Dee Eskridge Bio
D’Wayne “Dee” Eskridge is an American professional football wide receiver and kickoff returner for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). Born on March 23, 1997, in Winona, Mississippi, Eskridge built his reputation as one of the most explosive playmakers in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) during his college career at Western Michigan. Selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks, he transitioned into the professional ranks and has continued to contribute on both offense and special teams.
Standing at 5 feet 9 inches and weighing approximately 190 pounds, Eskridge relies on speed, quickness, and field awareness rather than size. He earned All-American recognition in 2020 and was named the MAC Special Teams Player of the Year for his dual contributions as a receiver and kickoff returner. After spending his first three professional seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, Eskridge joined the Miami Dolphins in 2024 and remains active in the league.
Early Life and Background
D’Wayne Eskridge was born in Winona, Mississippi, where he spent the earliest years of his childhood. His family later relocated to Bluffton, Indiana, during his grade school years, and it was in Bluffton that he developed his athletic foundation. Growing up in a community that valued multi-sport participation, Eskridge found early motivation through both football and track and field, two disciplines that would ultimately shape his professional career.
At Bluffton High School, Eskridge distinguished himself as both a football player and a sprinter on the track team. His sprinting ability translated directly into his football performance, allowing him to develop the acceleration and breakaway speed that would later define his style of play. As a senior, he earned the prestigious title of Indiana’s Mr. Track and Field, a recognition that underscored his status as one of the top amateur sprinters in the state.
Despite his track success, Eskridge chose to pursue football at the collegiate level. He committed to Western Michigan over Ball State, the only other FBS program to extend him a scholarship offer. That decision launched the next chapter of his journey and eventually carried him to the NFL.
Path to American Football
Eskridge’s transition into high-level football competition began at Bluffton High School, where he combined his sprinting background with developing route-running skills. His high school performance drew limited FBS attention, but his track accolades demonstrated the kind of elite athletic profile that college programs covet in skill-position players. When Western Michigan extended a scholarship, Eskridge seized the opportunity to prove himself at the Division I level.
At Western Michigan, Eskridge quickly adapted to the speed and complexity of collegiate football. He spent his freshman year as a reserve receiver, learning the system and adjusting to the physical demands of the position. By his sophomore season, he had earned a starting role and began producing consistently, finishing the year with 30 receptions for 506 yards and three touchdowns. As a junior, he elevated his game further, catching 38 passes for 776 yards and three touchdowns.
Eskridge’s senior year was disrupted by a broken collarbone just four games into the season, forcing him to use a medical redshirt. He returned as a redshirt senior and delivered his most complete college campaign, leading the MAC in receiving yards and earning First-team All-MAC honors along with MAC Special Teams Player of the Year recognition. His performance in the 2021 Senior Bowl further elevated his draft stock, ultimately leading to his second-round selection.
Dee Eskridge Career
Early Career (2021–2022)
The Seattle Seahawks selected Eskridge in the second round, 56th overall, of the 2021 NFL Draft. On May 14, 2021, he signed his four-year rookie contract with Seattle, valued at $5.9 million with a $1.6 million signing bonus. His rookie season, however, proved challenging. Eskridge was placed on injured reserve in October 2021 with a concussion and missed significant time before being activated in November. He still managed to score his first NFL touchdown on a 7-yard pass from Russell Wilson during a 30–23 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on December 5, 2021. As a rookie, he recorded 10 receptions for 64 yards and one touchdown across 10 games.
In 2022, Eskridge appeared in 10 games but was again hampered by injury, this time a broken hand that landed him on injured reserve in late November. He finished the year with seven receptions for 58 yards. Despite flashes of his trademark explosiveness, he struggled to carve out a consistent offensive role within the Seahawks’ scheme.
Seattle Seahawks Breakthrough (2021–2023)
Eskridge’s tenure with the Seattle Seahawks spanned three seasons and included both promising moments and setbacks. His first NFL touchdown against San Francisco represented an early breakthrough, and his track-record speed gave Seattle a vertical element in the return game. He contributed on special teams throughout his time with the Seahawks, though his offensive production remained modest.
