Jaylen Waddle is an American football wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins in the National Football League (NFL).
Born November 25, 1998, in Houston, Texas, Waddle played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide at the University of Alabama.
He was drafted 6th overall by the Miami Dolphins in the 2021 NFL Draft.
In this article, you will know Jaylen Waddle’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Jaylen Waddle’s Biography
| Full Name | Jaylen Waddle |
| Nickname | Jaylen Waddle |
| Birth Date | November 25, 1998 |
| Height | 5′ 10″ (1.78 m) |
| Birthplace | Houston, Texas |
| Nationality | American |
| Current Net Worth | $15 million |
| Relationship Status | Single/Unknown |
| Instagram Profile | @jaylenwaddle |
Jaylen Waddle was born in Houston, Texas, on November 25, 1998, to parents Jaylen Waddle Sr. and Lesha Redmon.
He attended Episcopal High School in Bellaire, Texas, where he developed his skills as a wide receiver.
Waddle’s high school career highlight was his appearance in the US Army All-American game.
After high school, Waddle committed to play at the University of Alabama, choosing the Crimson Tide over other programs such as the University of Texas, Texas A&M, Florida State University, and the University of Oregon.
College Career
During his college career at Alabama, Waddle earned several awards and accolades, including the SEC Freshman of the Year, SEC Special Teams Player of the Year, First-Team SEC, Second-Team SEC, and CFP National Champion.
By the end of his college career, Waddle had recorded 1,999 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns.
NFL Career
The Miami Dolphins drafted Jaylen Waddle as the 6th overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft. He signed a 4-year rookie deal worth around $27 million in 2021.
Waddle set the NFL rookie record for receptions in his rookie season with 104, finishing the season with 1,015 yards and 7 total touchdowns.
In 2022, Waddle had 75 receptions, 1,356 receiving yards, and 8 receiving touchdowns, setting career highs.
He also led the league in average yards gained per reception with 18.1 yards.
Jaylen Waddle’s Net Worth Details
Jaylen Waddle’s net worth is estimated to be $15 million as of 2025. Miami Dolphins wide receiver Waddle’s prime sources of earnings are his NFL salaries, endorsements, and sponsorship deals.
Contract and Salary
Jaylen Waddle signed a 4-year contract with the Miami Dolphins worth $27,085,993, including a $17,058,904 signing bonus and $27,085,993 guaranteed.
In 2023, Waddle will earn a base salary of $940,000 and a roster bonus of $2,182,364, with a cap hit of $7,387,090.
Career Earnings
| Year | Earnings |
| 2021 | $17,718,904 |
| 2022 | $1,891,182 |
| 2023 | $3,122,364 |
Endorsements
Waddle has signed endorsement deals with several brands, including Nike, Raising Cane’s, Panini, Truist, Tropical Chevy Miami, and City Furniture.
Career Statistics
| Season | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving Touchdowns |
| 2021 | 104 | 1,015 | 7 |
| 2022 | 75 | 1,356 | 8 |
FAQs
Who is Jaylen Waddle?
Jaylen Waddle is an NFL wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins. He’s known for his incredible speed and playmaking ability. Waddle was born on November 25, 1998, in Houston, Texas, and played college football at Alabama before being drafted by the Dolphins in 2021.
When was Jaylen Waddle drafted?
Jaylen Waddle was drafted in the 2021 NFL Draft. The Miami Dolphins picked him 6th overall in the first round. This reunited him with his college quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, who was already playing for the Dolphins.
What college did Jaylen Waddle attend?
Waddle played college football at the University of Alabama. He was part of a star-studded receiving corps that included other future NFL players like Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III, and DeVonta Smith.
What are Jaylen Waddle’s biggest strengths as a player?
Waddle’s biggest strength is his blazing speed, which often makes him resemble a cheetah. He’s great at catching deep passes, making defenders miss after the catch, and returning punts and kicks. He’s also known for his ability to change directions quickly and run crisp routes.
Has Jaylen Waddle broken any records?
In his rookie season (2021), Waddle set the NFL record for most receptions by a rookie with 104 catches. This broke the previous record of 101 held by Anquan Boldin.
How tall is Jaylen Waddle?
Waddle is listed at 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 meters) tall. He’s not the biggest receiver, but his speed and agility compensate for his lack of height.
What kind of contract did Jaylen Waddle sign as a rookie?
After being drafted, Waddle signed a four-year rookie contract worth about $27 million, which averages around $6.77 million per year.
How has Jaylen Waddle performed in the NFL so far?
Waddle has had a strong start to his NFL career. He had over 1,000 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns in his rookie year. He improved even more in his second season (2022), with 1,356 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns. He’s quickly become one of the Dolphins’ top offensive weapons.
What’s Jaylen Waddle’s nickname?
While it’s not an official nickname, Waddle is often called “The Cheetah” because of his incredible speed on the field.
How does Jaylen Waddle fit into the Dolphins’ offense?
Waddle is a key part of the Dolphins’ passing attack. He pairs with Tyreek Hill to form one of the fastest wide receiver duos in the NFL. While Hill is often seen as the top option, Waddle’s role is still crucial, especially with his ability to make big plays and his chemistry with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa from their time together at Alabama.
