Dolphins' foundation to promote , , and educational workshops, aiming to remove barriers to sports participation and foster personal growth. Additionally, Waddle joined teammates for the Dolphins' holiday outreach in December 2024, adopting and delivering gifts to in need via Neighbors 4 Neighbors, further amplifying support for local and resources. Through these efforts, Waddle seeks to create lasting opportunities for underprivileged kids, bridging his experiences in —where he grew up with limited resources—with his platform in to inspire resilience and achievement.

References

  1. https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/bio/_/id/4372016/jaylen-waddle
  2. https://www.miamidolphins.com/news/miami-dolphins-sign-wr-jaylen-waddle
  3. https://www.miamidolphins.com/news/press-release-miami-dolphins-announce-2021-season-team-award-winners
  4. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/rec_yds_single_season.htm
  5. https://media.miamidolphins.com/wp-content/uploads/Waddle-Jaylen-39.pdf
  6. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/38512882/dolphins-jaylen-waddle-clears-concussion-protocol-set-return
  7. https://africa.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45710129/miami-dolphins-jaylen-waddle-2025-outlook
  8. https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4372016/jaylen-waddle
  9. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/rec_yds_per_g_career.htm
  10. https://www.nfl.com/prospects/jaylen-waddle/32005741-4408-8683-c826-c882ad6fd5c2
  11. https://www.essentiallysports.com/nfl-active-news-who-are-jaylen-waddles-parents-meet-mother-lesha-redmon-who-is-his-true-supporter/
  12. https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/jaylen-waddle
  13. https://www.fanbuzz.com/nfl/jaylen-waddle-mom/
  14. https://www.funfootball.org/
  15. https://247sports.com/player/jaylen-waddle-85880/high-school-150352/
  16. https://texashsfootball.com/jaylenwaddledynamic/
  17. https://www.houstonchronicle.com/neighborhood/bellaire/sports/article/Football-Episcopal-graduate-Jaylen-Waddle-having-16485303.php
  18. https://www.pigskinprep.com/archive/Playoffs/PastStateChampions1.html
  19. https://www.dallasnews.com/high-school-sports/2016/11/05/spc-football-championships-fw-country-day-cruises-past-cistercian-fw-all-saints-beats-bellaire-episcopal/
  20. https://www.usatodayhss.com/story/sports/high-school/2017/11/07/jaylen-waddle-us-army-all-american-bowl/76887240007/
  21. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAba3YMtqVo
  22. http://www.espn.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/player/_/id/221234/jaylen-waddle
  23. https://www.chron.com/sports/highschool/article/Episcopal-s-Jaylen-Waddle-signs-with-Alabama-12559556.php
  24. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jaylen-waddle-1.html
  25. https://rolltide.com/sports/football/roster/jaylen-waddle/5476
  26. https://www.nfl.com/news/dolphins-select-alabama-wr-jaylen-waddle-with-no-6-pick
  27. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2942714-jaylen-waddle-dolphins-reportedly-agree-to-4-year-rookie-contract
  28. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2944013-dolphins-position-battles-to-watch-ahead-of-2021-nfl-season
  29. https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/sports/nfl/2021/08/22/jaylen-waddle-miami-dolphins-rookie-injury-scare/8233700002/
  30. https://www.nfl.com/news/dolphins-wr-jaylen-waddle-breaks-rookie-receptions-record
  31. https://www.nfl.com/players/jaylen-waddle/stats/logs/2021/
  32. https://www.espn.com/blog/miami-dolphins/post/_/id/32897/miami-dolphins-tua-tagovailoa-already-clicking-with-receiver-jaylen-waddle
  33. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WaddJa00.htm
  34. https://www.nfl.com/players/jaylen-waddle/stats/splits/
  35. https://www.profootballwriters.org/2022/01/25/cowboys-parsons-pfwa-rookie-and-defensive-rookie-of-the-year-cincinnatis-chase-offensive-rookie-of-the-year-2021-all-rookie-team-named/
  36. https://www.nfl.com/players/jaylen-waddle/stats/
  37. https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-every-team-biggest-2023-pro-bowl-snub
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  39. https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/jaylen-waddle-player-injuries
  40. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WaddJa00/gamelog/post/
  41. https://www.nfl.com/players/jaylen-waddle/stats/career
  42. https://www.denverpost.com/2023/09/23/dolphins-receiver-jaylen-waddle-ruled-out-of-sundays-game-vs-broncos-with-a-concussion/
  43. https://www.nfl.com/news/dolphins-wr-jaylen-waddle-dealing-with-high-ankle-sprain
  44. https://www.nfl.com/players/jaylen-waddle/stats/splits/2023/
  45. https://www.nfl.com/videos/every-jaylen-waddle-catch-in-121-yard-game-week-8
  46. https://www.nfl.com/players/jaylen-waddle/stats/logs/2023/
  47. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/mia/2023.htm
  48. https://www.miamidolphins.com/news/six-dolphins-named-to-afc-pro-bowl-games-roster
  49. https://www.nfl.com/news/dolphins-signing-wr-jaylen-waddle-to-three-year-84-75-million-contract-extension
  50. https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/_/id/72385/jaylen-waddle
  51. https://www.nfl.com/news/dolphins-jaylen-waddle-looks-to-move-past-2024-struggles-definitely-the-year-that-i-didn-t-want-as-an-individual
  52. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2024/12/15/jaylen-waddle-injury-update-dolphins/77008933007/
  53. https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/player/jaylen-waddle-29021/game-log?seasonYear=2024
  54. https://dolphinswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/dolphins/2025/06/26/dolphins-jaylen-waddle-player-profile-2025-season/84372972007/
  55. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/mia/2024.htm
  56. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2025/01/04/dolphins-playoff-chances-scenarios-make-playoffs/77398581007/
  57. https://www.nfl.com/news/dolphins-win-to-keep-playoff-hopes-alive-tua-tagovailoa-hip-uncertain-for-week-18
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  61. https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/standings
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  65. https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/miami-dolphins/news/dolphins-jaylen-waddle-trade-demands-confused-teams-nfl-deadline/79be688e11900c4e6c64bc21
  66. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/46862038/why-miami-dolphins-kept-jaylen-waddle-bradley-chubb-2025-nfl-trade-deadline
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  68. https://www.secsports.com/article/25469217/2018-sec-all-freshman-football-team-announced
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  85. https://www.procamps.com/Waddle24
  86. https://www.miamidolphins.com/news/miami-dolphins-create-lasting-impact-throughout-south-florida-during-holiday-season
  87. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ev9AY-u2Wg
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