The 2023 season brought additional challenges. Eskridge was suspended for the first six games of the year for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, a penalty stemming from a February 2023 misdemeanor arrest following a confrontation with the mother of his child. After serving the suspension, he appeared in only four games during the 2023 season, making it the most difficult year of his professional tenure. The Seahawks waived him on August 27, 2024, concluding his time in Seattle.
Miami Dolphins Era (2024–Present)
On August 29, 2024, Eskridge was signed to the Miami Dolphins practice squad, marking a fresh start in his professional career. He was promoted to the active roster on October 25, 2024, providing depth at wide receiver and a spark on special teams. His experience as a kickoff returner made him a valuable rotational piece for the Dolphins.
On May 12, 2025, Eskridge re-signed with the Miami Dolphins, signaling the organization’s continued confidence in his abilities. As he enters the 2025 campaign, Eskridge looks to build on his role within the Dolphins’ offense and special teams units, leveraging the speed and versatility that have defined his career since college.
Driving Style and Strengths
Eskridge’s playing style is built around track-level speed, sharp route acceleration, and reliable hands in traffic. At 5 feet 9 inches and roughly 190 pounds, he compensates for a smaller frame with elite explosiveness off the line and a strong ability to separate from defensive backs. His background as a sprinter also makes him a dangerous kickoff returner, where he can change a game’s momentum with a single play.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the defining moments of Eskridge’s career are his first NFL touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers in 2021, his second-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, and his All-American honors in 2020. Each milestone reflects different phases of his journey, from college stardom to professional opportunity to perseverance through adversity.
Dee Eskridge Career Wins
Although Eskridge has not yet accumulated headline-grabbing win totals as a featured NFL starter, his career has been marked by impactful contributions in both receiving and return duties. His kickoff-return touchdowns and reliable special teams play have added meaningful value to his teams across multiple seasons.
NFL Highlights
Eskridge scored his first NFL touchdown in December 2021 and has continued to produce on special teams throughout his professional career. While detailed season-by-season win totals are not consistently available across sources, his verified touchdown against San Francisco and his steady return-game contributions stand as confirmed highlights from his time with the Seattle Seahawks and Miami Dolphins.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond the NFL, Eskridge’s most decorated achievements came at the collegiate level. He earned First-team All-MAC, MAC Special Teams Player of the Year, and Second-team All-American honors in 2020. His track accolades, including Indiana’s Mr. Track and Field as a high school senior, round out a versatile athletic résumé.
Dee Eskridge Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public details about Eskridge’s immediate family remain limited. He was raised in Winona, Mississippi, before his family moved to Bluffton, Indiana, during his grade school years. The supportive environment provided by his family allowed him to pursue both football and track, two sports that ultimately launched his professional career.
Personal Life
Eskridge has kept much of his personal life private. He is the father of at least one child, a detail that became publicly known following a February 2023 incident involving the mother of his child. Information regarding his marital status, long-term partner, or extended family has not been publicly confirmed.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 NFL season, Eskridge is positioned as a depth receiver and key special teams contributor for the Miami Dolphins. Following his re-signing in May 2025, he is expected to compete for a rotational role in the receiver room while continuing to handle kickoff return duties. His ability to contribute in multiple phases gives the Dolphins flexibility in roster construction.
The 2025 campaign represents an opportunity for Eskridge to solidify his place in Miami’s plans. After navigating injuries, suspensions, and roster turnover in his first three professional seasons, he now enters a more stable environment. His track speed and special teams value make him a candidate to deliver impactful plays when called upon.
For the Dolphins, Eskridge’s 2025 outlook hinges on consistency and availability. If he can stay healthy and produce in his designated roles, he has the potential to extend his NFL career well beyond his current contract. The combination of his return-game explosiveness and his growth as a route-runner could make him a quietly valuable piece of Miami’s roster this season.