Joel Wilson Bio
Joel Wilson (born June 21, 2000) is an American professional football tight end for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Central Michigan Chippewas and entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2023. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and listed around 245 pounds, Wilson has built his career as a pass-catching tight end, working primarily through practice squads and reserve contracts across multiple organizations.
Although Wilson has yet to establish himself as a long-term starter at the NFL level, he has shown steady development since his college days at Central Michigan. His career has included stints with several teams, and he is currently a member of the Tennessee Titans practice squad.
Early Life and Background
Joel Wilson was born on June 21, 2000, in Petoskey, Michigan, in the United States. He grew up in the Petoskey area and attended Petoskey High School, where he played quarterback on the football team. Playing quarterback at the high school level gave Wilson early experience with offensive schemes, route concepts, and reading defensive coverages, all skills that would later influence his transition to the tight end position.
Coming out of Petoskey High School, Wilson committed to continue his football career at Central Michigan University, a member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC). His combination of size, athleticism, and football background made him an attractive recruit for the Chippewas’ offensive system.
Path to American Football
Wilson joined the Central Michigan Chippewas and transitioned from his high school role as a quarterback to the tight end position at the collegiate level. The switch allowed him to use his height and frame as a mismatch against defensive players, both in the passing game and as a blocker at the line of scrimmage.
Over the course of his college career, Wilson steadily developed into a reliable receiving tight end. He worked his way into a larger role within the Central Michigan offense, becoming a regular target in the red zone and on intermediate routes. His progression through the program positioned him for a shot at the professional level following his senior season.
Joel Wilson Career
College Career (2018–2022)
As a freshman in 2018, Wilson caught one pass for five yards while adjusting to the speed of the college game. In 2019, he was limited by a broken foot, finishing the year with one reception for seven yards while also contributing on special teams with a tackle. During the shortened 2020 season, Wilson hauled in five receptions for 50 yards as his role in the offense grew.
Wilson took a major step forward in 2021. In week three of that season, he caught four passes for 31 yards and his first career touchdown against LSU, although Central Michigan lost 49–21. Later that year, he had a strong performance in the 2021 Sun Bowl, catching three passes for 41 yards and a touchdown to help Central Michigan beat Washington State 24–21. He finished 2021 with 31 receptions for 367 yards and six touchdowns. In 2022, Wilson posted 44 receptions for 445 yards and six touchdowns, highlighted by an eight-catch, 75-yard performance with a touchdown against Bowling Green, before a season-ending injury later that year. For his 2022 performance, Wilson was named third-team All-MAC. He wrapped up his college career with 82 receptions for 874 yards and 12 touchdowns.
New Orleans Saints (2023)
After going unselected in the 2023 NFL draft, Joel Wilson signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent on April 30, 2023. His time with the organization was brief, as he was released on May 13, 2023, after failing his physical.
Buffalo Bills (2023)
On May 22, 2023, Wilson signed with the Buffalo Bills. He was waived on August 29, 2023, after missing practice, and was quickly re-signed to the team’s practice squad. Wilson was later released by the Bills on November 7, 2023.
Green Bay Packers (2023–2024)
Wilson was signed to the Green Bay Packers practice squad on November 28, 2023. He signed a reserve/future contract with Green Bay on January 22, 2024, and remained with the organization through the offseason. He was released on August 27, 2024.
New York Giants (2024)
On September 24, 2024, Wilson signed with the New York Giants practice squad. His stay was short, as he was released on October 1, 2024.
Chicago Bears (2024–2025)
On October 24, 2024, Wilson signed with the Chicago Bears practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract with Chicago on January 6, 2025, and remained with the team through the offseason program. He was waived by the Bears on August 25, 2025.
Tennessee Titans (2025–Present)
On September 15, 2025, Wilson signed with the Tennessee Titans practice squad, where he currently works as a tight end. He continues to pursue an opportunity to be elevated to the active roster.
Driving Style and Strengths
Wilson’s strengths as a tight end are rooted in his size, route-running ability, and red-zone presence. At 6 feet 4 inches and around 245 pounds, he offers a sizeable target for quarterbacks, particularly on intermediate routes and in the end zone. His background as a high school quarterback gives him a strong understanding of offensive concepts and defensive coverages, which translates to smart route adjustments and reliable hands as a pass catcher.
Notable Events and Milestones
A signature moment in Wilson’s career came during the 2021 Sun Bowl, where his touchdown catch helped Central Michigan defeat Washington State 24–21. His third-team All-MAC selection in 2022 stands as the most notable individual accolade of his career so far, and his continued movement between practice squads and reserve contracts reflects the persistence required to stay in the NFL as an undrafted tight end.
Joel Wilson Career Wins
Joel Wilson’s on-field victories have primarily been at the collegiate level. While he has not yet established himself as a starter in the NFL, his college production and team successes, including the 2021 Sun Bowl victory, represent the most significant wins of his playing career to date.
College Highlights
Wilson finished his Central Michigan career with 82 receptions for 874 yards and 12 touchdowns across multiple seasons. His best statistical season came in 2022, when he posted 44 receptions for 445 yards and six touchdowns, earning third-team All-MAC honors. In 2021, he recorded 31 receptions for 367 yards and six touchdowns and caught a touchdown pass in the Sun Bowl win over Washington State.
Other Wins and Performances
Wilson’s professional resume to this point consists of practice squad and reserve/future contract stints with several organizations, including the New Orleans Saints, Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, Chicago Bears, and Tennessee Titans. While he has yet to record regular-season NFL statistics as a starter, he has continued to earn opportunities with teams around the league.
Joel Wilson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Joel Wilson’s family background is limited. He was raised in the Petoskey, Michigan area and attended Petoskey High School before moving on to Central Michigan University to continue his football career.
Personal Life
Joel Wilson is known primarily for his dedication to professional football. Details about his marital status, spouse, or children have not been publicly confirmed.
2025 Season Performance
Joel Wilson’s 2025 NFL season has been defined by movement between practice squads. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Chicago Bears in January 2025 and remained with the team through the offseason, providing him an opportunity to compete for a depth role. He was waived by the Bears on August 25, 2025, as teams trimmed rosters ahead of the regular season.
Shortly after his release, Wilson signed with the Tennessee Titans practice squad on September 15, 2025. As a practice squad tight end, Wilson focuses on development, preparation, and readiness to be elevated to the active roster when needed. His progress will be closely watched as he seeks his first opportunity for regular-season game action at the NFL level.
Looking ahead, Wilson’s primary goal for the remainder of the 2025 season is to earn a promotion to the Titans’ active roster and contribute as a pass-catching tight end. With his college production and persistent work ethic, he remains a depth option for Tennessee as the season progresses.