Jalen Wayne
Jalen Jakory Wayne is an American professional football wide receiver who is a free agent. He played college football at South Alabama.
Early life
Wayne grew up in Spanish Fort, Alabama and attended Faith Academy, where he focused on basketball and was a member of the high school varsity team while he was in eighth grade. He transferred to Spanish Fort High School before the start of his senior year. During his senior season, he brought in 28 catches for 469 yards and 3 touchdowns while also rushing for 279 yards. After graduation, he attended the University of South Alabama.
College career
Wayne played American football with the University of South Alabama. He delayed engagement in athletics his sophomore season after playing in four games. In his junior season, he hauled 33 receptions for 418 yards and 1 touchdown. As a redshirt senior, he caught 53 passes for 630 yards and 2 touchdowns. Wayne used the extra year of eligibility granted to college athletes due to the COVID-19 pandemic and returned to South Alabama for a sixth season. He caught 58 receptions for 815 yards and nine touchdowns in his final season. For his performance he was named Second Team All Sun-Belt. Wayne finished his college career with 152 receptions for 1,980 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Professional career
Buffalo Bills
After not being selected in the 2023 NFL draft, Wayne signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent. He was released on July 28, 2023.
Cleveland Browns
On August 4, 2023, Wayne signed with the Cleveland Browns. On August 27, 2023, Wayne was released by the Browns.
Wayne signed with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League on January 22, 2024.
Wayne signed with the Green Bay Packers on July 19, 2024. He was released on August 27, 2024, and re-signed to the practice squad. He was released on September 10, 2024.
Montreal Alouettes (second stint)
Wayne was signed by the Alouettes again on January 20, 2025. He was released on July 13, 2025.
Personal life
Wayne is the cousin of wide receiver Reggie Wayne.