50 Facts About Braxton Berrios

Early Life and Education

Braxton Berrios' journey to the NFL began in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he showcased his athletic prowess early on.

1. 01Berrios attended Leesville Road High School in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he excelled in multiple sports, including football, basketball, and track and field.
2. 02At Leesville Road High School, Berrios was a star athlete, playing quarterback and wide receiver. He graduated as a straight-A student.

College Football Career

Berrios chose the University of Miami (FL) for his college football career, where he made a name for himself both on and off the field.

3. 03Berrios accepted a scholarship to the University of Miami (FL) over offers from Ohio State and Clemson.
4. 04During his time at Miami, he earned third-team All-ACC honors in 2017 with 52 receptions, 634 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns.
5. 05Berrios was also a class valedictorian at the University of Miami, earning a single B+ during his four years there.

NFL Draft and Early Career

Despite modest college stats, Berrios caught the attention of the New England Patriots, who drafted him in 2018.

6. 06The New England Patriots selected Berrios in the sixth round (210th overall) of the 2018 NFL draft.
7. 07Berrios was placed on injured reserve in 2018 and did not play a regular season snap. However, he was awarded a Super Bowl ring by the Patriots after their victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII.
8. 08Berrios was waived by the Patriots during final roster cuts in 2019 and claimed off waivers by the New York Jets on September 1, 2019.

New York Jets Tenure

Berrios found more opportunities with the New York Jets, where he began to make a significant impact.

9. 09In his first season with the Jets, Berrios saw limited action but returned 21 punts and four kicks, with six pass receptions.
10. 10On September 20, 2020, Berrios scored his first career touchdown off a 30-yard pass from Sam Darnold in a 31–13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
11. 11In Week 16 of the 2020 season against the Cleveland Browns, Berrios caught a 43-yard touchdown pass from fellow wide receiver Jamison Crowder on a trick play during the 23–16 win.
12. 12In Week 16 of the 2021 season against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Berrios returned a kickoff for a touchdown, earning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.
13. 13In Week 17 of the 2021 season, Berrios caught a touchdown and rushed for another, becoming the first Jets receiver to do so in the same game.
14. 14Berrios finished the 2021 season with 46 catches for 431 yards and two touchdowns, plus another 40 yards and two scores rushing. He was awarded first-team All-Pro honors as a kick returner.
15. 15Berrios finished the 2021 season ranked third in the NFL in kickoff return yards (852) and third in yards per punt return (13.4).

Contract Extension and Performance

Berrios' performance earned him a contract extension with the Jets, solidifying his role on the team.

16. 16On March 14, 2022, Berrios re-signed with the Jets on a two-year, $12 million contract.
17. 17In Week 4 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Berrios was part of a trick play in which he threw a two-yard pass to Zach Wilson for a touchdown. Wilson's score made him the first Jets quarterback to record a receiving touchdown.
18. 18On March 9, 2023, Berrios was released by the Jets.

Miami Dolphins Era

Berrios continued his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins, where he showcased his skills as a wide receiver and return specialist.

19. 19Berrios signed with the Miami Dolphins in 2023 and played 16 games, catching 27 passes for 238 yards and one touchdown.
20. 20In his first season with the Dolphins, Berrios returned 18 kickoffs for 441 yards, averaging 24.5 yards per return.
21. 21He also returned 23 punts for 235 yards, averaging 10.2 yards per return.
22. 22Berrios had one fumble and no lost fumbles in the 2023 season.

Career Statistics and Highlights

Berrios' career statistics reflect his versatility and impact on the field.

23. 23As of the end of the 2023 season, Berrios has played in 49 games, catching 91 passes for 1,144 yards and four touchdowns, with 45 kickoff returns for 1,381 yards and one touchdown.
24. 24During his time at the University of Miami, Berrios had 52 receptions for 634 yards and nine touchdowns.

High School and College Achievements

Berrios' achievements in high school and college set the stage for his professional career.

25. 25At The Opening 2013, a testing ground for top high school recruits, Berrios posted the best 20-yard shuttle and tied five-star recruit Dalvin Cook with a 4.46 40 time.
26. 26Despite modest college stats, Berrios earned third-team All-ACC honors in 2017.

Patriots' Selection and Injury

Berrios' initial NFL journey with the Patriots was marked by an injury but also a Super Bowl ring.

27. 27The Patriots selected Berrios in the sixth round as a possible heir apparent to slot receivers Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola.
28. 28Berrios was placed on injured reserve in his rookie season and did not play a regular season snap.

Jets Claim and Performance

Berrios' time with the Jets saw him stepping up when given opportunities.

