40 Facts About Jeff Wilson

Early Life and Family

Jeff Wilson Jr.'s journey to the NFL began in a small Texas town, where his family and early experiences shaped his future.

1. Jeff Wilson Jr. was born in Palestine, Texas, and grew up in Elkhart, Texas, roughly 10 miles from the hometown of NFL running back Adrian Peterson.
2. Wilson has been drumming since he was two years old. His father, Jeff Wilson Sr., sang in a gospel group, and Wilson often backed him up on the drums.
3. Wilson attended Elkhart High School, where he starred in football. He and his father regularly attended Adrian Peterson's high school games to study his playing style.

College Career

Wilson's college years at the University of North Texas were marked by impressive stats and standout performances.

4. After high school, Wilson enrolled at the University of North Texas, where he played for the Mean Green football team.
5. During his four-year college career, he averaged over 5.7 yards per carry, ran for 3,204 yards, caught 70 passes for 527 yards, and scored 34 total touchdowns.

NFL Journey

Despite going undrafted, Wilson's determination led him to a successful career with the San Francisco 49ers and beyond.

6. Despite his impressive college stats, Wilson went undrafted in the 2018 NFL Draft. However, he signed as an undrafted free agent with the San Francisco 49ers.
7. During training camp, Wilson was waived but managed to stick around on the 49ers’ practice squad. He eventually worked his way into a promotion to the main roster.
8. In his first two NFL seasons, Wilson played a limited role, carrying the ball only 93 times. However, he remained a valuable asset to the team.

Breakthrough Season (2020)

The 2020 season was a turning point for Wilson, showcasing his abilities on a larger stage.

9. Wilson's big break came in the 2020 season when injuries to the 49ers’ running backs, including Raheem Mostert, gave him the opportunity to showcase his abilities.
10. He responded with a standout performance, rushing for 112 yards and three touchdowns against the New England Patriots in Week 7.
11. From Week 14 to Week 17, Wilson registered double-digit carries in every game and at least 16 in the last three. He rumbled for 350 yards in that four-game span and scored three touchdowns.
12. As a receiver, he added a couple more scores, ending the season as the RB32 in fantasy football.

Injury and Recovery

Wilson faced challenges in 2021, but his resilience and determination kept him in the game.

13. A knee injury forced Wilson to open the 2021 season on the PUP list. He missed the first nine games of the season, which allowed rookie Elijah Mitchell to take over as the starting running back.
14. By the time Wilson returned, Mitchell had solidified his position as the starter. Wilson did fill in as the starter a few times but couldn’t replicate his 2020 magic, playing only 38.6% of the team's snaps and registering just 8 targets.

Speed and Power

Wilson's physical abilities have always been a key part of his game, even if his 40-yard dash time didn't reflect it.

15. Despite his 40-yard dash time of 4.57 seconds, which was the slowest on the team behind other backs like Raheem Mostert (4.32), Wilson's game speed is impressive.
16. He reached 20.86 mph on a Week 15 run play against the Dallas Cowboys, the third-fastest speed for any ball-carrier that week.

Career Highlights

Wilson has had several standout moments that highlight his skills and contributions to the team.

17. Wilson had a career day in Week 16 against the Arizona Cardinals, rushing for 183 yards on 22 attempts. He also caught one pass for a 21-yard touchdown, overtaking Raheem Mostert for the team’s rushing lead.
18. Wilson led the 49ers in rushing that season, adding his name to a list of the team’s leading rushers over the past four seasons, which included Mostert (772 yards in 2019), Matt Breida (814 yards in 2018), and Carlos Hyde (938 yards in 2017).

Transition to Miami Dolphins

A new chapter began for Wilson with his trade to the Miami Dolphins.

19. As of the latest news, Jeff Wilson Jr. has been traded to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a 2023 fifth-round draft choice, marking a new chapter in his NFL career.

Personal Life and Interests

Wilson's life off the field is just as interesting, with his musical talents and leadership qualities.

