Russell Gage Bio
Russell Gage Jr. (born January 22, 1996) is an American professional football wide receiver who currently plays for the San Francisco 49ers. He rose to prominence after starring for the LSU Tigers in college, where he transitioned from defensive back to offensive contributor. Gage entered the National Football League when he was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL draft, and he has since built a steady career as a reliable pass catcher for multiple franchises.
Over the course of his professional career, Gage has suited up for the Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Baltimore Ravens, and San Francisco 49ers. Known for his work ethic and toughness, he has earned a reputation as a dependable receiver who can contribute in a variety of offensive schemes. His journey from a late-round draft pick to a multi-year veteran reflects consistent development and perseverance in a highly competitive league.
Early Life and Background
Russell Gage Jr. was born on January 22, 1996, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he grew up immersed in a strong football culture. Baton Rouge, the home of Louisiana State University, has long been regarded as a hotbed for developing football talent, and Gage was surrounded by the sport from an early age. The community’s deep ties to the LSU Tigers played a formative role in shaping his athletic interests.
Gage attended Redemptorist High School in Baton Rouge, where he played football and began building the foundation for his future career. At Redemptorist, he developed the skills and discipline that would later enable him to compete at the collegiate level. His high school experience helped him gain the attention of college recruiters, eventually leading him to remain in his hometown to play for the LSU Tigers.
Path to American Football
After completing his high school career at Redemptorist, Gage enrolled at Louisiana State University, where he played college football for the LSU Tigers from 2014 to 2017. During his first two seasons with the Tigers, he primarily played defensive back, working to earn his place on a competitive SEC roster. That early period allowed him to learn the speed and complexity of college football while developing his physical conditioning.
The turning point in Gage’s collegiate career came in Week 7 of his junior season, when he was moved onto the offense for a key victory over the number 22 Texas A&M Aggies. In that game, he led the run-heavy Tigers with five catches for 62 yards and a touchdown, marking his only receptions of the season. The performance demonstrated his natural ability as a receiver and set the stage for a larger role in his senior year.
During his senior season at LSU, Gage was used as both a running back and receiver, generating four touchdowns on just 49 touches. He also recorded 11 tackles as a special teams gunner, showcasing his versatility and willingness to contribute in every phase of the game. By the end of his college career, his combination of size, athleticism, and special teams value had attracted the attention of National Football League scouts.
Russell Gage Career
Early Career (2018–2019)
Despite posting modest college statistics, Russell Gage Jr. was not invited to the scouting combine of any of the major award games. However, he attracted significant attention after an exceptional Pro Day performance and earned a strong endorsement of his work ethic from his coaches at LSU. As a result, Gage was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the sixth round with the 194th overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft, four rounds behind fellow LSU wide receiver D. J. Chark.
As a rookie, Gage appeared in 15 games for a Falcons team that featured deep talent at the receiver position. He recorded his first professional reception in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a six-yard catch. In his rookie campaign, he totaled six receptions for 63 yards. Gage recorded his first professional receiving touchdown in Week 13 of the 2019 season against the New Orleans Saints. He finished the 2019 season with 49 receptions for 446 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown, ranking fourth on the team behind Calvin Ridley, pro-bowl-bound Julio Jones, and Austin Hooper.
Atlanta Falcons Breakthrough (2020–2021)
With Julio Jones injured for seven games and the departure of Austin Hooper, Gage stepped into a much larger role for the Atlanta Falcons in 2020. He became the second leading receiver for a Falcons team that finished the year with a 4–12 record. His breakthrough game came in the home opener on September 13 against the Seattle Seahawks, where he posted 114 receiving yards on nine receptions.
The following week, Gage caught six passes for 46 yards and a touchdown during a 40–39 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, and he added a 39-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Ridley in a Week 14 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. He finished the 2020 season with 72 receptions for 786 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns.
In 2021, Gage posted 11 receptions for 130 yards in a 30–17 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 13, and caught nine of 13 targets for 126 yards and a touchdown in a Week 18 loss to the New Orleans Saints. That final touchdown was both Gage’s and quarterback Matt Ryan’s last as members of the Atlanta Falcons. Despite missing two games due to injuries, he finished 2021 with 66 receptions for 770 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 14 games, ranking as the team’s second leading receiver behind rookie pro-bowler Kyle Pitts.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Era (2022–2023)
On March 18, 2022, Gage signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He recorded a career-best 12 receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown in a Week 3 loss to the Green Bay Packers and posted his first career multi-touchdown game in a Week 14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Gage finished the 2022 season with 51 receptions for 426 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 13 games.
