Jaylen Waddle is a professional American football wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins in the NFL. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, he attended Episcopal High School in Bellaire, where he displayed exceptional athleticism and versatility on the field.[4][6] Waddle then starred at the University of Alabama, earning recognition as a standout return specialist with a career 19.3 yards per punt return average, the highest among Crimson Tide returners.[1] During his college tenure, he posted multiple 100-yard receiving games, including 161 yards and a touchdown against Georgia, and earned SEC Special Teams Player of the Week honors after a 128-yard punt return performance versus Texas A&M.[1] Selected sixth overall by the Dolphins in the 2021 NFL Draft, Waddle quickly established himself as a dynamic playmaker alongside quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. In his rookie season, he recorded 1,015 receiving yards and nine touchdowns over 16 games.[2][3] His career stats through the 2025 season include consistent production across five years with Miami, highlighted by explosive plays such as a 90-yard touchdown at Alabama and NFL highlights like a 142-yard receiving game and clutch fourth-down conversions.[1][3][4] Notable achievements encompass Pro Bowl selections and his role in high-speed offenses, often syncing with teammate Tyreek Hill.[4][5] At age 27, standing 5-10 and 185 pounds, Waddle remains a key asset for the Dolphins, thriving in recent seasons even amid injuries to peers like Hill.[4][5] As of late 2025, Miami retained him at the trade deadline amid rumors, underscoring his value; news emphasized his impact in games, with no trades materialized.[5] His speed, hands (9 1/4 inches), and return skills continue to make him a pivotal offensive and special teams contributor.[3][4]