Ross Dwelley Bio
Ross Dwelley (born January 26, 1995) is an American professional football tight end who has spent his career in the National Football League. He played college football for the San Diego Toreros and signed with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2018. Over the years, Dwelley has built a journeyman résumé, contributing on offense and special teams with several organizations, and remains active in professional football.
Early Life and Background
Ross Dwelley was born on January 26, 1995, in Sonora, California, USA. He grew up in El Dorado Hills, California, where he attended Oak Ridge High School. At Oak Ridge, he was a two-sport athlete, playing both baseball and football, and his athletic versatility became an early marker of his potential.
During his first two high school seasons, Dwelley played quarterback. He chose to sit out his junior year to concentrate on baseball, but Oak Ridge’s football coach convinced him to return to the sport for his senior season. The coaching staff moved him to tight end, a position change that shaped his future career path. As a senior, he recorded 43 catches for 568 receiving yards and five touchdowns and was named the team’s offensive MVP.
Path to American Football
Following high school, Dwelley committed to the University of San Diego to play college football for the San Diego Toreros. He redshirted his freshman year before working his way into a significant role with the program. His size, sure hands, and football instincts allowed him to develop into a reliable pass catcher at the tight end position.
Over four seasons at San Diego, Dwelley appeared in 47 games and made 44 starts. He finished his college career with 197 receptions for 2,305 yards and 26 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the most productive tight ends in program history. He was named Second-team All-Pioneer Football League three times and First-team All-PFL as a senior, when he also earned Third-team FCS All-American honors.
Ross Dwelley Career
Early Career (2018–2019)
Dwelley signed with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent on April 30, 2018. He was released at the end of training camp and quickly added to the team’s practice squad. On October 15, 2018, he was promoted to the active roster and made his NFL debut the same night in a Monday Night Football road loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Three weeks later, Dwelley caught his first NFL pass, an eight-yard reception, in a victory over the Oakland Raiders. He finished his rookie season with two receptions for 14 yards across 11 games. In his second year, he made his first start against the Los Angeles Rams, playing fullback, and scored his first two NFL touchdowns against the Arizona Cardinals, finishing 2019 with 15 receptions for 91 yards and two touchdowns. The 49ers reached Super Bowl LIV but lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.
San Francisco 49ers Tenure (2020–2023)
On March 24, 2020, Dwelley re-signed with the 49ers to a one-year contract and responded with 19 receptions for 245 yards and a touchdown in 16 games. He signed another one-year extension in March 2021 and contributed on offense and special teams the following season, including four receptions for 51 yards and a touchdown in 17 games.
In March 2022, Dwelley returned to the 49ers again and posted a career-long 56-yard reception against the Los Angeles Rams. He finished that year with three receptions for 105 yards and a touchdown in 12 games. He signed a new deal with San Francisco in March 2023 and remained with the organization through the end of that season.
Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions Era (2024–2025)
On May 13, 2024, Dwelley signed with the Atlanta Falcons as he sought a new opportunity after six seasons in San Francisco. His stint in Atlanta lasted one season before he returned to the 49ers on a one-year contract on May 2, 2025. He was released by San Francisco on August 15, 2025.
On September 16, 2025, Dwelley was signed to the Detroit Lions’ practice squad and was promoted to the active roster on September 24. In 11 appearances, including one start, he recorded two receptions for seven yards before being released by the Lions on December 9, 2025.
Notable Events and Milestones
Dwelley’s career includes his first NFL touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in 2019, a career-long 56-yard reception against the Los Angeles Rams in 2022, and an appearance in Super Bowl LIV with the San Francisco 49ers. His persistence as an undrafted free agent who played multiple seasons in the league stands as a notable career milestone.
Ross Dwelley Career Wins
Ross Dwelley has not been credited with a major league individual award during his NFL career, with his statistical production as a tight end centered on blocking and rotational receiving duties. His career wins are best measured through team success and consistency rather than personal accolades.
Team Highlights
During his six seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, Dwelley was part of a roster that reached Super Bowl LIV following the 2019 season. He contributed to a 49ers team that posted double-digit wins and playoff appearances across multiple years, including NFC Championship runs. His continued presence on practice squads and active rosters with the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, and Detroit Lions reflects his value as a reliable veteran contributor.
College and Pre-Professional Achievements
At the University of San Diego, Dwelley earned Second-team All-Pioneer Football League recognition in 2014, 2015, and 2016, followed by First-team All-PFL honors in 2017. He was also named Third-team FCS All-American in 2017 after leading all Football Championship Subdivision tight ends with 10 touchdown receptions that season.
Ross Dwelley Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Ross Dwelley was raised in El Dorado Hills, California, where he attended Oak Ridge High School. He graduated from the University of San Diego with a degree in industrial and systems engineering. Public details about his parents and immediate family remain limited.
Information about Dwelley’s marital status and children has not been publicly confirmed. He continues to live a low-profile personal life while focusing on his professional football career.
2025 Season Performance
Ross Dwelley entered the 2025 season without a team after being released by the San Francisco 49ers in mid-August. He signed with the Detroit Lions’ practice squad in mid-September before being elevated to the active roster later that month. His role in Detroit centered on tight end depth and special teams contributions.
Across 11 appearances with the Lions, including one start, Dwelley recorded two receptions for seven yards. He was released by Detroit on December 9, 2025, concluding his 2025 season on the open market as a veteran tight end available for future opportunities.