River Cracraft Bio
River Cracraft (born November 1, 1994) is an American professional football wide receiver for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet tall and listed at about 200 pounds, he has built his career as a reliable depth receiver and special teams contributor across several organizations. Cracraft is married to his college sweetheart Taylor, and the couple welcomed a daughter in June 2024.
After going unselected in the 2017 NFL Draft, Cracraft signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent and later spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins, and Seattle Seahawks before joining Washington. Known for his preparation and steady hands, he has carved out a journeyman role that emphasizes special teams and timely contributions on offense.
Early Life and Background
River Cracraft was born on November 1, 1994, in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. Originally named Tanner, his parents renamed him River when he was six months old. He grew up in nearby Trabuco Canyon, where he attended Santa Margarita Catholic High School and played football, baseball, and ran track for the Eagles.
In football, Cracraft was a four-year letter winner who lined up at both wide receiver and defensive back. As a sophomore, he recorded 35 receptions for 469 yards on offense and added 41 tackles with three interceptions on defense, earning All-State and All-Trinity League recognition. He continued to develop as a junior, finishing with 46 receptions for 654 yards and six touchdowns, and as a senior he posted 56 catches for 935 yards and 10 touchdowns while earning first-team All-County honors from the Orange County Register.
By the time he finished high school, Cracraft had 134 career receptions, the second most in school history behind former NFL receiver Brian Finneran, and 2,043 receiving yards. Rated as a three-star prospect and the 91st overall player in California by ESPN, he chose Washington State over offers from Nevada and UNLV.
Path to Professional Football
Cracraft played four seasons for the Washington State Cougars in the Pac-12 Conference. He appeared in all 13 games as a true freshman, starting 10 and recording 46 receptions for 614 yards and three touchdowns, which earned him honorable mention All-Pac-12 and All-Freshman recognition. As a sophomore, he caught 66 passes for 771 yards and eight touchdowns despite missing three games with a stress fracture in his foot.
During that sophomore year, Cracraft had a career-high 172 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 11 receptions against California, the same game in which Cougars quarterback Connor Halliday set an NCAA single-game passing record. He returned from injury to play in the 2015 Sun Bowl, catching five passes for 63 yards in Washington State’s 20-14 win over Miami. His senior season ended early when he tore his ACL in the tenth game, finishing with 53 receptions, 701 yards, and five touchdowns.
Cracraft closed his college career ranked second in school history with 218 receptions, sixth with 2,701 receiving yards, and sixth with 20 touchdowns across 42 games. His draft preparation was limited by the knee injury, leaving him as an undrafted free agent in 2017.
River Cracraft Career
Early Career (2017-2018)
Cracraft signed with the Denver Broncos’ practice squad in October 2017 after working out for the New England Patriots earlier that fall. He was briefly released following an injury during practice but returned to the practice squad in December and signed a futures contract at season’s end. The Broncos kept him on the practice squad to begin 2018, and he was promoted to the active roster on November 2.
He made his NFL debut on November 4, 2018, against the Houston Texans, returning a punt for five yards in a 19-17 loss. On December 30, he caught his first career pass, a 44-yard reception, against the Los Angeles Chargers. Cracraft finished his rookie season with one reception for 44 yards, 12 punt returns, and three kickoff returns across eight games.
Denver Broncos and Philadelphia Eagles (2017-2020)
After being waived by the Broncos in September 2019 and re-signed two weeks later, Cracraft was released again late that month. He landed with the Philadelphia Eagles in late December 2019, signing to their practice squad before inking a reserve/future contract in January 2020. He was waived in April 2020 and had a tryout with the Arizona Cardinals in August.
San Francisco 49ers (2020-2021)
The San Francisco 49ers signed Cracraft in late August 2020, and he worked his way from the practice squad onto the active roster by November. He finished the 2020 season with six receptions for 41 yards, five punt returns, and three tackles on special teams. In February 2021, he signed a one-year contract extension, bounced between the practice squad and active roster throughout the season, and was waived in late January 2022.
Miami Dolphins (2022-2024)
Cracraft signed with the Miami Dolphins on February 17, 2022. He caught his first career touchdowns with the Dolphins, including a two-yard strike from Tua Tagovailoa that helped fuel a 21-point comeback win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2. He added an 11-yard touchdown catch against the Buffalo Bills the following week as Miami opened 3-0 for the first time since 2018.
He re-signed with the Dolphins in March 2023 and March 2024, but injuries led to stints on injured reserve in both seasons. Cracraft remained a dependable special teams player and a trusted reserve receiver throughout his time in Miami.
Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders Era (2025-Present)
Cracraft signed with the Seattle Seahawks on March 21, 2025, but was waived in mid-May. The Washington Commanders signed him on August 14, 2025, released him during roster cuts on August 26, and re-signed him to their practice squad on November 11.
Driving Style and Strengths
Cracraft has earned a reputation as a reliable underneath receiver and dependable special teams contributor. Coaches have valued his route precision, sure hands, and willingness to handle punt and kickoff return duties. His ability to deliver in elevated situations, such as his touchdown catches against Baltimore and Buffalo in 2022, has made him a trusted depth piece.
Notable Events and Milestones
Cracraft’s first two career touchdowns both came during Miami’s fast 3-0 start in 2022, with the Ravens game serving as a signature moment. He also debuted as a 49er in 2020 and made his first NFL catch with the Broncos on a 44-yard grab against the Chargers, milestones that helped cement his place in the league as an undrafted success story.
River Cracraft Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Cracraft’s older brother, Skyler, walked on at Washington State as a safety after River committed to the program. Both of his parents share the name Tracy, and his father played baseball at Taft College, giving the family a strong multi-sport background that helped shape River’s athletic path.
Personal Life
River married his college sweetheart, Taylor, on July 1, 2022, in Newport Beach, California. The couple welcomed a daughter in June 2024, and the family has remained supportive of his football career as he has moved between NFL organizations.
2025 Season Performance
River Cracraft entered 2025 hoping to add stability after several injury-marred seasons. His brief stay with the Seattle Seahawks ended in May, but a quick return to the field came when the Washington Commanders signed him in mid-August. Although roster cuts in late August briefly pushed him out of the organization, he rejoined Washington on November 11, reinforcing his value as a dependable practice squad asset.
Across the league, journeyman wide receivers like Cracraft often play a key role during the late-season push as teams manage injuries and special teams workloads. His experience with five franchises and his willingness to contribute on coverage units give Washington a versatile option heading into the back half of the schedule.
Looking ahead, Cracraft’s primary objective is to work his way back onto the Commanders’ active roster and contribute in any capacity, whether as a reserve receiver, returner, or special teams regular. With another daughter born in 2024, family stability provides a strong off-field foundation for whatever opportunities come next.