Carlos Washington Jr. Bio
Carlos Washington Jr. (born December 26, 1998) is an American professional football running back who plays in the National Football League (NFL). He is currently a member of the Miami Dolphins after spending several seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. Washington played college football for the New Hampshire Wildcats and the Southeastern Louisiana Lions before entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2023.
Early Life and Background
Carlos Washington Jr. grew up in Clinton, Maryland, and attended Riverdale Baptist School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. As a senior, he delivered an impressive statistical season, compiling roughly 1,200 rushing yards, 300 receiving yards, and 20 touchdowns. His performance earned him Washington Post All-Met Honorable Mention recognition and the team MVP award.
Coming out of high school, Washington was an unranked running back recruit who nonetheless earned the opportunity to play at the collegiate level. He committed to the University of New Hampshire, where he began his journey through the college football ranks. His Clinton roots and Maryland upbringing shaped the work ethic that carried him through the early stages of his career.
Path to American Football
Washington’s college career began at the University of New Hampshire, where he redshirted during his true freshman season in 2017. Over the following years with the Wildcats, he steadily expanded his role, contributing as both a rusher and a returner while developing his understanding of professional-level schemes.
On December 8, 2021, Washington announced his intention to enter the transfer portal, seeking a fresh opportunity to showcase his abilities. He ultimately transferred to Southeastern Louisiana University, where he played his final college season in 2022. His transition from the FCS ranks of New Hampshire to the Southland Conference marked an important step toward his professional ambitions.
Carlos Washington Jr. Career
Early Career at New Hampshire (2017–2021)
During his time at the University of New Hampshire, Washington steadily built a productive résumé. In 2018, he played in all 11 games with two starts, finishing with 99 rushes for 582 rushing yards, six rushing touchdowns, and contributions on kickoff returns. The following season saw him start seven of 11 games, tallying 138 rush attempts, 28 receptions, and 792 all-purpose yards, including three touchdowns.
Washington continued his development through the pandemic-shortened 2020 season and into 2021, when he played in 10 games with nine starts and recorded 117 rush attempts for 547 yards and a touchdown. After five seasons with the Wildcats, he entered the transfer portal and closed his college career with a productive year at Southeastern Louisiana.
Southeastern Louisiana Breakthrough (2022)
Washington’s lone season at Southeastern Louisiana University proved to be his most productive at the collegiate level. Playing in 12 games with 10 starts during the 2022 season, he rushed 147 times for 715 yards and found the end zone 15 times. His touchdown total demonstrated the goal-line effectiveness that NFL scouts look for in undrafted prospects.
The strong campaign in 2022 helped Washington earn an opportunity at the professional level despite going unselected in the 2023 NFL draft. His blend of size, production, and scoring ability positioned him as an attractive free-agent signing for teams searching for backfield depth.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2023–2025)
On April 29, 2023, Washington signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent shortly after the conclusion of that year’s NFL draft. The Falcons waived him on August 29, but re-signed him to the practice squad on September 20. Following the regular season, Washington signed a reserve/future contract with Atlanta on January 10, 2024, signaling the organization’s continued interest in his development.
In 2024, Washington was again waived on August 27 and brought back to the practice squad, before being promoted to the active roster on December 11. He opened 2025 by being waived as part of final roster cuts on August 26, then re-signed to the practice squad the next day, and signed another reserve/future deal on January 5, 2026. He was released by the Falcons on May 11, 2026.
Miami Dolphins Era (2026–Present)
On May 21, 2026, Washington signed with the Miami Dolphins, beginning the next chapter of his professional career. Wearing jersey number 37, he joined the Dolphins’ running back room as an active member of the roster. The move represented a fresh opportunity for Washington to compete for a role in Miami’s backfield.
Driving Style and Strengths
Washington brings a compact, physical running style to the backfield, listed at 5 feet 11 inches and 210 pounds. His college production, particularly 15 rushing touchdowns in a single season at Southeastern Louisiana, showcases his nose for the end zone. Throughout his time on practice squads, he has continued to develop his pass-protection and special-teams skills.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Washington’s career came when he signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2023, beating long odds to reach the NFL. His 15-touchdown senior season at Southeastern Louisiana stands as his most celebrated statistical achievement, and his promotion to Atlanta’s active roster in December 2024 marked his first regular-season elevation.
Carlos Washington Jr. Career Wins
Carlos Washington Jr.’s professional career has primarily been defined by perseverance and development rather than headline statistics. As a practice-squad contributor and rotational back, his role has focused on readiness and special-teams value while he continues to refine his craft at the highest level.
NFL Career Highlights
Washington’s most notable statistical milestone came at the collegiate level, where his 15 rushing touchdowns at Southeastern Louisiana in 2022 signaled his scoring potential. At the NFL level, his progression from undrafted free agent to active-roster member with the Falcons, and eventually to a signing with the Miami Dolphins, represents a meaningful upward trajectory for a player who entered the league without draft pedigree.
Carlos Washington Jr. Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Carlos Washington Jr. grew up in Clinton, Maryland, where his family roots helped shape his path into organized football. His development as a running back at Riverdale Baptist School laid the groundwork for his collegiate and professional opportunities.
Personal Life
Washington maintains an active presence on social media and continues to focus on his professional football career. Public details about his immediate family, marital status, and personal relationships remain limited in publicly available sources.
2025 Season Performance
Washington entered the 2025 NFL season as a member of the Atlanta Falcons, having signed a reserve/future contract in January 2025. As part of the team’s final roster cuts on August 26, 2025, he was waived before being re-signed to the practice squad the very next day. His role through the season centered on practice-squad development and readiness for elevation.
Following the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, Washington signed another reserve/future contract with Atlanta on January 5, 2026, keeping him in the Falcons organization for the offseason. He was ultimately released by the team on May 11, 2026, opening the door for his next opportunity.