John Stephens Jr. Bio
John Stephens Jr. (born September 23, 1999) is an American professional football tight end. He played college football for the TCU Horned Frogs and the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns before signing with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent following the 2023 NFL Draft. Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall, he has transitioned between wide receiver and tight end throughout his football journey.
Early Life and Background
John Stephens Jr. was born on September 23, 1999, in Logansport, Louisiana. He grew up in a family with a deep connection to professional sports, as he is the son of former NFL running back John Stephens. Through his father’s side of the family, he is also the half-brother of professional tennis player Sloane Stephens, the 2017 U.S. Open champion.
He attended Logansport High School, a small 1A program with a total enrollment of just 175 students. Despite the school’s modest size, Stephens starred as a two-way player, lining up at wide receiver and defensive lineman. As a senior, he registered 1,001 receiving yards, 17 touchdowns, and 64 solo tackles, including 12 tackles for loss. His performance helped lead Logansport to a 13-1 record and a state semifinal appearance.
Path to American Football
Following his senior season at Logansport High School, Stephens accepted a football scholarship from Texas Christian University (TCU). His combination of size, hands, and athleticism made him an appealing recruit despite playing at a small high school. He joined the Horned Frogs as a wide receiver prospect and began developing his route-running and blocking skills at the college level.
At TCU, Stephens appeared in 25 games across his first three seasons, working primarily as a rotational receiver. His freshman year saw him record 2 receptions for 58 yards, including a 47-yard catch against the University of Oklahoma. As a sophomore, he tallied 11 receptions for 157 yards, including 3 catches for 40 yards against Texas Tech University. His junior season was limited, with just one reception for 5 yards against Kansas State University.
John Stephens Jr. Career
Early Career (2018-2020)
Stephens spent his first three college seasons at TCU, where he served as a depth receiver and special teams contributor. Although his statistical production was modest, he gained valuable experience against top-tier competition in the Big 12 Conference. His 47-yard reception as a freshman against Oklahoma highlighted the big-play potential that evaluators would later notice.
After his junior year, Stephens sought a fresh start and transferred to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to play for the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns. The move allowed him to take on a larger role in the passing game and showcase his skills in the Sun Belt Conference.
UL Lafayette Breakthrough (2021-2022)
As a senior in 2021, Stephens emerged as a reliable target for the Ragin’ Cajuns. He collected 13 receptions for 167 yards and 4 touchdowns, highlighted by a 3-catch, 48-yard, 1-touchdown performance against Nicholls State University and a 3-catch, 37-yard, 2-touchdown outing against Ohio University. His red-zone production demonstrated his nose for the end zone and his ability to win contested catches.
As a super senior in 2022, Stephens continued to develop, compiling 14 receptions for 284 yards and 3 touchdowns. He posted a 3-catch, 103-yard, 1-touchdown game against Eastern Michigan University and added 3 receptions for 47 yards against the University of Houston. His senior campaign positioned him for an opportunity at the professional level.
Dallas Cowboys Era (2023-Present)
Stephens went unselected in the 2023 NFL Draft but signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2023. During training camp, the Cowboys made the strategic decision to convert him from wide receiver to tight end, taking advantage of his 6-foot-5 frame. He was trending toward making the final roster before suffering a torn ACL in the second preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks, and he was placed on injured reserve on August 29, 2023.
On October 24, 2024, it was announced that Stephens had suffered another torn ACL in practice, ending his season. On August 25, 2025, he was waived by the Cowboys and reverted to injured reserve, and he was later released with an injury settlement on November 18, 2025.
Driving Style and Strengths
Stephens brings a blend of wide receiver instincts and tight end physicality to the field. His 6-foot-5 frame and large catch radius make him a natural fit as a red-zone target, while his experience as a two-way high school player reflects a competitive, hard-working mentality. His route-running background from his college days at TCU and UL Lafayette gives him a polished receiving skill set for his position.
Notable Events and Milestones
Stephens’ transition from a small 1A high school in Logansport to the NFL stands as a testament to his perseverance. Despite two torn ACLs that have interrupted his professional career, he signed with one of the league’s most prominent franchises in the Dallas Cowboys. His family ties to NFL and professional tennis provide a unique athletic backdrop to his football journey.
John Stephens Jr. Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
John Stephens Jr. comes from a notable athletic family. His father, John Stephens, played running back in the NFL, giving his son an early foundation in professional football culture. Through his father’s family, he is the half-brother of Sloane Stephens, a top professional tennis player who won the 2017 U.S. Open. This multi-sport pedigree has shaped his understanding of elite-level competition.
Personal Life
Stephens grew up in Logansport, Louisiana, and maintains ties to his hometown community. He is active on social media, where fans can follow his football journey on X at @johnjr_9 and on Instagram. Details about his marital status and family beyond his parents and half-siblings are not publicly confirmed.
2025 Season Performance
Stephens’ 2025 season with the Dallas Cowboys began on a challenging note as he continued to recover from the torn ACL he suffered in practice on October 24, 2024. On August 25, 2025, he was waived by the Cowboys and reverted to injured reserve as the team finalized its roster. He was subsequently released on November 18, 2025, with an injury settlement.
Despite the setbacks, Stephens remains a young player with the physical tools and college production to pursue another NFL opportunity. His experience in both Big 12 and Sun Belt passing offenses, combined with his conversion to tight end, gives him a versatile skill set that could attract interest from teams in need of depth at the position. The remainder of 2025 and the 2026 offseason will be critical for him to demonstrate his health and reclaim his professional trajectory.