29. 29After being waived by the Patriots, Berrios was claimed off waivers by the New York Jets on September 1, 2019.
30. 30In his first season with the Jets, Berrios saw limited action but returned 21 punts and four kicks, with six pass receptions.
31. 31Berrios saw his first extended action in 2020 and performed well when given a chance. When starting slot receiver Jamison Crowder missed four games, Berrios saw an almost 80-percent snap share and averaged 7.5 targets.

Performance Metrics

Berrios' performance metrics highlight his efficiency and impact on the field.

32. 32Despite only a 28.9 percent snap share and just an 11.9 percent target share, his 31.6 percent target share ranked No. 2, and his targets per snap were No. 3.
33. 33In 2021, Berrios again filled in admirably when called upon. With Crowder out the first three games, Berrios averaged 7 targets. When Crowder returned, Berrios was relegated to sub-30 percent snap shares. Then, when both Corey Davis and Elijah Moore missed Week 14, it was Berrios' time again, with Braxton snagging six of ten targets despite running only 22 routes.
34. 34Finally, in Weeks 16 & 17, again without Crowder, Berrios sparkled – catching 13 of 16 targets.
35. 35While Berrios' season-long snap share remained outside the top 130 and his routes run at No. 98, his catch rate and target rate jumped when he was on the field.
36. 36According to Next Gen Stats, Berrios tied for second among receivers in averaging 4.1 yards of separation. Despite having the second-shortest wingspan among active WRs and a hand size outside the top 160, Berrios boasted 2021's No. 3 True Catch Rate.

All-Pro Honors and Future Prospects

Berrios' accolades and future prospects highlight his potential for continued success in the NFL.

37. 37Berrios was named 2021 First-Team All-Pro kick returner, highlighting his athleticism and increasing the likelihood of more playing time wherever his next contract takes him.
38. 38Berrios was slated to become a free agent in 2022 but the Jets brought him back while letting veteran slot receiver Jamison Crowder walk.
39. 39Any time Berrios got a chance to start in Crowder's spot, he produced. He will be a popular sleeper in 2022.

Academic Achievements

Berrios' academic achievements are as impressive as his athletic accomplishments.

40. 40Berrios graduated from the University of Miami with a single B+ during his four years there, earning him class valedictorian status.
41. 41Berrios graduated from Leesville Road High School as a straight-A student.

Legacy and Impact

Berrios' legacy at the University of Miami and his impact in the NFL are noteworthy.

42. 42Despite not being a top recruit out of high school, Berrios left a lasting legacy at the University of Miami with his performance in 2017.
43. 43The Patriots selected Berrios in the sixth round as a possible heir apparent to slot receivers Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola.
44. 44Berrios' injury in his rookie season did not hinder his future prospects as he was awarded a Super Bowl ring by the Patriots despite not playing a regular season snap.
45. 45After being waived by the Patriots, Berrios was claimed off waivers by the New York Jets on September 1, 2019.
46. 46In his first season with the Jets, Berrios saw limited action but returned 21 punts and four kicks, with six pass receptions.
47. 47Berrios saw his first extended action in 2020 and performed well when given a chance. When starting slot receiver Jamison Crowder missed four games, Berrios saw an almost 80 percent snap share and averaged 7.5 targets.
48. 48Despite only a 28.9 percent snap share and just an 11.9 percent target share, his 31.6 percent target share ranked No. 2, and his targets per snap were No. 3.
49. 49In 2021, Berrios again filled in admirably when called upon. With Crowder out the first three games, Berrios averaged 7 targets. When Crowder returned, Berrios was relegated to sub-30 percent snap shares. Then, when both Corey Davis and Elijah Moore missed Week 14, it was Berrios' time again, with Braxton snagging six of ten targets despite running only 22 routes.
50. 50According to Next Gen Stats, Berrios tied for second among receivers in averaging 4.1 yards of separation. Despite having the second-shortest wingspan among active WRs and a hand size outside the top 160, Berrios boasted 2021's No. 3 True Catch Rate.

Berrios' Impact on the NFL

Braxton Berrios has proven himself as a versatile and talented player in the NFL. From his early days at Leesville Road High School to his standout performances with the Miami Dolphins, Berrios' journey is a testament to hard work and dedication. Despite being a sixth-round draft pick, he earned a Super Bowl ring with the Patriots and made significant contributions to the New York Jets. His ability to excel as both a wide receiver and return specialist showcases his unique skill set. With impressive stats and accolades, including first-team All-Pro honors, Berrios continues to be a valuable asset on the field. As he moves forward with the Dolphins, fans can expect more exciting plays and consistent performances from this dynamic player. Berrios' story is far from over, and his future in the NFL looks bright.