Jaylen Waddle is a young legend at 23 years old.
The Miami Dolphins knew it drafted an elite receiver, but it did not think the Pro Football Hall of Fame would honor him after his rookie season. Waddle broke the National Football League record for receptions by a rookie.
He surpassed Anquan Bolden’s mark of 101 catches in 2003 for the Arizona Cardinals.
Waddle totaled 104 catches in 2021, finishing eighth in the league for receivers.
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He posted 1,015 yards receiving and six touchdowns.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame has Waddle’s jersey from his performance versus the New England Patriots on Jan. 9 hanging on the wall.
He caught five passes for 27 yards and one touchdown in a 33-24 victory for the Dolphins over New England.
🏈 New Artifact Alert: @D1__JW‘s jersey from Week 18 when he surpassed Anquan Boldin for the most receptions by a rookie. Waddle finished the season with 104 receptions.
More on this item on display in Canton: https://t.co/4EXgTxfM3C@MiamiDolphins | #FinsUp pic.twitter.com/YWJBv73ioq
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) January 21, 2022
Waddle wants to be among the greats in Canton, Ohio. He is on his way to having a Hall of Fame career.
Waddle is also a finalist for NFL Pepsi Rookie of the Year.
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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.