On January 16, 2023, Gage suffered a neck injury during a Wild Card Round playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys and was carted off the field. Head coach Todd Bowles confirmed after the game that Gage had suffered a concussion and was being evaluated at a local hospital. The following morning, the team confirmed that he had movement in all extremities and would remain hospitalized for further testing.
In 2023, Gage suffered a torn patellar tendon during training camp and was placed on injured reserve on August 21, 2023. On March 11, 2024, the Buccaneers chose not to pick up the option for the final year of his contract, making him a free agent in the 2024 offseason.
San Francisco 49ers Era (2024–Present)
On August 6, 2024, Gage signed with the Baltimore Ravens, but he was released on August 26 as part of final roster cuts for the start of the 2024 season. On November 5, 2024, he was signed to the San Francisco 49ers’ practice squad, and on January 7, 2025, he signed a reserve/future contract with the team.
On August 26, 2025, Gage was released by the 49ers as part of final roster cuts, only to be re-signed to the active roster two days later. He was released again on September 3 and re-signed to the practice squad. On November 19, 2025, Gage was released by the 49ers.
Driving Style and Strengths
Although Gage is not a driver in the racing sense, his professional strengths mirror the qualities prized in elite competitors: versatility, dependability, and a willingness to contribute wherever his team needs him. He has lined up as a receiver, running back, and special teams gunner, demonstrating the kind of football intelligence and toughness that coaches value. His ability to absorb a heavy workload in the slot and on the outside has made him a trusted target for multiple quarterbacks throughout his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most dramatic moments of Gage’s career came on January 16, 2023, when he suffered a neck injury during a playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys and had to be carted off the field. His recovery and return to the league stand as a testament to his resilience. He has also recorded multiple career firsts, including his first NFL touchdown in 2019, his first multi-touchdown game in 2022, and his first professional reception in 2018, milestones that trace the steady rise of a late-round draft pick into a respected veteran.
Russell Gage Career Wins
While Russell Gage Jr. has not played in a position that produces traditional wins, his statistical milestones reflect his value as a productive receiver across multiple teams. He has surpassed the 700-yard receiving mark multiple times and has served as a primary or secondary target in high-volume passing offenses. The following summary highlights his most notable statistical accomplishments.
NFL Highlights
Gage’s most productive season came in 2020, when he posted 72 receptions for 786 receiving yards and four touchdowns as the second leading receiver for the Atlanta Falcons. He followed that with another strong campaign in 2021, recording 66 receptions for 770 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022, he tallied 51 receptions for 426 receiving yards and five touchdowns despite missing time on injured reserve.
Other Performances
In addition to his receiving work, Gage contributed as a runner, a returner on special teams, and a gunner during his LSU career, totaling 11 tackles in his senior season. His multi-phase usage at the collegiate and professional levels has helped him remain a serviceable contributor even when offensive opportunities have been limited.
Russell Gage Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Russell Gage Jr. grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where football is woven into the fabric of the community. While specific details about his parents and family lineage are not publicly documented in the available sources, his hometown connection to LSU played a defining role in his development as a player. His path from Redemptorist High School to LSU reflects a local upbringing grounded in Louisiana’s deep football traditions.
Personal Life
Russell Gage Jr. has kept much of his personal life private, and few public details about his immediate family, relationships, or children are available in the available sources. His public persona has remained focused on his professional career and his work ethic as a football player.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a turbulent one for Russell Gage Jr. After signing a reserve/future contract with the San Francisco 49ers on January 7, 2025, he was released as part of final roster cuts on August 26, 2025. He was re-signed to the active roster two days later before being released again on September 3 and re-signed to the practice squad, illustrating the constant movement common for veteran depth players at the league’s most competitive roster battles.
On November 19, 2025, Gage was released by the 49ers, closing the chapter on his most recent stint with the franchise. Throughout 2025, he remained a familiar presence on practice squads and short-term active-roster deals, showcasing the perseverance required to maintain a career in the NFL past the prime of a contract. His ability to bounce between teams reflects the respect he has earned as a reliable locker-room presence.
Looking ahead, Gage’s veteran experience, special teams background, and positional flexibility could position him as a candidate for another opportunity before the end of the 2025 league year. His track record of returning from significant injuries, including the neck injury he sustained in January 2023 and the torn patellar tendon in 2023, suggests that he will continue pursuing opportunities to contribute wherever they arise.