Steven Sims Bio
Steven Sims Jr. (born March 31, 1997) is an American professional football wide receiver and punt returner for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 178 cm tall and weighing 86 kg, he has built his pro career on the strength of his return game and slot-receiver skills since entering the league in 2019.
A Houston native who played college football for the Kansas Jayhawks, Sims signed with the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent and has since played for multiple franchises. His journey from a lightly recruited high school prospect to a dependable NFL special-teams contributor reflects persistence, versatility, and consistent on-field production.
Early Life and Background
Steven Sims Jr. was born on March 31, 1997, in Houston, Texas, USA. He grew up in Pecan Grove, a community in Fort Bend County near Houston, where he attended Travis High School. At Travis, he played high school football and developed into a multi-purpose athlete capable of contributing as a receiver and return specialist.
Coming out of high school, Sims was rated as a 2-star recruit, which meant he flew under the radar of most major college football programs. Despite that modest ranking, he chose to continue his football career at the University of Kansas, picking the Jayhawks over offers from McNeese State, Prairie View A&M, Southeastern Louisiana, Southern, and Stephen F. Austin.
Path to American Football
At the University of Kansas, Sims played as a wide receiver, kick returner, and punt returner from 2015 to 2018. During his four college seasons, he refined the route-running, ball-catching, and open-field running skills that would later define his professional profile.
Although Kansas struggled as a program during his tenure, Sims consistently produced in the return game and as a slot target. His college tape and measurables were enough to attract NFL interest after his senior season, even though he was not selected in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Steven Sims Career
Early Career (2019)
On April 30, 2019, Sims signed with the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent. He quickly earned a roster spot and made his first career reception, a three-yard gain from quarterback Case Keenum, in a Week 2 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. In that same game he added three rushing attempts for sixteen yards, hinting at the gadget-role usage that would become a hallmark of his early career.
Sims recorded his first career touchdown on October 6, 2019, a 65-yard rushing score against the New England Patriots. He later added a 91-yard kickoff return touchdown in a Week 12 win over the Detroit Lions, an effort that earned him NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors. He closed his rookie year with 34 receptions for 310 receiving yards and four touchdowns, a strong debut for an undrafted rookie.
Washington Football Team Era (2020)
In 2020, Sims played the first three games of the season before a knee injury sent him to injured reserve on October 9, 2020. He returned to the active roster on November 7 and went on to appear in twelve regular-season games, finishing with 27 receptions for 265 yards and one receiving touchdown.
Sims also made his first playoff appearance that postseason. In the Wild Card Playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he caught three passes for 33 yards and scored the only Washington receiving touchdown of the contest. Washington released him on August 23, 2021, ending his tenure with the organization.
Pittsburgh Steelers Era (2021-2022)
After a brief stint with the Buffalo Bills, Sims signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers’ practice squad on September 1, 2021. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Steelers on January 19, 2022, securing his place on the offseason roster.
During the 2022 season, Sims played in 12 games and recorded 14 receptions for 104 receiving yards, while also adding 13 rushing attempts for 70 yards. He served as a versatile complementary piece in the Steelers’ offense and on special teams.
Houston Texans Era (2023-2024)
On March 24, 2023, Sims signed with the Houston Texans. After being released on August 29, 2023, he was re-signed to the practice squad before being promoted to the active roster on January 16, 2024. In the Divisional Round of the playoffs, Sims returned a punt 67 yards for a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens, though Houston fell 34-10.
Sims re-signed with the Texans on March 21, 2024, continuing his role as a return specialist and depth receiver. He was released on December 20, 2024, opening the door for the next chapter of his career.
Baltimore Ravens and Seattle Seahawks Era (2024-2025)
On December 23, 2024, Sims was claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Ravens, giving him a late-season opportunity in the AFC North. He then signed with the Seattle Seahawks on March 25, 2025, looking to compete for a spot in their receiver and return units.
On August 26, 2025, Sims was released by the Seahawks with an injury settlement as part of final roster cuts, ending his time in Seattle.
Arizona Cardinals Era (2025-Present)
On December 9, 2025, Sims signed with the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad, joining his current NFL team. He continues to serve as a wide receiver and punt returner, providing experienced depth in the slot and on special teams.
Driving Style and Strengths
Steven Sims Jr. is known for his quick-twitch acceleration, reliable hands in traffic, and underrated contact balance as a runner after the catch. His strengths show up most clearly on punt and kickoff returns, where his vision and burst allow him to turn routine touches into chunk gains. Coaches have valued his flexibility to line up in the slot, take jet sweeps, and contribute on special-teams coverage units.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his signature moments, Sims’ 91-yard kickoff return touchdown against the Detroit Lions in 2019 earned him NFC Special Teams Player of the Week. He also owns a 65-yard rushing touchdown against the New England Patriots and a 67-yard punt return score against the Baltimore Ravens in the 2023 playoffs, showcasing the big-play ability that has kept him in the league.
Steven Sims Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Steven Sims Jr.’s immediate family is limited. He grew up in the Houston area and developed his football foundation at Travis High School in Pecan Grove, Texas.
Personal Life
Steven Sims Jr. is known professionally by his full name. Verified details about his spouse, children, or extended family life have not been publicly confirmed, and those topics are not addressed here.
2025 Season Performance
Steven Sims Jr.’s 2025 campaign began with a fresh start after signing with the Seattle Seahawks on March 25, 2025. He competed throughout the offseason program and training camp for a roster spot in a crowded receiver room, showcasing his return-game value and slot skills.
On August 26, 2025, Sims was released by the Seahawks with an injury settlement as part of final roster cuts. He then signed with the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad on December 9, 2025, rejoining an NFL active environment and positioning himself for a late-season opportunity.
Looking ahead, Sims enters the back end of the 2025 season as an experienced depth receiver and return specialist. His mix of big-play history on special teams and familiarity with multiple offensive systems makes him a candidate to be elevated to the active roster should injuries create a need in the Cardinals’ receiving corps or return units.