Demetric Felton Bio
Demetric Felton Jr. (born July 16, 1998) is an American professional football running back. He played college football for the UCLA Bruins and was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL draft.
Listed at 5 feet 9 inches and around 189 pounds, Felton has built his reputation as a versatile back who can contribute as a runner, a pass catcher, and a return specialist. Across the first four seasons of his professional career, he has spent time with multiple NFL organizations as well as a spring football club, continuing to search for a long-term home in the league.
Early Life and Background
Demetric Felton Jr. was born on July 16, 1998, in Memphis, Tennessee. He grew up outside his birth city and ultimately settled with his family in southern California, where he attended Great Oak High School in Temecula. His time in Temecula shaped his development as a multi-sport athlete and allowed him to gain exposure in front of college recruiters on the West Coast.
As a senior at Great Oak, Felton delivered one of the most productive seasons of his prep career, rushing for 1,347 yards on 166 carries and scoring 14 touchdowns. That production made him one of the more attractive skill-position prospects in his region and helped him attract attention from Pac-12 programs looking for an elusive, pass-catching running back.
Path to American Football
Following his senior season, Felton committed to the University of California, Los Angeles, choosing the Bruins over other suitors. He redshirted during his first year on campus in 2016, preserving a year of eligibility while adjusting to the speed and complexity of college football.
Once he joined the active roster, Felton demonstrated his versatility. In 2017, he appeared in 12 games and gained 75 rushing yards on 10 carries while scoring one touchdown. The following year, the UCLA coaching staff moved him to wide receiver, where he started eight of 12 games and recorded 20 receptions for 207 yards and a touchdown. The position change foreshadowed the multi-faceted role he would later embrace at the professional level.
Demetric Felton Career
Early Career (2017–2020)
After returning to the backfield in 2019, Felton split carries and caught passes out of the backfield, rushing 86 times for 331 yards and a touchdown while adding 55 receptions for 594 yards and four touchdowns. His dual-threat production hinted at the type of role he might fill in the NFL.
In 2020, following Joshua Kelley’s departure for the NFL, Felton took over as UCLA’s starting running back. He posted career highs of 32 carries and 206 yards in a 27–10 victory over Arizona and finished the year as the Pac-12’s fourth-leading rusher at 111.3 yards per game with five touchdowns. His strong senior campaign earned him second-team All-Pac-12 recognition.
Cleveland Browns (2021–2023)
On May 1, 2021, the Cleveland Browns selected Felton with the 211th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract on May 13 and quickly impressed during training camp as a running back, receiver, and kick returner. On September 19, he scored his first career touchdown against the Houston Texans, capping a smooth transition to the professional ranks. He was later named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team, validating the Browns’ belief that he could contribute on offense and special teams.
Felton spent the next two seasons contributing in a supporting role before the Browns released him on August 29, 2023, as part of their final roster cuts. His Cleveland tenure ended after three seasons, during which he had flashed the same versatility he displayed at UCLA.
Cincinnati Bengals (2023)
Shortly after his release, Felton was signed to the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad on August 31, 2023. His contract expired at the conclusion of the team’s season on January 7, 2024, and he once again became a free agent looking for a new opportunity.
Chicago Bears (2024)
On July 28, 2024, Felton signed with the Chicago Bears in an effort to revive his offensive career. The Bears waived him on August 11 as they trimmed their roster to the regular-season limit. He later returned to Chicago on December 3, joining the practice squad, but was released a week later on December 10.
Indianapolis Colts (2024)
On August 12, 2024, the Indianapolis Colts claimed Felton off waivers, hoping to add depth to their backfield. His stay in Indianapolis was brief, however, as the Colts waived him on August 27.
Birmingham Stallions (2024)
Looking for regular game action, Felton signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League on November 12, 2024. He returned for a second stint with the Stallions on December 18, gaining further experience in spring football while remaining available for NFL opportunities.
Washington Commanders (2025)
On January 8, 2025, Felton signed a futures contract with the Washington Commanders, providing him an offseason pathway back into the NFL. He was released on August 26 as part of the Commanders’ roster cuts ahead of the regular season.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Felton’s career highlights, his first NFL touchdown against the Houston Texans in September 2021 stands out as his breakthrough moment, and his selection to the PFWA All-Rookie Team cemented a productive debut season. His second-team All-Pac-12 nod in 2020 further underscored his consistency at the college level.
Demetric Felton Career Wins
Demetric Felton Jr. has not been credited with a major individual championship at the professional level, but his résumé includes a PFWA All-Rookie Team selection in 2021 and second-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2020. These recognitions reflect a player who has consistently delivered value as a role player and return specialist across multiple organizations.
NFL Highlights
Felton’s most memorable NFL moment came on September 19, 2021, when he scored his first career touchdown against the Houston Texans during his rookie campaign. That play, paired with his All-Rookie recognition, helped establish his initial identity as a versatile playmaker before roster moves reshaped his career path.
Demetric Felton Family
Personal Life
Demetric Felton Jr. has kept much of his personal life out of the public eye, and no verified details about a spouse, partner, or children have been confirmed. He was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and later moved to Temecula, California, where he completed his high school career at Great Oak High School before heading to UCLA.
2025 Season Performance
Demetric Felton Jr. began 2025 by signing a futures contract with the Washington Commanders on January 8, giving him an opportunity to compete for a roster spot through the offseason program and training camp. The deal represented another fresh start for the veteran running back, who has cycled through several organizations since his rookie year with the Cleveland Browns.
Despite a strong offseason push, the Commanders released Felton on August 26, 2025, during their final wave of roster cuts. The move leaves him searching for his next opportunity as the regular season gets underway.
Given his proven ability to contribute on offense and special teams, Felton remains a candidate to latch on with a club in need of backfield depth or return help as the 2025 campaign progresses. His track record of earning second-team All-Pac-12 honors and a PFWA All-Rookie Team nod underscores the talent he can still offer a roster in search of a versatile skill player.