Kristian Wilkerson Bio
Kristian Wilkerson (born January 10, 1997) is an American professional football wide receiver. He played college football for the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks, where he set multiple school receiving records. Since entering the National Football League in 2020, Wilkerson has spent time with several teams, working primarily through practice squad and reserve contracts as he has continued to develop at the professional level.
Listed at 6 feet 1 inch and 215 pounds, Wilkerson has built his career on steady route running and reliable hands. While he has not yet established himself as a full-time starter, his journey through multiple organizations reflects the perseverance required to remain in professional football.
Early Life and Background
Kristian Wilkerson was born on January 10, 1997, in Memphis, Tennessee. He grew up in the same city and attended Craigmont High School in Memphis, where he first developed his skills as a wide receiver. Memphis has produced a steady stream of football talent, and Wilkerson’s local education allowed him to begin building the athletic foundation that would later carry him to the college level.
During his time at Craigmont, Wilkerson developed into a reliable receiving target, demonstrating the size and catching ability that would become hallmarks of his game. His performance in high school drew attention from college programs, eventually leading him to continue his football career at Southeast Missouri State University.
Path to American Football
After completing his high school career at Craigmont, Kristian Wilkerson committed to Southeast Missouri State, a program competing in the Ohio Valley Conference at the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision level. He joined the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks and redshirted during his true freshman season, preserving a year of eligibility while adjusting to the speed and physical demands of college football.
Over the next four seasons, Wilkerson developed into one of the most productive receivers in program history. His combination of size, reliable hands, and route precision made him a central part of the Redhawks’ passing attack, and he earned conference recognition for his performances on the field.
Kristian Wilkerson Career
College Career (2015-2019)
Kristian Wilkerson spent five seasons with the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks, redshirting as a true freshman before steadily increasing his role within the offense. By his redshirt senior season in 2019, he had emerged as the team’s primary receiving threat, catching 71 passes for 1,350 yards and 10 touchdowns. That performance earned him first-team All-Ohio Valley Conference honors and second-team All-American recognition from HERO Sports.
Wilkerson finished his collegiate career as Southeast Missouri State’s all-time leader in receptions with 219, receiving yards with 3,540, and receiving touchdowns with 33, all school records. Earlier in his college career, he had been named second-team All-OVC in 2018, signaling his rise as one of the conference’s top receivers.
Tennessee Titans (2020)
Following the 2020 NFL Draft, Kristian Wilkerson signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent on May 4, 2020. He participated in the team’s offseason program and training camp as he attempted to earn a spot on the roster. However, he was waived on September 5, 2020, during final roster cuts, ending his initial stint with the Titans.
New England Patriots (2020-2022)
Wilkerson was signed to the New England Patriots’ practice squad on September 8, 2020, just days after his release from Tennessee. He was elevated to the active roster on November 9 and made his NFL debut that night on Monday Night Football, catching passes in a 30-27 win over the New York Jets before reverting to the practice squad. In January 2021, he signed a reserve/future contract with New England.
Wilkerson’s most notable professional moment came on January 2, 2022, when he was elevated for the Patriots’ Week 17 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars and scored his first two NFL touchdowns. He signed another reserve/future contract with New England later that month. The 2022 season proved more difficult, as he was placed on injured reserve on August 30 and eventually waived on February 15, 2023.
Indianapolis Colts (2023)
On February 16, 2023, Kristian Wilkerson was claimed off waivers by the Indianapolis Colts. His time with Indianapolis was brief, as he was waived on May 2, 2023.
Las Vegas Raiders (2023-2024)
Wilkerson signed with the Las Vegas Raiders on May 15, 2023, beginning the most extended stretch of his professional career. He was waived on November 4 and re-signed to the practice squad three days later. In January 2024, he signed a reserve/future contract with Las Vegas, securing his place with the organization beyond that season.
Wilkerson was waived by the Raiders on August 27, 2024, during roster cuts, and re-signed to the practice squad the same day. He signed another reserve/future contract on January 6, 2025, but was released by the Raiders on May 12.
Buffalo Bills (2025)
On May 19, 2025, Wilkerson signed with the Buffalo Bills. He was released on August 26 as part of final roster cuts and re-signed to the practice squad the following day. His time with Buffalo concluded on November 11, 2025, when he was released.
Tennessee Titans Second Stint (2025)
Wilkerson returned to the Tennessee Titans on November 18, 2025, when he signed with the team’s practice squad. He was released on November 25, re-signed to the practice squad on December 2, and released again on December 22.
Notable Events and Milestones
The defining moment of Kristian Wilkerson’s professional career came on January 2, 2022, when he scored his first two NFL touchdowns for the New England Patriots against the Jacksonville Jaguars. His college legacy is equally significant, as he departed Southeast Missouri State as the program’s all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.
Kristian Wilkerson Career Highlights
Across his professional career, Kristian Wilkerson has been recognized primarily for his durability and willingness to contribute through practice squad roles. His two NFL touchdowns with the New England Patriots in January 2022 stand as the most visible statistical achievements of his pro career.
College Highlights
At Southeast Missouri State, Wilkerson set school records with 219 career receptions, 3,540 receiving yards, and 33 receiving touchdowns. His redshirt senior season in 2019 produced 71 catches for 1,350 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning first-team All-Ohio Valley Conference and second-team All-American recognition from HERO Sports. He was also named second-team All-OVC in 2018.
Professional Highlights
Wilkerson made his NFL debut on Monday Night Football on November 9, 2020, as a member of the New England Patriots. He has since appeared on practice squads for the Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts, Las Vegas Raiders, Buffalo Bills, and a second stint with the Titans, demonstrating the persistence required to remain active in professional football.
Kristian Wilkerson Family
Family Background
Kristian Wilkerson was raised in Memphis, Tennessee, where he attended Craigmont High School. Information about his parents and extended family has not been publicly confirmed.
Personal Life
Wilkerson has kept his personal life largely private, and details about a spouse or children have not been publicly confirmed.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a transitional year for Kristian Wilkerson, marked by movement across multiple organizations. After being released by the Las Vegas Raiders in May 2025, he signed with the Buffalo Bills later that month, was released during final roster cuts in August, and spent time on the Bills’ practice squad before being released on November 11.
Shortly after his release from Buffalo, Wilkerson returned to the Tennessee Titans, signing with their practice squad on November 18, 2025. His path through the season reflects the volatile nature of practice squad roster movement in the NFL, where players frequently shift between active rosters and practice units as teams address needs.
As the 2025 season concludes, Wilkerson’s status with the Titans remains uncertain following his December 22 release. His career trajectory suggests he will continue pursuing opportunities in professional football, building on his record-setting college career and his experience within multiple NFL organizations.