Cedrick Wilson Jr. Bio
Cedrick Wilson Jr. (born November 20, 1995) is an American professional football wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Boise State Broncos before being selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2018 NFL Draft. Over the course of his professional career, Wilson has also spent time with the Miami Dolphins and the New Orleans Saints, building a reputation as a reliable depth receiver and contributor on special teams.
Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 196 pounds, Wilson combines the size and athleticism expected of an outside receiver. He is the son of former NFL wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Sr., whose own professional career helped shape his son’s path in the sport.
Early Life and Background
Cedrick Wilson Jr. was born on November 20, 1995, in Memphis, Tennessee. He grew up in the same city where his father had built a name as a professional athlete, and that connection to the game played an early role in his development. Wilson attended White Station High School in Memphis, where he first made a mark as a quarterback during his junior year, earning the starting job.
As a senior at White Station, Wilson showed impressive production, completing 142 of 239 passes for 1,973 yards with 22 passing touchdowns and 7 rushing touchdowns. He led his team to the Class 6A semifinals, earning 6A All-State honors, second-team 16-AAA All-District recognition, and offensive player of the year honors from the Touchdown Club of Memphis. His performance drew attention from college programs and laid the foundation for his future at the next level.
Wilson is the son of Cedrick Wilson Sr., who spent seven seasons as a wide receiver in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Growing up around the game gave Wilson an early understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest level and influenced his decision to pursue football as a career.
Path to American Football
Following his high school career, Wilson began his collegiate journey at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas. As a freshman, he registered 629 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, earning All-conference honors. He returned for his sophomore season and elevated his production, posting 66 receptions for 1,045 receiving yards, the second-highest total in school history, along with 17 touchdowns, which ranked fourth in the nation. His performance earned him second-team Junior College All-American recognition.
In 2016, Wilson transferred to Boise State University to compete at the FBS level. As a junior, he appeared in 12 games, starting five, and recorded 56 receptions for 1,129 yards and 11 touchdowns, the latter of which led the team. He also contributed on special teams, returning 13 punts for 132 yards and 13 kickoffs for 277 yards, while completing a 61-yard touchdown pass against Utah State. Wilson played through torn ligaments in his left ankle for most of the season and was named Honorable Mention All-Mountain West.
As a senior in 2017, Wilson started 13 games and led Boise State with 83 receptions for 1,511 yards and seven touchdowns. He set single-game career highs of 13 receptions and 209 receiving yards against Virginia. In the Las Vegas Bowl, a 38–28 win over Oregon, he tallied 10 receptions for 221 yards and one touchdown, earning MVP honors and helping cement his status as an NFL prospect.
Cedrick Wilson Jr. Career
Early Career (2018–2020)
Wilson was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round, 208th overall, of the 2018 NFL Draft. His rookie year was cut short when he was placed on injured reserve on July 31 after being diagnosed with a torn labrum in his shoulder. He returned to compete for a roster spot in 2019 but was released on August 31 before being signed to the practice squad. Wilson was promoted to the active roster in September and appeared in six games, recording five receptions for 46 yards while contributing as both a kickoff and punt returner.
In 2020, Wilson appeared in all 16 games for the Cowboys and posted 17 receptions for 189 yards and two receiving touchdowns. He also completed two passes for 23 yards and a touchdown, including an 11-yard trick-play scoring strike to quarterback Dak Prescott in a Week 5 win over the New York Giants. His first career 100-yard receiving game came in Week 3 against the Seattle Seahawks, when he caught five passes for 107 yards and two touchdowns.
Dallas Cowboys Breakthrough (2021)
The Cowboys placed an original round restricted free agent tender on Wilson in March 2021, and he signed the one-year offer in April. With teammate Michael Gallup missing significant time due to injury, Wilson took on a larger role as a deep-ball threat within the Dallas offense. In Week 8 against the Minnesota Vikings, he caught a 73-yard touchdown reception in a 20–16 Cowboys win.
Wilson closed the 2021 season with the best statistical stretch of his career. He posted 104 receiving yards on seven receptions against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 12 and followed it up with five receptions for 119 yards and two touchdowns against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 18. He finished the year with career highs across the board, recording 45 receptions for 602 yards and six touchdowns.
