Demetric Felton
Demetric Felton Jr. (born July 16, 1998) is an American former professional football player and current coach. He played college football for the UCLA Bruins and was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL draft. Felton worked as a running back, wide receiver, and return specialist across multiple National Football League (NFL) teams before joining the coaching ranks with the Browns in 2026.
Demetric Felton Bio
Demetric Felton Jr. was born on July 16, 1998, in Memphis, Tennessee, and grew up in Temecula, California, where he developed into a multi-purpose offensive player. Standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and listed at 190 pounds, he built his reputation on speed, versatility, and the ability to contribute in the backfield, in the slot, and on special teams. After concluding his professional playing career, Felton transitioned into coaching with the Cleveland Browns, where he now serves as an offensive skill developmental analyst.
Early Life and Background
Demetric Felton Jr. was born on July 16, 1998, in Memphis, Tennessee, before his family later settled in Temecula, California. He attended Great Oak High School, where he emerged as a productive offensive weapon. As a senior, Felton rushed for 1,347 yards on 166 carries and scored 14 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the standout skill players in the region.
His high school production drew attention from college recruiters, and Felton ultimately committed to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to play college football. The decision to head to the Pac-12 Conference gave him a path to compete at a high level while continuing to refine his skills as both a runner and a pass catcher.
Path to American Football
Felton arrived at UCLA in 2016 and redshirted his first year, learning the offensive system and adjusting to the speed of the college game. In 2017, he appeared in 12 games and gained 75 rushing yards on 10 carries while scoring one touchdown, showing flashes of the versatility that would later define his professional profile.
During the 2018 season, the UCLA coaching staff moved Felton to wide receiver, where he started eight of 12 games and recorded 20 receptions for 207 yards and a touchdown. In 2019, he returned to a hybrid role, rushing 86 times for 331 yards and a touchdown while also catching 55 passes for 594 yards and four touchdowns. After Joshua Kelley declared for the NFL draft, Felton took over as UCLA’s starting running back in 2020 and posted career highs of 32 carries and 206 yards in a 27–10 win over Arizona. He finished the year as the fourth-leading rusher in the Pac-12 with 111.3 yards per game and five touchdowns, earning second-team All-Pac-12 honors.
Demetric Felton Career
Early Career (2021–2022)
On May 1, 2021, Demetric Felton Jr. was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 211th overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, capping his rise from high school prospect to professional player. He signed his four-year rookie contract on May 13 and immediately impressed during training camp as a running back, receiver, and kick returner. On September 19, 2021, Felton scored his first career touchdown against the Houston Texans, and he closed his debut season with a selection to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
Across his first two seasons in Cleveland, Felton continued to handle a complementary role, contributing on offense and special teams while learning the nuances of the professional game. His ability to line up in the backfield, in the slot, and on returns gave the Browns a flexible chess piece. On August 29, 2023, the Browns released Felton, beginning a turbulent stretch of roster moves across the league.
Cleveland Browns Breakthrough (2021–2022)
Felton’s most productive professional period came during his first two seasons with the Cleveland Browns. He appeared in 16 games during the 2021 regular season, finishing with 20 receptions for 189 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns, along with 20 rushing yards and 452 return yards. His touchdown against Houston on September 19, 2021, marked the first of his NFL career, and his work on kick returns helped him earn PFWA All-Rookie Team recognition.
The 2022 season saw Felton continue in a depth role as the Browns leaned on their veteran backfield. Even with limited offensive touches, his special teams contributions kept him on the active roster, and he remained a developmental piece the organization valued for his versatility.
Journeyman Years (2023–2025)
After his release from Cleveland, Felton signed with the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad on August 31, 2023, and remained there until his contract expired at the end of the Bengals’ season on January 7, 2024. The next year brought a series of short stays around the league, beginning with a contract from the Chicago Bears on July 28, 2024, before he was waived on August 11.
The Indianapolis Colts claimed Felton off waivers on August 12, 2024, only to release him on August 27. He then signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL) on November 12, 2024, returning to the Bears’ practice squad on December 3 before another release on December 10. Felton rejoined the Birmingham Stallions on December 18, 2024, continuing his pattern of moving between leagues. On January 8, 2025, he signed a futures contract with the Washington Commanders, but was released on August 26 as part of the team’s final roster cuts.
BC Lions and Transition (2026)
On January 30, 2026, Felton signed with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League (CFL) as a wide receiver, expanding his professional footprint beyond the United States. His time in Canada was brief, however, as the Lions placed him on the retired list on April 24, 2026, effectively closing the chapter on his playing career.
Just weeks after retiring, Felton returned to the organization that had originally drafted him. On May 11, 2026, the Cleveland Browns hired him to serve as an offensive skill developmental analyst under new head coach Todd Monken, giving him an opportunity to begin a new phase in football.
Notable Events and Milestones
Felton’s signature professional moment came on September 19, 2021, when he scored his first career NFL touchdown against the Houston Texans while playing for the Cleveland Browns. He capped that rookie season with selection to the PFWA All-Rookie Team, one of the top individual honors for first-year players. His 452 return yards as a rookie highlighted his value on special teams and underscored the versatility that carried him through multiple NFL stops.
Demetric Felton Career Wins
Across his professional career, Demetric Felton Jr. built a reputation as a multi-phase contributor rather than a traditional feature back. His most productive statistical season came as a rookie in 2021, when he finished with 20 receptions, 189 receiving yards, two receiving touchdowns, 20 rushing yards, and 452 return yards for the Cleveland Browns. From there, his journey through the Cincinnati Bengals, Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts, Birmingham Stallions, Washington Commanders, and BC Lions showcased his durability and willingness to adapt to changing roles.
UFL and CFL Highlights
Felton spent time with the Birmingham Stallions of the UFL in 2024, signing first on November 12 and returning for a second stint on December 18. He then joined the BC Lions of the CFL on January 30, 2026, before his retirement in April of the same year. Those stints allowed him to extend his playing career and gain experience in alternative professional leagues.
Demetric Felton Family
Personal Life
Demetric Felton Jr. was born in Memphis, Tennessee, before relocating with his family to Temecula, California, where he attended Great Oak High School. His full name, including the Jr. suffix, reflects a family naming tradition. Beyond his journey through football, Felton has kept his personal life largely out of the public eye, focusing public attention on his career on the field and, more recently, on the coaching staff of the Cleveland Browns.
2025 Season Performance
Demetric Felton Jr. entered the 2025 season on a futures contract with the Washington Commanders, signed on January 8, 2025. He participated in the team’s offseason program and reported to training camp looking to earn a roster spot, leveraging his experience as a running back, wide receiver, and return specialist. The Commanders’ staff valued his versatility as they finalized plans for their skill positions and special teams units.
On August 26, 2025, Felton was released by Washington as part of the team’s final roster cuts, ending his bid to make the active roster for the 2025 NFL season. The move was a procedural one tied to the league’s 53-man deadline, and it closed out his time in the NFL as a player. His next opportunity came in a new league and country when he signed with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League in early 2026.