Craig Reynolds Bio
Craig Reynolds is an American professional football running back for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Kutztown Golden Bears, and signed with the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent following the 2019 NFL draft. Reynolds has appeared in games with four NFL franchises during his career, developing into a reliable depth running back known for his physical running style and special teams contributions. He earned three consecutive first-team All-PSAC East honors during his collegiate career at Kutztown University, where he finished as the school’s third all-time leading rusher.
Early Life and Background
Craig Reynolds was born on June 15, 1996, in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia. He attended Abington High School in Abington, Pennsylvania, where he established himself as a standout football player. His older brother Eric was also a high school football standout and potential NFL prospect before struggles with addiction led him to a different path, serving time in prison since Craig was in sixth grade. Craig has maintained a close relationship with his brother, calling him before every game as a source of motivation and inspiration.
Reynolds demonstrated his football abilities at the high school level, laying the foundation for his future collegiate career. His performance in high school earned him the opportunity to continue his football journey at the collegiate level, where he would develop into one of the most productive running backs in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference history.
Path to the NFL
Following his high school career at Abington, Reynolds enrolled at Kutztown University in 2014, joining the Kutztown Golden Bears football program. He redshirted as a true freshman, using that season to adjust to the college-level speed and playbook. The redshirt year proved valuable as he prepared for his collegiate career, focusing on his strength, conditioning, and understanding of the offensive system at the Division II level.
As a redshirt sophomore in 2016, Reynolds broke onto the scene with an outstanding season, leading the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) East with 1,189 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. His exceptional performance earned him first-team All-PSAC East honors, the first of three consecutive such selections that would define his collegiate legacy. He continued to build on this success in 2017, rushing 109 times for 456 yards and four touchdowns while also contributing as a receiver with 29 receptions for 410 yards and five touchdowns. His versatility as a runner and receiver, combined with his work on special teams as a returner, made him a valuable three-phase player for the Golden Bears.
In his redshirt senior season of 2018, Reynolds put together his most complete campaign, rushing for 823 yards and 15 touchdowns on 172 carries while catching 40 passes for 472 yards and three touchdowns. He also demonstrated his athletic versatility by completing a seven-yard pass for a touchdown and contributing 380 return yards. His three consecutive first-team All-PSAC East selections from 2016 to 2018 cemented his status as one of the premier running backs in the conference during his era. Reynolds finished his collegiate career as Kutztown’s third all-time leading rusher with 2,650 yards and second in school history with 5,277 all-purpose yards.
Craig Reynolds Career
Early NFL Career (2019–2020)
After going undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, Reynolds signed with the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent on May 13, 2019, following his participation in a rookie mini-camp with the team. He was waived during final roster cuts at the end of training camp but was signed to the team’s practice squad on September 1. Reynolds was promoted to the Redskins active roster on October 19 and made his NFL debut the following day against the San Francisco 49ers, playing on special teams. He was waived by the Redskins on November 5, 2019.
Reynolds quickly found a new opportunity, signing with the Atlanta Falcons practice squad on November 12, 2019. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Falcons on December 30, 2019. He spent most of the 2020 season with Atlanta, being waived and re-signed multiple times during training camp before ultimately being waived again on September 5, 2020. Reynolds then signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad on September 14, 2020, beginning a brief stint with the franchise that included multiple transactions between the active roster and practice squad throughout the remainder of the season.
Detroit Lions Breakthrough (2021–2025)
Reynolds signed with the Detroit Lions on August 12, 2021, a move that would become the most significant chapter of his NFL career. He was waived during initial roster cuts but re-signed to the practice squad the following day. His opportunity came when Lions running backs D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams were ruled out for the team’s Week 14 game against the Denver Broncos, leading to Reynolds being elevated to the active roster. He made the most of his chance, gaining 83 yards on 11 carries in a 10-38 loss to the Broncos. Reynolds was elevated again the following week and earned his first career start in a 30-12 win over the Arizona Cardinals, rushing for 112 yards on 26 carries. The Lions signed Reynolds to their active roster on December 20, 2021, securing his future with the organization through the 2022 season.
Reynolds made the Lions final roster in 2022 as the third running back on the depth chart, demonstrating his value as a reliable backup and special teams contributor. He was placed on injured reserve on November 9, 2022, and was activated on December 17, returning to the lineup for the stretch run of the season. He re-signed with the Lions on March 13, 2023, continuing his tenure with the team that had given him his first real opportunity to contribute consistently in the NFL.
