Justin Shorter Bio
Justin D. Shorter (born April 17, 2000) is an American professional football wide receiver for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing approximately 227 pounds, he combines the size of an outside receiver with the experience of a four-year college starter. After going through the NFL draft process in 2023, he has built his early professional career between the Buffalo Bills and the Las Vegas Raiders, contributing on both practice squads and active rosters.
Early Life and Background
Justin D. Shorter was born on April 17, 2000, in Princeton, New Jersey, and raised in the Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick, New Jersey. Growing up in central New Jersey, he was introduced to football at a young age and developed into a highly regarded wide receiver prospect by the time he reached high school. His combination of length, vertical ability, and physicality began to draw attention from college recruiters during his prep years.
Shorter attended South Brunswick High School, where he played prep football and emerged as one of the top receiving prospects in the state of New Jersey. His high school performance helped him earn scholarship opportunities from major college football programs, and he ultimately committed to Penn State to continue his football career. The disciplined training environment of South Brunswick helped prepare him for the demands of a Big Ten schedule.
Path to American Football
Coming out of South Brunswick High School, Justin D. Shorter signed with Penn State, where he joined one of the most competitive receiver rooms in the Big Ten Conference. As a true freshman, he appeared in four games and recorded three receptions for 20 yards before redshirting the remainder of the season to preserve a year of eligibility. The experience gave him early exposure to high-level practices and competition.
During his redshirt freshman year at Penn State, Shorter tallied 12 receptions for 137 yards across ten games before making the decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal. He subsequently transferred to the University of Florida, where he was granted immediate eligibility through an NCAA waiver. The move to the Southeastern Conference marked a major step in his development as a pass catcher against top-tier competition.
Justin Shorter Career
Early Career at Penn State
Justin D. Shorter began his college career with the Penn State Nittany Lions, where he spent his first two seasons in the program. Across his freshman and redshirt freshman campaigns, he appeared in a limited number of games while adjusting to the speed and complexity of the college game. His production was modest, but the experience inside the Penn State program laid the groundwork for his later breakout.
Following his redshirt freshman season, Shorter made the decision to transfer in search of a larger role. He chose the Florida Gators, signaling his intent to compete in the pass-heavy offensive schemes of the Southeastern Conference. The transition allowed him to reset his career trajectory and take on a more prominent role within a new program.
Florida Gators Breakthrough (2020–2022)
After receiving a waiver for immediate eligibility, Justin D. Shorter stepped into the Florida Gators offense and produced his strongest collegiate season. In his first year with the program, he recorded 25 receptions for 268 yards and three touchdowns, demonstrating the size and catch radius that had made him a sought-after recruit. His scoring ability in the red zone became a valuable part of the Florida passing attack.
As a redshirt junior, Shorter elevated his production with 41 receptions for 550 yards and three touchdowns, establishing himself as a reliable target in the Gators offense. In his redshirt senior season, he added 29 catches for 577 yards and two touchdowns, finishing his college career on a high note statistically. After the regular season, he announced that he would forgo the 2022 Las Vegas Bowl and declare for the 2023 NFL draft.
Buffalo Bills Era (2023–2024)
Justin D. Shorter was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the fifth round, 150th overall, of the 2023 NFL draft, beginning his professional career in one of the league’s most stable offensive systems. He was placed on injured reserve on August 30, 2023, limiting his availability during his rookie season. The time on injured reserve provided an opportunity to learn the Bills’ offensive scheme while rehabbing.
As he worked to return to full health, Shorter was released by the Bills as part of final roster cuts on August 27, 2024. Despite the setback, his experience within a winning organization helped him prepare for his next professional opportunity. His time in Buffalo provided valuable insight into NFL practice habits and preparation standards.
Las Vegas Raiders Era (2024–Present)
On August 29, 2024, Justin D. Shorter was signed to the Las Vegas Raiders practice squad, giving him a chance to continue his professional development in the AFC West. He was promoted to the active roster on November 1, 2024, marking his first regular-season action with the Raiders. The promotion reflected the organization’s confidence in his size and potential as a developmental receiver.
On August 26, 2025, Shorter was waived by the Raiders as part of final roster cuts and re-signed to the practice squad the following day. He was promoted to the active roster on September 5, 2025, only to be waived on October 27, 2025, following the Raiders’ signing of veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett. Shorter was re-signed to the practice squad on October 28, 2025, continuing his role within the organization.
Driving Style and Strengths
At 6 feet 4 inches tall, Justin D. Shorter offers the Las Vegas Raiders a tall, physical presence on the perimeter who can compete for contested catches. His college production across three SEC seasons demonstrated the ability to function as a reliable intermediate and red-zone target. He pairs his frame with experience in multiple offensive systems, an asset as he continues to refine his route-running and release technique at the professional level.
Notable Events and Milestones
Justin D. Shorter’s most significant career milestone came when he was selected 150th overall in the 2023 NFL draft by the Buffalo Bills. His first promotion to an active NFL roster came with the Las Vegas Raiders in November 2024, and he has since navigated multiple transitions between the practice squad and active roster in 2025, reflecting the perseverance required to sustain a professional career.
Justin Shorter Family
Personal Life
Justin D. Shorter maintains a relatively private personal life and focuses much of his public presence on his football career. He is active on social media, where fans can follow his updates on X at jshortz10 and on Instagram at jshortz_6. His background, rooted in South Brunswick, New Jersey, continues to shape his approach to the game as he works to establish himself within the NFL.
2025 Season Performance
Justin D. Shorter’s 2025 season with the Las Vegas Raiders has been defined by movement between the practice squad and the active roster. After being waived in late August and quickly re-signed to the practice squad, he earned a promotion to the active roster on September 5, providing him an opportunity to contribute on game days. His role within the offense has reflected his status as a developmental receiver in a competitive wide receiver room.
On October 27, 2025, Shorter was waived by the Raiders following the team’s signing of veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett, a move that added experience to the top of the depth chart. He was re-signed to the practice squad the following day, allowing the organization to retain his size and developmental upside. The sequence of transactions highlights the business side of the league for young players.
Looking ahead, Justin D. Shorter will look to leverage his practice-squad reps and any future active-roster opportunities to further his standing with the Las Vegas Raiders. His size, red-zone experience, and familiarity with the team’s offensive scheme position him as a candidate to contribute when called upon. Continued development of his consistency and route precision will be central to his 2025 outlook.