“James Royals,” but in the NFL, the rising star you are likely looking for is Jalen Royals. As we step into 2026, fans are buzzing about the potential of this Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver.
Whether you know him as Jalen or accidentally call him James, his journey from a college standout to an NFL roster spot is a story of grit and determination.
Jalen Royals’ Biography
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jalen Royals |
| Date of Birth | February 18, 2003 |
| Age | 22 |
| Education | Utah State University |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Weight | 205 lbs (93 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2025 (Drafted by Chiefs) |
| Current Team | Kansas City Chiefs |
| Position | Wide Receiver |
| Net Worth | Approx. $800,000 – $1 Million |
| Salary | $1,005,000 (Base) |
| Relationship Status | Single / Private |
| Instagram Profile | @j.royals (Unofficial/Private) |
| Draft Status | 2025 Round 4, Pick 133 |
Early Career
Jalen Royals’ path to the NFL was not a straight line, which makes his arrival in the league even more impressive. He grew up in Powder Springs, Georgia, where he attended Hillgrove High School.
Unlike many five-star recruits who have offers from every major program, Royals had to earn his way up from the bottom. His high school career showed flashes of brilliance, but he was under the radar for many top-tier college scouts.
This lack of immediate attention fueled his hunger to succeed and proved that he was willing to work harder than anyone else in the room.
His collegiate journey began at Georgia Military College, a junior college program known for molding tough, disciplined athletes. During his time there, Royals focused on refining his route running and building the physical strength necessary for Division I football.
His dedication paid off when he transferred to Utah State University. It was here that he truly exploded onto the national scene. In his final season with the Aggies in 2023, he shattered expectations by recording over 1,000 receiving yards and scoring a school-record 15 touchdowns.
This breakout performance caught the eyes of NFL scouts who were looking for a playmaker with a nose for the end zone.
Professional Career
The professional chapter of Jalen Royals’ life began in April 2025 when the Kansas City Chiefs selected him in the fourth round of the NFL Draft with the 133rd overall pick.
Joining a team with a championship pedigree and a superstar quarterback like Patrick Mahomes was the perfect scenario for a young receiver.
The Chiefs valued his ability to create separation and his knack for making contested catches, traits he displayed consistently at Utah State.
During his rookie season in 2025, Royals faced the typical learning curve of a first-year player in a complex offense. While he started the season deeper on the depth chart, he spent the year absorbing the playbook and adjusting to the speed of the professional game.
He saw his first professional action early in the season, primarily contributing on special teams and in specific offensive packages designed to utilize his speed. Although his rookie stat line was modest, the coaching staff praised his work ethic and potential.
As he enters the 2026 offseason, expectations are high that he will compete for a more significant role in the Chiefs’ receiving rotation.
Jalen Royals’ Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Jalen Royals has an estimated net worth between $800,000 and $1 Million.
Contract
Jalen Royals signed a standard four-year rookie contract with the Kansas City Chiefs in May 2025. The total value of the deal is approximately $5,067,200. This contract binds him to the team through the 2028 season.
A key component of this deal was the signing bonus of $867,200, which was fully guaranteed and paid out during his rookie year. This upfront cash provided the bulk of his initial net worth.
Salary
For the 2026 NFL season, Jalen Royals is set to earn a base salary of $1,005,000. This is a scheduled increase from his rookie base salary of roughly $795,000.
In the NFL, base salaries for draft picks are fixed by the collective bargaining agreement, ensuring that players like Royals receive fair compensation that rises with each year of experience.
This salary is fully unguaranteed unless he makes the final roster, which motivates him to perform at a high level during training camp.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Total Cash Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Chiefs | $795,000 | $867,200 | $1,662,200 |
| 2026* | Chiefs | $1,005,000 | – | $1,005,000 |
| Total | $1,800,000 | $867,200 | $2,667,200 |
Career Stats
| Season | Team | GP | Rec | Yards | Avg | TDs | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 (NCAA) | Utah State | 13 | 71 | 1,080 | 15.2 | 15 | 71 |
| 2024 (NCAA) | Utah State | 12 | 55 | 834 | 15.1 | 6 | 50 |
| 2025 (NFL) | Chiefs | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | NFL | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
FAQs
1. Who is Jalen Royals?
Jalen Royals is an American professional football wide receiver who currently plays for the Kansas City Chiefs in the National Football League (NFL). The Chiefs selected him in the fourth round with the 133rd overall pick during the 2025 NFL Draft following his productive college career.
2. What colleges did Royals attend?
He played college football at Utah State University, transferring there after spending his freshman season at Georgia Military College. During his tenure at Utah State, he developed into a standout receiver and earned First Team All-Mountain West honors for his exceptional performance on the field.
3. What are his contract terms?
Royals signed a four-year rookie contract with the Kansas City Chiefs valued at approximately $5.07 million. The deal includes a signing bonus of roughly $867,200 and provides an average annual salary of about $1.27 million, keeping him under contract through the 2028 season.
4. What were his college statistics?
He recorded a total of 126 receptions for 1,914 yards and 21 touchdowns during his time at Utah State. His junior season was particularly notable, as he set a school record with 15 touchdown catches and led the nation in touchdown receptions of 50-plus yards.
5. How fast is Jalen Royals?
The wide receiver posted an official 40-yard dash time of 4.42 seconds at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. Scouts and analysts highlighted his quickness and ability to separate from defenders as key physical traits that improved his draft stock before he entered the league.
