Jalen Reagor: From TCU Standout to NFL Journeyman - A Look at His College Career and Beyond
Jalen Armand Reagor, born on January 2, 1999, is an American professional football wide receiver and return specialist whose journey began with impressive performances in high school and college, leading to a first-round selection in the NFL Draft. This article delves into Reagor's college stats at TCU, his transition to the NFL, and his career trajectory thus far.
Early Years and High School Success
Before his college career, Reagor excelled on the football field just outside of Dallas. He produced back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons playing for Waxahachie High School under head coach Jon Kitna, a former NFL quarterback. His outstanding high school performance earned him a spot in the 2017 Under Armour All-America Game. Reagor also showcased his athletic abilities in track and field, even winning a Texas state title in the long jump.
TCU Career: A Rising Star in Fort Worth
Reagor made an immediate impact upon arriving at Texas Christian University (TCU). He caught a Hail Mary pass at the end of the first half against SMU for a touchdown. He finished his freshman season with eight touchdowns and was named Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year.
Sophomore Surge: A 1,000-Yard Season
Prior to his sophomore season, Reagor switched to jersey number 1 from the 18 he'd worn in 2017. That fall, he became the Frogs' go-to receiver in a season in which they used three different starting quarterbacks, becoming the first TCU receiver to top 1,000 yards since Josh Doctson. He had a streak of 7 straight games with a receiving touchdown, which included a win against Oklahoma State in which he also recorded his first career 100-yard rushing game [233 total yards, 121 rushing, 91 receiving, 21 returning kickoffs]. After the season, he was named 2nd-team All-Big 12.
Junior Year and NFL Draft Declaration
In his 2019 season, he had 43 catches for 611 yards. Following his junior year, Reagor declared for the 2020 NFL Draft.
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Combine Performance
Leading up to the draft, Reagor attended the NFL Combine, where his hand size was measured at 9 1/2-inches. He impressed scouts by running a 4.47 40-time (73rd-percentile).
NFL Career: Philadelphia Eagles
Reagor was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round with the 21st overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft, becoming the first wide receiver drafted in the first round from TCU since former All-American Josh Doctson in 2016. The selection created one of the more memorable viral moments in draft history where the Minnesota Vikings celebrated the Eagles selection since it meant they could take Justin Jefferson with the 22nd overall pick. On July 20, 2020, Reagor signed a 4-year $13.3 million contract with the team, with a fifth-year team option.
Rookie Season and Injury
He played in eleven games his rookie season and missed part of the year with a ligament tear in his thumb. Reagor finished the season with 31 receptions and one touchdown and finished No. 98 in completed air yards.
Second Season and Struggles
His second year he also had 31 receptions, and only two touchdowns and was seldom used in the slot evidenced by finishing 83rd in Slot Snaps. The next gen stats are also unkind to Reagor, as his Yards After Catch (YAC) ranks no higher than 72nd and 75th respectfully. Unfortunately, Reagor has not lived up to the draft capital that was used to take him, and after two fumbles in the 2021 NFL playoffs, it seems less likely that a third-year leap will happen. He has one year left on his rookie contract to prove he was worth selecting over Justin Jefferson.
Punt Return Touchdown
In Week 13 against the Green Bay Packers, Reagor returned a punt for a 73-yard touchdown during the 30-16 loss.
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Trade to Minnesota Vikings
On August 31, 2022, Reagor was traded to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for the Houston Texans' 2023 seventh-round pick as well as a 2024 conditional fifth-round pick (which would have become a fourth if Reagor has 40 receptions or 500 receiving yards or 5 touchdowns in either 2022 or 2023, but neither of them happened). After the trade, Reagor decided he would change his number to 5.
Brief Stints with the Patriots and Chargers
The Vikings waived Reagor on August 30, 2023, and he was subsequently signed to the New England Patriots' practice squad. He was later signed to the active roster but eventually released from the practice squad. In September 2024, Reagor joined the Los Angeles Chargers' practice squad and was later promoted to the active roster. He was re-signed by the Chargers in free agency but released during roster cuts before the 2025 season. Reagor then reached an injury settlement with the Chargers.
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