Dez Fitzpatrick Bio
Desmond Emil “Dez” Fitzpatrick is an American professional football wide receiver who has played in the National Football League (NFL) since 2021. Born in Pontiac, Michigan, Fitzpatrick rose through the college ranks at Louisville before being selected by the Tennessee Titans in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL draft. Over the course of his career, he has also spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, working to carve out a role as a depth receiver and special teams contributor. Known for his size and reliability, Fitzpatrick has built his professional resume through perseverance and steady development across multiple organizations.
Early Life and Background
Desmond Emil Fitzpatrick was born on December 17, 1997, in Pontiac, Michigan. He grew up in the surrounding area and attended Mott High School in Waterford, Michigan, where he first developed his skills as a wide receiver. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 208 pounds, Fitzpatrick possessed the physical frame that would later catch the attention of college scouts.
During his time at Mott High School, Fitzpatrick earned recognition as a talented pass catcher, which led to scholarship opportunities at the college level. His development in Michigan laid the foundation for the next phase of his football career, as he balanced academics with the demands of competitive high school athletics. The work ethic he built during those formative years helped prepare him for the rigors of Division I football.
Path to Professional Football
After completing his high school career, Fitzpatrick committed to the University of Louisville, where he played college football for the Cardinals from 2016 to 2020. During his tenure with the program, he developed into a reliable target in the passing game, refining his route-running and catching ability at the collegiate level. His performances with Louisville drew the attention of NFL scouts evaluating wide receiver prospects for the 2021 draft class.
Fitzpatrick’s combination of size, hands, and football IQ made him an appealing prospect for teams seeking depth at the wide receiver position. Following the conclusion of his college career, he declared for the 2021 NFL Draft, where his draft stock positioned him as a mid-round selection. His journey from Pontiac to Louisville and ultimately to the NFL reflected years of dedication to his craft.
Dez Fitzpatrick Career
Tennessee Titans Era (2021–2022)
Fitzpatrick was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the fourth round with the 109th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. On May 17, 2021, he signed his four-year rookie contract with the team, beginning his professional career. As is common with mid-round rookies, Fitzpatrick faced an uphill battle to make the active roster, and on August 31, 2021, he was waived as part of final roster cuts before being re-signed to the practice squad the following day.
His opportunity with the Titans came on November 13, 2021, when he was signed to the active roster following the placement of star wide receiver Julio Jones on injured reserve. Just over a week later, on November 23, 2021, Fitzpatrick scored his first career NFL touchdown on an 18-yard reception from quarterback Ryan Tannehill against the Houston Texans. In 2022, Fitzpatrick was again waived during final roster cuts on August 30 and returned to the practice squad. His practice squad contract with Tennessee expired after the season on January 7, 2023, ending his time with the organization.
Pittsburgh Steelers Era (2023–2024)
On January 11, 2023, Fitzpatrick signed a reserve/future contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, giving him a chance to compete for a roster spot the following season. He was released on August 29, 2023, during final roster cuts but was re-signed to the practice squad the next day. Fitzpatrick was promoted to the active roster on September 14, 2023, before being released on October 2 and re-signed to the practice squad two days later. He later signed a reserve/futures contract with the Steelers on January 17, 2024.
Fitzpatrick’s tenure in Pittsburgh continued into the 2024 offseason and preseason. However, on August 27, 2024, he was waived by the Steelers as part of final roster cuts, ending his time with the organization. Despite the challenges of bouncing between the active roster and practice squad, Fitzpatrick gained valuable experience within a competitive Steelers wide receiver room.
Los Angeles Chargers Era (2024–Present)
On September 2, 2024, Fitzpatrick was signed to the Los Angeles Chargers’ practice squad, marking his third NFL organization. He remained with the Chargers throughout the early portion of the 2024 season before being released on December 5, 2024, when the team signed Laviska Shenault Jr. in his place. Just five days later, on December 10, 2024, the Chargers re-signed Fitzpatrick to their practice squad, reflecting the organization’s continued interest in retaining his services.
On January 13, 2025, Fitzpatrick signed a reserve/future contract with Los Angeles, securing his place with the franchise beyond the 2024 campaign. His continued movement between practice squad and active roster roles demonstrated his value as a dependable depth receiver. The Chargers ultimately waived Fitzpatrick on August 14, 2025, with an injury designation, bringing his most recent tenure with the team to a close.
Dez Fitzpatrick Career Statistics
Through his NFL career, Fitzpatrick has compiled modest but meaningful production as a reserve wide receiver. His career statistics include 5 receptions for 49 receiving yards and 1 receiving touchdown, with that score coming during his time with the Tennessee Titans in 2021. While his counting numbers remain limited due to his role on the practice squad and as a depth option, he has remained a consistent presence on NFL rosters since entering the league.
Dez Fitzpatrick Family
Personal Life
Desmond Emil Fitzpatrick was born and raised in Pontiac, Michigan, and his roots in the region have remained a part of his personal identity throughout his professional career. Public details about his family background and personal life are limited, and he has largely kept his private affairs away from media attention. His focus has remained on continuing his football career and contributing to whichever team gives him the opportunity to compete.
2025 Season Outlook
Fitzpatrick’s 2025 season began with a reserve/future contract signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in January, positioning him to compete for a depth role within the organization’s wide receiver group. However, his tenure with the Chargers ended on August 14, 2025, when he was waived with an injury designation, leaving his status for the remainder of the season uncertain. Given his history of bouncing between practice squads and active rosters, Fitzpatrick remains a candidate to be picked up by another franchise in need of wide receiver depth.
Throughout his career, Fitzpatrick has demonstrated the resilience and professionalism required to remain in the NFL despite limited offensive opportunities. His first career touchdown with the Titans in 2021 stands as the defining on-field moment of his career to date, and he continues to pursue further opportunities to contribute on gameday. As the 2025 season progresses, his next chapter will depend on his recovery and the interest of teams seeking experienced depth at the wide receiver position.
