Gary Jennings Jr. Bio
Gary Jennings Jr. (born March 7, 1997) is an American professional football wide receiver for the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football at West Virginia University and entered the National Football League after being selected in the 2019 NFL Draft. Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and listed at 219 pounds, Jennings has built a long professional career that has taken him through multiple NFL organizations and spring football leagues. He is known for his versatility, having lined up at wide receiver, quarterback, and safety during his younger playing days.
Early Life and Background
Gary Jennings Jr. was born on March 7, 1997, in Stafford, Virginia. He grew up in the same Fredericksburg-area community where he first developed his love for football, playing organized youth sports from an early age. The Stafford region of Virginia produced several notable athletes, and Jennings quickly became one of the local area’s most promising multi-sport talents.
He attended Colonial Forge High School in Stafford, Virginia, where he was a three-way standout on the football field. Jennings played quarterback, wide receiver, and safety for the Eagles, demonstrating rare athletic versatility that allowed him to touch the ball on offense, make plays in the passing game, and contribute on the defensive side of the ball. His senior season drew recruiting attention from multiple college programs.
Following high school, Jennings committed to West Virginia University, where he would go on to spend four seasons developing into a polished pass catcher. His decision to join the Mountaineers launched his path toward a professional football career.
Path to American Football
Jennings developed quickly at the high school level in Stafford, where his rare blend of size, speed, and football IQ made him one of the most recruited prospects from the Colonial Forge program. Playing multiple positions, including quarterback, helped sharpen his understanding of route concepts and offensive schemes, giving him a deeper grasp of the wide receiver position than many of his peers.
His commitment to West Virginia came after a strong senior season and gave him a clear path to the highest level of college football. The Mountaineers used Jennings in a developmental role early in his college career before turning him loose as a featured pass catcher in his final two seasons. That transition, from rotational player to primary offensive weapon, prepared him for the speed and complexity of professional football.
Gary Jennings Jr. Career
Early Career (2015–2018)
Jennings played at West Virginia from 2015 to 2018, appearing in 50 games and making 22 starts across his four collegiate seasons. Over the course of his Mountaineers career, he recorded 168 receptions for 2,294 receiving yards and 17 receiving touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the most productive receivers in the program during his final two years.
Following his junior season, Jennings was recognized with Second-team All-Big 12 honors in 2017. That recognition, combined with his consistent production, helped boost his draft stock entering his senior year. After completing his college career, he declared for the 2019 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round with the 120th overall pick.
Seattle Seahawks Breakthrough (2019)
Jennings was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, marking his first major professional milestone. He joined a deep receiving corps and spent the early part of his rookie season developing within the Seattle system.
On November 5, 2019, Jennings was waived by the Seahawks without appearing in a regular season game. The release set off a whirlwind stretch for the young receiver, who would bounce between NFL practice squads and active rosters over the next several seasons.
NFL Journeyman Years (2019–2022)
On November 6, 2019, Jennings was claimed off waivers by the Miami Dolphins, who placed him on injured reserve later that month. He was waived by the Dolphins in early September 2020 before being signed to the practice squad of the Baltimore Ravens in mid-December 2020. A short stint with the Buffalo Bills practice squad followed before he signed a reserve/future contract with the Indianapolis Colts in January 2021.
After being waived by the Colts in August 2021 with an injury settlement, Jennings signed with the Las Vegas Raiders practice squad in November 2021, though his time there lasted just four days. On January 11, 2022, he signed a reserve/future contract with the Kansas City Chiefs and bounced between the active roster and injured reserve before being released in late August 2022. Throughout this stretch, Jennings demonstrated the persistence and work ethic required to remain in professional football despite frequent roster movement.
St. Louis Battlehawks Era (2023–Present)
Jennings was selected by the St. Louis BattleHawks of the XFL in the eighth round of the Open Phase of the 2023 XFL Draft, marking his transition to spring professional football. In his first stint with the Battlehawks, he finished the 2023 season with 11 catches for 149 yards and three touchdowns before being released on May 15, 2023.
On December 6, 2023, Jennings signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the United States Football League, where he re-signed on August 27, 2024. He was part of the Stallions roster that won the 2024 UFL championship, an achievement that cemented his status as a proven professional winner. He was released on January 22, 2025, and signed again with the St. Louis Battlehawks on March 6, 2025. He later re-signed with the Battlehawks on March 11, 2026, securing his future with the franchise.
Notable Events and Milestones
Jennings’ most notable milestone to date is his selection as a member of the 2024 UFL championship team with the Birmingham Stallions. Earlier in his career, he earned Second-team All-Big 12 honors in 2017 with West Virginia, an achievement that helped launch his professional trajectory. His selection in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks remains another signature career moment.
Gary Jennings Jr. Career Wins
Gary Jennings Jr. has compiled a varied professional resume since 2019, collecting verified accolades in both the NFL and the UFL. His career win total is anchored by the 2024 UFL championship earned as a member of the Birmingham Stallions, along with conference recognition during his time at West Virginia.
UFL Highlights
Jennings became a UFL champion in 2024 with the Birmingham Stallions, one of the spring league’s flagship franchises. He has also been recognized as part of the All-UFL Team in 2026, further cementing his place among the league’s top performers. His most recent chapter has been written with the St. Louis Battlehawks, where he continues to contribute as a starting wide receiver.
Gary Jennings Jr. Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Gary Jennings Jr. was raised in Stafford, Virginia, where his family supported his development as a multi-sport athlete. His Virginia upbringing and family foundation played a key role in shaping his discipline and competitive mindset.
2025 Season Performance
Gary Jennings Jr. returned to the St. Louis Battlehawks in March 2025, rejoining the franchise where he had first played in the XFL two seasons earlier. The 2025 campaign represents a return to familiar surroundings for the veteran wide receiver, who brings added championship experience after winning the 2024 UFL title with the Birmingham Stallions.
Throughout the 2025 season, Jennings has continued to serve as a reliable target within the Battlehawks offense, providing veteran leadership to a young receiving corps. His familiarity with the team’s offensive system, built during his 2023 stint, has allowed him to transition quickly into a featured role.
Looking ahead, Jennings re-signed with the St. Louis Battlehawks on March 11, 2026, confirming his long-term commitment to the franchise. His combination of size, route-running polish, and postseason experience positions him as a central figure in the Battlehawks’ championship aspirations going forward.
