Ashton Dulin Bio
Ashton Dulin (born May 15, 1997) is an American professional football wide receiver and kickoff returner for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing around 215 pounds, Dulin has built his reputation on special teams play while also contributing as a pass catcher for the Colts. He is the only player from Malone University’s football program to appear in an NFL game. Over his career, he has been recognized as one of the league’s top special teams performers.
Originally from Elkhart, Indiana, Dulin grew up in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, where he developed into a multi-sport athlete before committing to Malone University. After going undrafted in 2019, he signed with the Colts and has spent his entire professional career with the organization. He earned Associated Press Second-team All-Pro honors in 2021.
Early Life and Background
Ashton Dulin was born in Elkhart, Indiana, on May 15, 1997, and later grew up in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. He attended Reynoldsburg High School, where he played football and competed on the track team. His athleticism was evident across multiple sports during his high school years, setting the foundation for his future in college athletics.
As a senior at Reynoldsburg, Dulin was named first-team All-Ohio at free safety, highlighting his defensive instincts and coverage ability. His performance attracted attention from college programs, and he ultimately chose to play football and run track at Malone University, a Division II program in Ohio, over a scholarship offer from Ashland.
Path to American Football
Dulin’s transition to the college level came at Malone University, where he became a four-year starter for the Malone Pioneers. At a smaller program, he had the opportunity to contribute immediately, developing his skills as both a receiver and a returner. His early college years laid the groundwork for a productive career that would eventually catch the attention of NFL scouts.
By his junior season, Dulin had emerged as one of the top playmakers in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC). He was named first-team All-G-MAC after recording 59 receptions for 1,050 yards and 10 touchdowns, proving he could produce at a high level despite playing for a smaller program. His senior season further cemented his status as a versatile offensive and special teams threat.
Ashton Dulin Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
Ashton Dulin signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent on April 27, 2019. He was briefly released during final roster cuts but was quickly re-signed to the team’s practice squad the following day. On September 27, he was promoted to the active roster and made his NFL debut two days later against the Oakland Raiders, recording a tackle on special teams and becoming the first Malone football player to appear in an NFL game.
During his rookie season, Dulin appeared in 13 games and posted two receptions for 17 yards along with three kickoff returns for 90 yards. He caught his first career pass, a 13-yard reception from Jacoby Brissett, on December 1. In 2020, Dulin made the Colts’ 53-man roster but saw his season interrupted when he was placed on injured reserve in November before being activated late in the year. He signed a one-year contract extension with Indianapolis in January 2021.
Indianapolis Colts Breakthrough (2021–2022)
The 2021 season marked Dulin’s arrival as a legitimate NFL contributor. He played in all 17 games with one start and finished second in the league with 17 special teams tackles, establishing himself as one of the premier special teams players in the NFL. He also set career highs with 13 receptions for 173 yards and two receiving touchdowns, showcasing expanded offensive responsibility.
Following his standout 2021 campaign, Dulin was named Associated Press Second-team All-Pro, becoming just the second consecutive Colts special teams player to earn All-Pro recognition after safety George Odum in 2020. His work on coverage units and as a returner had become a significant part of Indianapolis’ team identity.
The 2022 season proved more challenging, as Dulin was placed on injured reserve on October 11. He was later designated to return and activated for Week 10, finishing the year while managing his recovery. Despite the setback, his role within the Colts’ special teams unit remained important.
Indianapolis Colts Era (2023–Present)
On March 20, 2023, Dulin re-signed with the Indianapolis Colts to continue his career with the only franchise he had known. His 2023 season was cut short when he suffered a torn ACL during training camp and was placed on injured reserve on August 17. The injury sidelined him for the entire campaign as he worked through rehabilitation.
Healthy again in 2025, Dulin re-signed with the Colts on March 12 on a two-year contract worth $6.5 million, reflecting his value to the organization. Through 10 appearances that season, he recorded five receptions for 106 yards. He was later placed on injured reserve on November 25 due to a hamstring injury sustained in Week 12 against the Kansas City Chiefs and was activated on December 27 ahead of the Week 17 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Driving Style and Strengths
Ashton Dulin’s value to the Indianapolis Colts comes primarily from his special teams excellence. He has consistently ranked among the NFL’s leaders in special teams tackles, using his combination of size, speed and instincts in coverage. His track background, which includes conference records in the 100 meters, 110-meter hurdles, 200 meters, 400-meter hurdles and long jump, gives him elite straight-line speed and explosiveness that translates to both kickoff returning and downfield blocking.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Dulin’s career highlights, his 2021 Second-team All-Pro selection stands as the defining individual achievement. He became the only Malone football alumnus to play in an NFL game, a meaningful milestone for both player and program. His career has also featured consistent production on special teams, where he ranked 11th in the league in tackles since entering the NFL in 2019.
Ashton Dulin Career Wins
Ashton Dulin’s professional resume is built on consistent special teams play and steady contributions as a receiver and returner rather than headline-grabbing win totals. His career milestones reflect durability, versatility and recognition from league honors.
Indianapolis Colts Highlights
Over his career with the Indianapolis Colts, Dulin has been a fixture on special teams and an occasional contributor on offense. He has appeared in games from 2019 through 2025, with his most productive season coming in 2021 when he tallied 13 receptions, 173 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns. As of 2025, his career NFL statistics include 40 receptions for 623 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns, along with 915 return yards and 140 rushing yards.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond the NFL, Dulin earned back-to-back First-team All-G-MAC honors in 2017 and 2018 at Malone University. He was also named both G-MAC Offensive Player of the Year and Special Teams Player of the Year in his senior season, finishing his college career with 189 receptions for 3,188 yards and 28 touchdowns.
Ashton Dulin Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public details about Ashton Dulin’s family background are limited. He was raised in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, after being born in Elkhart, Indiana, and developed his athletic foundation in that community before heading to college.
Personal Life
Information regarding Dulin’s personal relationships has not been publicly confirmed in verified sources. He has focused much of his public profile on his professional football career with the Indianapolis Colts.
2025 Season Performance
Ashton Dulin entered 2025 healthy after missing the previous season with a torn ACL and quickly re-established his role with the Indianapolis Colts. Following his March 12 re-signing on a two-year, $6.5 million contract, he appeared in 10 games and contributed five receptions for 106 yards while continuing his duties as a kickoff returner and core special teams player.
His season was interrupted on November 25 when he was placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury suffered in Week 12 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Dulin returned to the active roster on December 27 ahead of the Colts’ Week 17 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, giving Indianapolis a boost on special teams during the final stretch of the season.
Looking ahead, Dulin remains under contract through 2026 and is expected to remain a key figure in the Colts’ special teams plans. His combination of experience, speed and coverage ability continues to make him a valuable asset for Indianapolis as the team builds its roster for the future.