20. Wilson is known for his musical talents and has discussed his drumming skills and how they relate to his football career.
21. Wilson, along with other 49ers players like Dre Greenlaw, Jake Brendel, and Tashaun Gipson Sr., spoke about the team’s mindset heading into Week 5. The team emphasized playing for each other and maintaining a strong team mentality.
22. In a notable game, Wilson left the defense behind with a 32-yard touchdown run, showcasing his speed and power.
23. Wilson has embraced his role as a veteran running back, providing guidance and support to younger players in the backfield.

Fantasy Football Impact

Wilson's performance has made him a valuable player in fantasy football leagues.

24. In the 2020 season, Wilson ended as the RB32 in fantasy football, demonstrating his reliability and consistency on the field.
25. Despite missing significant time due to injury, Wilson has shown resilience and determination in his recovery, always looking to contribute to the team.

Offseason Training and Preparation

Wilson's dedication to training and preparation is evident in his offseason routines.

26. Wilson has discussed his offseason training routines and highlighted the high energy of the team’s OTAs. He has also spoken about working with new coaches on the 49ers staff.
27. Wilson has slammed in goal-line touchdowns, capping off drives with crucial scores. One notable instance was in a 9-play opening drive where he scored a touchdown.
28. As a veteran player, Wilson has demonstrated leadership qualities, often speaking about the team’s mindset and emphasizing the importance of teamwork.

Speed and Performance Metrics

Wilson's speed and performance metrics highlight his athleticism.

29. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Wilson reached 20.86 mph on a Week 15 run play against the Dallas Cowboys, the third-fastest speed for any ball-carrier that week.
30. Coach Kyle Shanahan has praised Wilson’s game speed, noting that while his 40-yard dash time might be slow, his running style is physically impressive and allows him to cut well.

Career Stats and Achievements

Wilson's career stats and achievements reflect his contributions to the team.

31. Wilson’s career highlights include a 112-yard performance against the New England Patriots and a 183-yard outing against the Arizona Cardinals, both of which showcased his ability to dominate on the field.
32. As of the end of the 2020 season, Wilson had accumulated 524 rushing yards with six touchdowns in 11 games, averaging 4.9 yards per carry.
33. In addition to his rushing touchdowns, Wilson has also scored three touchdowns on pass receptions, demonstrating his versatility as a player.

Team Dynamics and Leadership

Wilson's role within the team extends beyond his on-field performance.

34. Wilson’s performance in the 2020 season made him a significant player in fantasy football, with many fans and analysts recognizing his value on the field.
35. Over the past four seasons, the 49ers have had four different leading rushers: Raheem Mostert (2019), Matt Breida (2018), Carlos Hyde (2017), and Jeff Wilson Jr. (2020).

Future Prospects

Wilson's future in the NFL looks promising as he continues to make significant contributions.

36. Following the 2020 season, there were high expectations for Wilson’s role in the 2021 season. However, injuries and the emergence of Elijah Mitchell altered his playing time.
37. In a recent development, Wilson was traded to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a 2023 fifth-round draft choice, marking a new chapter in his NFL career.
38. Beyond football, Wilson has showcased his musical talents, discussing the origin of his drumming skills and how they relate to his football career.
39. Wilson has shared insights into the dynamic of the 49ers running back room, highlighting the camaraderie and competitive spirit within the group.
40. The knee injury that forced Wilson to miss the first nine games of the 2021 season had a significant impact on his playing time and role within the team.

Jeff Wilson's Journey Continues

Jeff Wilson Jr.'s path from undrafted free agent to NFL standout is nothing short of inspiring. His determination and hard work have made him a key player for the San Francisco 49ers and now the Miami Dolphins. From his early days in Elkhart, Texas, to his college career at North Texas, Wilson has consistently shown resilience and talent. His breakthrough 2020 season highlighted his potential, and despite injuries, he remains a valuable asset. Wilson's speed, power, and versatility make him a force on the field. As he embarks on this new chapter with the Dolphins, fans can expect more exciting performances. His story is a testament to perseverance and the impact of seizing opportunities. Keep an eye on Jeff Wilson Jr.; his journey is far from over.