He did big things on the football field at the University of Alabama, and now Jaylen Waddle has landed his first major endorsement in becoming a professional athlete.
On Thursday, Waddle became the third Crimson Tide alumnus to sign with Nike. He joins Derrick Henry and Amari Cooper to ink a contract with the brand. A native of Houston, Texas, Waddle arrived on campus as a four-star wide receiver in 2018.
It’s time to add to the legacy.@AlabamaFTBL @KingHenry_2 @AmariCooper9 pic.twitter.com/upPTNVdnDP
— Nike Football (@usnikefootball) April 8, 2021
— JW (@D1__JW) April 8, 2021
He brought tremendous speed, quickness, versatility, and character to the program.
The 5-foot-10, 182-pounder ended his career with 106 receptions for 1,999 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Before suffering an ankle injury versus Tennessee in 2020, he started his junior season with 100+ yard performances in each of Alabama’s first four games. He did return to action against Ohio State and helped the Tide capture a College Football Playoff National Championship in an unprecedented year.
Waddle is expected to hear his name called early on Thursday, April 29, during the first round of the NFL Draft.
He is one of the best receivers in the class.
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Waddle was a two-time SEC Champion (2018, 2020) at Alabama.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
