Shemar Bridges has become one of the most promising wide receivers in the Canadian Football League (CFL), making a significant impact during his rookie season with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
The 27-year-old American athlete has captured attention with his impressive performance and record-breaking achievements in professional football.
Shemar Bridges’ Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shemar Bridges |
| Date of Birth | December 26, 1997 |
| Age | 27 years old |
| Height | 6’4″ |
| Weight | 208 lbs |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Potter’s House Christian Academy, Tusculum University, Fort Valley State University |
| Turned Pro | 2022 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $100,000 – $200,000 |
| Instagram Profile | @sho_time17 |
Early Career
Shemar Bridges’ football journey began in Jacksonville, Florida, where he attended Potter’s House Christian Academy. During his high school years, he played as a wide receiver and showed remarkable potential that would later define his professional career. His high school performance caught the attention of college scouts, leading to opportunities at the collegiate level.
After graduating from high school, Bridges initially enrolled at Tusculum University in 2016, where he redshirted his freshman season before playing in 2017 and 2018.
However, seeking better opportunities and a program that would maximize his potential, he made the decision to transfer to Fort Valley State University in 2019. This move proved to be pivotal in his development as a player.
At Fort Valley State, Bridges flourished as a wide receiver, becoming one of the team’s most reliable targets. Despite playing in only 16 games over three seasons due to various circumstances including injuries and the COVID-19 pandemic, he managed to record impressive statistics.
His time at Fort Valley State not only honed his skills but also prepared him for the professional level, setting the foundation for his future success in professional football.
Professional Career
Bridges’ professional career began in 2022 when he signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent. His impressive preseason performance, particularly a standout game against the Tennessee Titans where he caught four passes for 62 yards and a touchdown, showcased his potential at the professional level.
Despite his strong showing, he spent time on the Ravens’ practice squad during the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
The turning point in Bridges’ career came when he signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on January 25, 2024. His impact was immediate and significant, as he quickly became one of the team’s primary offensive weapons.
Throughout the 2024 CFL season, Bridges demonstrated exceptional consistency and reliability, establishing himself as a favorite target for quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell.
His rookie season was nothing short of spectacular, as he set a new Hamilton Tiger-Cats franchise record for receptions by a first-year player with 83 catches, surpassing the previous mark of 76 set by Jalen Saunders in 2017.
Unfortunately, his season ended prematurely due to a quadriceps injury that sidelined him for the final three games. Despite the injury setback, his performance earned him recognition as the CFL East Division’s Most Outstanding Rookie.
Shemar Bridges’ Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Shemar Bridges’ net worth is estimated to be $100,000, primarily earned through his professional football contracts and career earnings.
Contract
Bridges’ professional football contracts have been modest compared to established NFL players. His initial three-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens from 2022-2024 was worth $2,565,000 with a signing bonus of $5,000 and only $5,000 guaranteed.
However, he earned significantly less than the contract’s total value, with career earnings from the Ravens totaling approximately $74,000.
Salary
His salary structure reflects that of an undrafted free agent trying to establish himself in professional football. During his time with the Baltimore Ravens, Bridges earned $69,000 in 2022 while on the practice squad.
His 2023 contract with the Ravens was worth $750,000, though specific earnings from that season are not publicly available. His current CFL contract details with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats have not been disclosed publicly.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | League | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Baltimore Ravens (PS) | NFL | $69,000 |
| 2023 | Baltimore Ravens (PS) | NFL | $25,000 |
| 2024 | Hamilton Tiger-Cats | CFL | $100,000 |
| 2025 | Hamilton Tiger-Cats | CFL | $120,000 (est.) |
Career Stats
| League | Season | Team | Games | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CFL | 2024 | Hamilton Tiger-Cats | 15 | 83 | 933 | 4 | 11.2 |
| CFL | 2025 | Hamilton Tiger-Cats | 4 | 8 | 71 | 0 | 8.9 |
| CFL Total | 19 | 91 | 1,004 | 4 | 11.0 |
FAQs
1. What records did Shemar Bridges break in his rookie CFL season?
Bridges set a new Hamilton Tiger-Cats franchise record for receptions by a first-year player with 83 catches, surpassing the previous mark of 76 set by Jalen Saunders. He was also pursuing the CFL rookie reception record of 89 catches held by Derel Walker before his season ended due to injury.
2. What college did Shemar Bridges attend?
Bridges attended two colleges during his career. He initially played at Tusculum University from 2016-2018, then transferred to Fort Valley State University where he played from 2019-2021. His most productive years came at Fort Valley State, where he recorded 92 receptions for 1,358 yards and seven touchdowns.
3. What awards has Shemar Bridges won in his professional career?
Bridges earned several honors including the CFL East Division Most Outstanding Rookie Award, Hamilton Tiger-Cats Most Outstanding Rookie Award, and selection to the East Division All-CFL Team. He was also a finalist for the league-wide CFL Most Outstanding Rookie Award.
4. What injury ended Shemar Bridges’ 2024 season?
Bridges suffered a quadriceps injury that forced him to miss the final three games of the 2024 CFL season. The injury prevented him from potentially breaking the CFL rookie reception record and ended what had been a spectacular debut season with the Tiger-Cats.
5. How tall is Shemar Bridges and what position does he play?
Bridges stands 6’4″ tall and weighs 208 pounds, playing the wide receiver position. His height and physical frame make him an ideal target for contested catches and red zone situations, contributing to his effectiveness as a professional football player.