The 2023 season proved to be a career-defining year for Reynolds. On October 8, 2023, he scored his first career NFL touchdown in a 42-24 win over the Carolina Panthers. The following week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Reynolds threw a critical block that helped teammate Amon-Ra St. Brown score a touchdown and secure a Lions lead they would not relinquish. His block received widespread attention across the league, showcasing his physicality and team-first mentality. Reynolds continued to serve as a valuable depth piece and special teams contributor throughout the 2024 season, helping the Lions maintain their competitive standing in the NFC.
New England Patriots Era (2025–Present)
On November 26, 2025, Reynolds was released by the Detroit Lions after four seasons with the organization. He quickly found a new home, signing with the New England Patriots practice squad on November 28, 2025. Reynolds joined a Patriots team looking to rebuild their rushing attack and provide depth in the backfield. His experience as a four-phase player and his proven ability to contribute on special teams made him an attractive addition for a Patriots squad seeking reliable veteran depth at the running back position.
Driving Style and Strengths
Reynolds is known for his physical, north-south running style that aligns well with his 5-foot-11, 216-pound frame. He displays good vision through the hole and demonstrates the ability to break tackles, making him effective in short-yardage situations. His experience as a receiver out of the backfield at Kutztown translated to the NFL level, where he has contributed as a pass-catcher when called upon. Beyond his offensive contributions, Reynolds has consistently earned playing time through his special teams abilities, serving on coverage units and as a returner during his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Reynolds achieved several significant milestones during his time with the Detroit Lions. His 112-yard performance in his first career start against the Arizona Cardinals in December 2021 established him as a viable NFL running back. The highlight of his career came in October 2023 when he scored his first NFL touchdown against the Carolina Panthers and delivered a game-sealing block that earned national attention. His journey from practice squad player to reliable NFL contributor across four organizations exemplifies his persistence and adaptability in a competitive league.
Craig Reynolds Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career spanning six seasons with four franchises, Reynolds has accumulated meaningful statistical achievements and memorable performances. His collegiate career at Kutztown established him as one of the most productive running backs in PSAC history with three first-team All-Conference selections and school records that still stand.
Detroit Lions Highlights
Reynolds’ tenure with the Detroit Lions from 2021 to 2025 represented the most productive stretch of his NFL career. His first career start came on December 5, 2021, against the Arizona Cardinals, where he rushed for 112 yards on 26 carries in a 30-12 Lions victory. His first career NFL touchdown came on October 8, 2023, in a 42-24 win over the Carolina Panthers. Over his four seasons with Detroit, Reynolds served as a reliable depth running back and special teams contributor, appearing in numerous games and earning promotions from the practice squad to the active roster multiple times. His block to help Amon-Ra St. Brown score against Tampa Bay in October 2023 became one of the most-discussed moments of his career, earning praise for its physicality and timing.
College and Other Highlights
At Kutztown University, Reynolds earned three consecutive first-team All-PSAC East selections from 2016 to 2018, becoming one of the most decorated running backs in conference history during that span. He led the PSAC East in rushing yards and touchdowns during his redshirt sophomore season. He finished his collegiate career as Kutztown’s third all-time leading rusher with 2,650 yards and second in school history with 5,277 all-purpose yards. His three-phase contribution at Kutztown, including rushing, receiving, and return duties, demonstrated the versatility that would later help him stick in the NFL.
Craig Reynolds Family
Family Background
Reynolds grew up in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, with his older brother Eric, who was a standout football player in high school and considered a potential NFL prospect before his life took a different direction due to struggles with addiction. Eric has been incarcerated since Craig was in sixth grade. Despite the circumstances, Craig has maintained a strong connection with his brother, calling him before every NFL game as a ritual and source of motivation. The bond between the brothers has been cited as a driving force in Reynolds’ football career and his determination to succeed in the NFL against the odds as an undrafted player.
Personal Life
Reynolds continues to maintain a close relationship with his brother Eric, speaking with him before each game as part of his pre-game routine. His journey from an undrafted free agent to a six-year NFL veteran exemplifies his mental toughness and perseverance. Reynolds is active on social media, maintaining accounts on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) where he engages with fans. He remains connected to his Pennsylvania roots while building his professional career in the NFL.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a significant transition for Reynolds after four seasons with the Detroit Lions. He was released by the Lions on November 26, 2025, ending a tenure that saw him develop from a practice squad player into a reliable NFL contributor. The Lions’ decision created an opportunity for Reynolds to join a new organization. Within days of his release, he signed with the New England Patriots practice squad on November 28, 2025. Reynolds brings experience, reliability, and special teams value to a Patriots team seeking to rebuild their roster. His ability to contribute on offense and special teams makes him a versatile depth piece for the Patriots as they evaluate their roster for the future.
