Cedrick Wilson Jr.: Tennessee’s Sports Celebrity Icon
In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the life and career of Cedrick Wilson Jr., a notable figure in American football. Born on November 20, 1995, Wilson is known for his dynamic role as a wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins in the National Football League (NFL).
His journey from high school football at White Station High School in Memphis, Tennessee, to becoming a standout player at Boise State University, and eventually making his mark in the NFL, is a story of determination, skill, and resilience.
This article will provide an in-depth look at each stage of his career, highlighting his achievements and challenges, and showcasing how he has become a sports celebrity icon, particularly in Tennessee.
Early Years and High School Stardom
Cedrick Wilson Jr.’s path to the NFL began in Memphis, Tennessee. At White Station High School, he initially made a mark as a quarterback in his junior year. His senior year was nothing short of spectacular.
Wilson completed 142 of 239 passes for 1,973 yards, throwing 22 passing touchdowns and adding 7 more on the ground. His stellar play propelled his team to the Class 6A semifinals. For his performances, he was bestowed with 6A All-State honors, second-team 16-AAA All-District recognition, and was named the offensive player of the year by the Touchdown Club of Memphis.
Coffeyville Community College Highlights
Before making his way to Boise State, Wilson honed his skills at Coffeyville Community College. His freshman year was marked by 629 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, earning him All-conference honors.
His sophomore year was even more impressive: he caught 66 passes for 1,045 yards — the second-highest in school history — and scored 17 touchdowns, ranking fourth in the nation. His outstanding performance secured him a spot as a second-team Junior College All-American.
Boise State University
At Boise State University, Wilson’s talents continued to flourish. In his junior year, he played in 12 games, starting five. He notched 56 receptions for 1,129 yards and led the team with 11 touchdowns.
His versatility was on display as he returned 13 punts for 132 yards and 13 kickoffs for 277 yards. A highlight was a 61-yard touchdown pass against Utah State. Remarkably, he achieved these feats while playing most of the season with torn ligaments in his left ankle.
Senior Year Excellence
Wilson’s senior year was a showcase of his capabilities. Starting all 13 games, he led the team with 83 receptions for 1,511 yards and scored seven touchdowns. His kick return skills were also evident, returning 18 kickoffs for 465 yards.
A standout performance came against Virginia, where he set career-highs in receptions (13) and receiving yards (209) in a single game. Wilson’s resilience shone through as he played through an ankle injury, including a remarkable performance in the Las Vegas Bowl against Oregon, where he earned MVP honors after making 10 receptions for 221 yards and a touchdown.
NFL Draft and Early Professional Career
Wilson’s NFL journey began when he was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, 208th overall. However, his rookie season faced a setback when he was placed on injured reserve due to a torn labrum in his shoulder.
Overcoming Challenges
The following year, Wilson faced another hurdle when he was released by the Cowboys, having been passed on the depth chart by Devin Smith. However, he didn’t let this setback deter him. Wilson was signed to the practice squad and then promoted to the active roster, serving as the No. 5 receiver. His season ended prematurely due to a knee injury, but he had made his mark with five receptions for 46 yards and roles as both kickoff and punt returner.
Breakout Year and Restricted Free Agency
In 2020, Wilson appeared in all 16 games, showcasing his growing role in the team. He made 17 receptions for 189 yards and scored two receiving touchdowns. Additionally, he completed two passes for 23 yards, including a memorable 11-yard touchdown pass to quarterback Dak Prescott. His most notable game came against the Seattle Seahawks, where he had five receptions for 107 yards and two touchdowns.
Restricted Free Agent Tender
Recognizing his potential, the Cowboys placed an original round restricted free agent tender on Wilson on March 17, 2021. He signed the one-year contract in April. With teammate Michael Gallup sidelined due to injuries, Wilson’s role expanded as he became a primary deep-ball threat.
His performances included a 73-yard touchdown reception against the Minnesota Vikings and a career-best game against the Philadelphia Eagles, with 5 receptions for 119 yards and two touchdowns. He finished the season with career highs in every category: 602 yards and 6 touchdowns on 45 receptions.
In the spotlight of sports celebrity, Cedrick Wilson Jr.’s story unfolds as a testament to Tennessee’s proud heritage. As he maneuvers the football fields with finesse, representing the Miami Dolphins with distinction, Wilson’s journey resonates deeply with both states. Let’s explore his accomplishments and connect the dots with the sports culture of Tennessee, where fans can amplify their sports engagement with welcome offers from Tennessee sportsbooks.
Joining the Miami Dolphins: A New Chapter
On March 17, 2022, Wilson started a new chapter in his career by signing a three-year, $22.8 million contract with the Miami Dolphins. Despite a diminished role behind stars like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and the emergence of Trent Sherfield, Wilson contributed with 12 receptions for 136 yards and 13 punt returns for 97 yards in 15 games.
Contract Restructuring
In August 2023, the Dolphins restructured Wilson’s contract, signaling their continued investment in his capabilities and role in the team.
Legacy and Influence: Following in His Father’s Footsteps
Cedrick Wilson Jr.’s journey is even more remarkable considering his family background. His father, Cedrick Wilson Sr., was also an NFL wide receiver, playing for seven years with the San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers. He won Super Bowl XL in 2006 with the Steelers. The younger Wilson’s career reflects not only his personal talents and perseverance but also the legacy of his family in the sport.