Miami Dolphins Era (2022–2023)
On March 17, 2022, Wilson signed a three-year, $22.8 million contract with the Miami Dolphins, where he was expected to complement second-year wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. His role was reduced, however, after the team acquired Tyreek Hill and Trent Sherfield emerged as the primary backup receiver. Wilson appeared in 15 games, finishing with 12 receptions for 136 yards and 13 punt returns for 97 yards without a touchdown.
In 2023, Wilson’s contract was restructured by the Dolphins with a provision to create a void year, making him a free agent in 2024. He saw slightly more opportunity due to injuries around the receiver group, recording 22 receptions for 296 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games. He also lost his punt return role when the team added Braxton Berrios.
New Orleans Saints Era (2024–2025)
Wilson signed a two-year contract with the New Orleans Saints on March 15, 2024. He appeared in 15 games with four starts, recording 20 receptions for 211 yards and one touchdown. In Week 7 against the Denver Broncos, he caught the first career touchdown pass from quarterback Jake Haener. In Week 15 against the Washington Commanders, Wilson was part of a trick play that produced a 21-yard touchdown pass to Alvin Kamara.
On August 27, 2025, Wilson was released by the Saints and re-signed to the practice squad. After being waived on September 18, he rejoined New Orleans’ practice squad on September 22. On October 1, 2025, Wilson was signed by the Miami Dolphins off the Saints’ practice squad, returning to the franchise for a second stint.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the signature moments of Wilson’s career are his 2017 Las Vegas Bowl MVP performance, his first 100-yard receiving game against the Seattle Seahawks in 2020, and his career-best 119-yard, two-touchdown effort against the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2021 regular-season finale. His trick-play touchdown pass to Dak Prescott against the New York Giants remains a highlight of his time in Dallas.
Cedrick Wilson Jr. Career Highlights
Wilson has built a professional resume defined by consistency, special teams value, and timely offensive production. His career statistical highlights include 45 receptions for 602 yards and six touchdowns during his 2021 breakthrough with the Dallas Cowboys, along with career-long trick-play scoring connections with both Dak Prescott and Alvin Kamara.
College and All-Mountain West Honors
At Boise State, Wilson earned Honorable Mention All-Mountain West recognition in 2016 and was named first-team All-Mountain West in 2017 after leading the Broncos with 83 receptions for 1,511 yards. He was also named MVP of the 2017 Las Vegas Bowl following a 10-reception, 221-yard, one-touchdown performance in a win over Oregon.
Other Performances
During his two seasons at Coffeyville Community College, Wilson earned All-conference honors as a freshman and second-team Junior College All-American recognition as a sophomore, posting 66 receptions for 1,045 yards and 17 touchdowns in his final junior college season. He has also contributed as a punt and kickoff returner at both the college and professional levels.
Cedrick Wilson Jr. Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Wilson comes from a football family. His father, Cedrick Wilson Sr., played wide receiver in the NFL for seven seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and the Pittsburgh Steelers, giving his son a direct connection to the professional game and a model for what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
Personal Life
Wilson was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, the same city where his father built much of his professional reputation. He has continued to pursue his NFL career through multiple organizations, demonstrating the durability and adaptability that have defined his path since college.
2025 Season Performance
Wilson began the 2025 season with the New Orleans Saints after signing a two-year contract in March 2024. He appeared in the early portion of the year before being released on August 27 and spending time on the Saints’ practice squad. On October 1, 2025, he was signed by the Miami Dolphins off the New Orleans practice squad, marking his return to the franchise.
With the Dolphins, Wilson rejoins a familiar offensive system and a wide receiver group that includes Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. His experience as a depth receiver and special teams contributor provides Miami with a versatile option heading into the second half of the season.
Wilson’s path through 2025 has reinforced his reputation as a steady, team-first professional who can contribute on offense and in the return game. His prior production with the Cowboys and his recent special teams experience position him to compete for a meaningful role as the Dolphins push toward the postseason.