Dominique Dafney Bio
Dominique Dafney (born June 3, 1997) is an American professional football tight end who has built his career as a versatile contributor on offense and special teams. He played college football for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes and the Indiana State Sycamores before signing with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2020. Since then, Dafney has spent time with several National Football League organizations, including the Green Bay Packers, Denver Broncos, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Carolina Panthers, while also making a brief appearance in the United Football League with the Memphis Showboats.
Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and listed at 243 pounds, Dafney has carved out a journeyman role in professional football, transitioning between active rosters and practice squads. He is currently with the Carolina Panthers, where he signed a reserve and future contract in January 2025.
Dominique Dafney Career
Early Life and Background
Dominique Dafney was born on June 3, 1997, in Charlotte, North Carolina. He grew up in the Midwest and attended Valley High School in West Des Moines, Iowa, where he developed as a multi-sport athlete. His high school years laid the foundation for his future in football, providing the platform that eventually led him to the college ranks.
After completing his prep career, Dafney enrolled at Iowa Western Community College, where he spent one season as a reserve wide receiver. The experience at the junior college level allowed him to refine his athletic skills and prepare for the demands of Division I football. His path through multiple collegiate programs reflects a steady, step-by-step development as a player.
Path to American Football
Dafney’s route to the professional ranks was unconventional, marked by transfers and position changes. Following his single season at Iowa Western, he transferred to the University of Iowa as a preferred walk-on, where he spent two seasons contributing mostly on special teams. Although his offensive opportunities at Iowa were limited, the experience gave him exposure to a high-level program and tough Big Ten competition.
After his junior year, Dafney moved to Indiana State University as a graduate transfer. In his lone season with the Sycamores, he became a more dynamic offensive contributor, rushing for 439 yards and six touchdowns while also catching 15 passes for 196 yards and one touchdown. His efforts earned him second-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors at fullback, and during the final four games of the year he added a new wrinkle to his game by snapping the ball from the wildcat position.
Indianapolis Colts (First Stint)
Dafney signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent on August 26, 2020. He was waived by the team on September 8, 2020, during final roster cuts. Although his initial Colts tenure was brief, the contract confirmed that professional teams saw enough potential in his athletic profile to give him a chance.
Green Bay Packers (2020–2022)
The Green Bay Packers added Dafney to their practice squad on October 12, 2020, giving him an opportunity to develop within a championship-caliber organization. He was elevated to the active roster in December 2020 and recorded his first NFL reception on December 27, a 13-yard catch from Aaron Rodgers, during a Week 16 victory over the Tennessee Titans. One week later, on January 3, 2021, Dafney caught his first NFL touchdown during a Week 17 win against the Chicago Bears, a moment that remains one of the highlights of his professional career.
Injuries shaped much of his 2021 season, as he was placed on injured reserve on September 25 and reactivated on October 28. He signed his tender offer with the Packers in April 2022 but was waived with an injury designation in August 2022. The team reached an injury settlement with him on August 22, 2022, making him a free agent once again.
Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts (Second Stint)
On September 13, 2022, Dafney signed with the Denver Broncos practice squad. He was released on October 10 of the same year. Later that season, on December 20, 2022, he returned to the Indianapolis Colts practice squad, only to be released nine days later on December 29.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Dafney signed a reserve and future contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on January 23, 2023, looking to secure a roster spot for the upcoming season. He was waived by the Buccaneers on August 28, 2023, ending his time with the organization.
Memphis Showboats
On February 21, 2024, Dafney joined the Memphis Showboats of the United Football League, becoming one of many NFL veterans to try his hand at the spring league. His time with the Showboats was short, as he was waived on March 23, 2024.
Carolina Panthers (2024–Present)
Dafney signed with the Carolina Panthers practice squad on December 3, 2024, earning another opportunity at the NFL level. He signed a reserve and future contract with Carolina on January 6, 2025, and continued his role with the organization into the summer, though he was ultimately waived on August 25.
Driving Style and Strengths
Dafney’s professional value has come primarily from his versatility. He has lined up at tight end and fullback while also serving on special teams units. His college production at Indiana State, which included rushing touchdowns, receiving yards, and wildcat snaps, illustrated his usefulness in a variety of offensive roles, and that flexibility has helped him remain an attractive option for teams searching for depth pieces.
Notable Events and Milestones
The signature moments of Dafney’s career came during the 2020 season with the Green Bay Packers. His first NFL reception from Aaron Rodgers and his first NFL touchdown against the Chicago Bears bookended a memorable late-season run. His All-Missouri Valley Football Conference selection in college and his transition through multiple professional rosters stand as additional markers of a career built on persistence and adaptability.
Dominique Dafney Career Wins
Dominique Dafney’s career stats reflect a limited but productive role when called upon at the NFL level. Through the 2024 season, he had recorded 4 receptions for 60 receiving yards and 1 receiving touchdown, numbers he accumulated largely during his time with the Green Bay Packers.
NFL Highlights
His first NFL reception came on December 27, 2020, and his first NFL touchdown came on January 3, 2021, both in Packers victories. Dafney has not been credited with a large body of statistical wins, but his presence on practice squads and active rosters across multiple franchises highlights his standing as a reliable depth tight end.
2025 Season Performance
Dafney began 2025 with the Carolina Panthers after signing a reserve and future contract in January. His time with the Panthers in 2025 ended on August 25 when he was waived, leaving his next professional step uncertain. Given his history of returning to practice squads and signing reserve and future deals, he remains an active professional tight end looking for his next opportunity.
Looking ahead, Dafney’s path forward likely depends on whether an NFL or spring football team is in need of an experienced tight end and special teams contributor. His track record of bouncing back from roster cuts, including previous practice squad stints with the Green Bay Packers, Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, and Carolina Panthers, suggests that his career in professional football is not yet finished.