Zach Wilson Bio
Zachary Kapono Wilson is an American professional football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). Born on August 3, 1999, in Draper, Utah, he played college football for the BYU Cougars. Wilson was selected second overall by the New York Jets in the 2021 NFL draft. After a rocky tenure with the Jets, he was traded to the Denver Broncos in 2024 and signed with the Dolphins in 2025.
Early Life and Background
Zachary Kapono Wilson was born in Draper, Utah, on August 3, 1999. He attended Corner Canyon High School in Draper, where he played football and earned recognition as a strong dual-threat quarterback. As a senior, he passed for 2,986 yards and 24 touchdowns while also rushing for 752 yards and eight touchdowns.
Wilson was born to Michael and Lisa Wilson (née Neeleman) and grew up with three brothers and two sisters. One of his brothers, Isaac Wilson, is also a college quarterback. He is part Hawaiian on his father’s side, and his middle name Kapono means “righteous” in the Hawaiian language. Other notable relatives include airline entrepreneur David Neeleman and HealthEquity co-founder Stephen Neeleman.
Wilson was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder as a child, a trait that runs in his family. He was baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints but has described himself as spiritual rather than active in church life.
Path to American Football
Wilson originally committed to play quarterback at Boise State University before later decommitting and choosing to attend Brigham Young University (BYU). As a true freshman at BYU in 2018, he played in nine games and made seven starts, becoming the youngest quarterback to start a game in program history. He was named the MVP of the 2018 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl after a flawless passing performance.
Across his three college seasons, Wilson developed into one of the top quarterback prospects in the country. His junior campaign in 2020 was especially strong, as he broke Steve Young’s school record for single-season completion percentage. He received the 2020 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award for his play that season.
Zach Wilson Career
Early Career (2021)
The New York Jets selected Wilson second overall in the 2021 NFL draft, making him the highest-drafted quarterback in BYU history. He signed a four-year, fully guaranteed deal worth $35.15 million with a $22.9 million signing bonus. Wilson opened the season as the Jets’ starting quarterback and earned his first career win in Week 4 against the Tennessee Titans.
His rookie year was interrupted by a knee injury suffered against the New England Patriots in Week 7, which forced him to miss four games. Wilson finished his debut season with 2,334 passing yards, nine touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and a 3–10 record in games he started.
New York Jets Tenure (2021–2023)
Wilson missed the start of the 2022 season with a bone bruise and meniscus tear suffered during the preseason. Upon his return in Week 4, he led the Jets to a comeback win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and sparked a four-game winning streak. Despite posting a career-high 355 passing yards against the New England Patriots later that season, inconsistent play led to his eventual demotion behind Mike White and Joe Flacco.
In 2023, Wilson began the year as the backup to Aaron Rodgers but was thrust into the starting role after Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles injury on the opening drive. He recorded notable performances against the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, and was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for 301 yards and two touchdowns against the Houston Texans in Week 14. A concussion in the next game against the Miami Dolphins ended his 2023 season.
Denver Broncos Era (2024)
On April 23, 2024, the Denver Broncos acquired Wilson and a 2024 seventh-round pick from the Jets in exchange for a 2024 sixth-round pick. The Broncos declined the fifth-year option on his contract, making him a free agent after the season. Denver listed Wilson as the third-string quarterback behind Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham, and he did not appear in any regular-season game during his only year with the team.
Miami Dolphins Era (2025–Present)
On March 17, 2025, Wilson signed a one-year, $6 million deal with the Miami Dolphins. He joined the franchise looking to revitalize his career as a backup and potential spot starter behind the team’s incumbent quarterback. His contract runs through the 2026 league year.
Notable Events and Milestones
Wilson became the highest-drafted quarterback in BYU history when the Jets selected him second overall in 2021. His 117.9 passer rating against the Houston Texans in 2023 marked the highest mark of his career to that point, and his strong outing earned him AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors.
Zach Wilson Career Wins
Zach Wilson has accumulated regular-season wins across his time with the Jets, Broncos, and Dolphins, with his most productive stretch coming during the 2022 and 2023 seasons in New York.
New York Jets Highlights
Wilson earned his first NFL win in Week 4 of the 2021 season against the Tennessee Titans, completing 21 of 34 passes for 297 yards and two touchdowns. He later guided the Jets to a Week 4 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022, sparking a four-game winning streak. In 2023, he led New York to wins over the Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, and Houston Texans before a concussion ended his season.
Other Wins and Performances
Outside of his NFL starts, Wilson earned MVP honors in both the 2018 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl and the 2020 Boca Raton Bowl during his time at BYU. His standout junior season in 2020 cemented his status as a top NFL prospect.
Zach Wilson Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Wilson is married to Nicolette Dellanno. The couple announced their engagement in June 2024 and were married on June 28, 2025, in New York City. He maintains close ties to his large family, including his brothers and sisters, with brother Isaac Wilson continuing the family’s football tradition at the college level.
Wilson’s Polynesian heritage and his family’s ties to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have shaped his personal identity. He has spoken publicly about living with ADHD and the importance of faith and family in his life.
2025 Season Performance
Wilson entered the 2025 season with the Miami Dolphins on a one-year contract worth $6 million. He joined the team as a veteran backup option and brought starting experience from his years with the Jets. His role in Miami was viewed as a chance to reset his career and contribute in a supportive capacity.
Throughout the season, Wilson served as a steady presence in the Dolphins’ quarterback room. His familiarity with complex NFL schemes from his time in New York and Denver made him a valuable resource for the offense.
Looking ahead, Wilson’s contract runs through the 2026 league year, leaving the door open for a longer-term role in Miami or elsewhere depending on his performance. His 2025 campaign represented an important opportunity to demonstrate that he remains a capable NFL starter.