Jalen Moreno-Cropper Bio
Jalen Moreno-Cropper is an American professional football wide receiver who most recently signed with the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 0 inches tall and weighing approximately 169 pounds, he plays the wide receiver position wearing jersey number 85. Born on May 3, 2001, in Parlier, California, Moreno-Cropper has built his career through perseverance after entering the league as an undrafted free agent.
He played his college football at Fresno State, where he developed into one of the most productive pass catchers in the Mountain West Conference. After stints with the Dallas Cowboys, the Houston Gamblers of the United Football League, and the New Orleans Saints, Moreno-Cropper has continued to pursue his dream of establishing himself as a reliable NFL wide receiver.
Early Life and Background
Jalen Moreno-Cropper was born and raised in Parlier, California, a small agricultural community in the San Joaquin Valley. He grew up in a region known for producing talented football players, and he developed a passion for the sport at a young age. His early exposure to the game helped shape his understanding of route running and physical play at the wide receiver position.
Moreno-Cropper initially attended Sanger High School in Sanger, California, before transferring to Buchanan High School for his senior year. The move allowed him to showcase his skills on a larger stage and helped him earn a four-star recruit rating from scouting services. His high school performance drew attention from several major college football programs.
Despite receiving scholarship offers from Power 5 programs including Utah, Nebraska, California, and Oregon, Moreno-Cropper decided to commit to Fresno State, located near his hometown. The decision to stay close to home allowed him to play in front of family while developing his game at the college level.
Path to American Football
Moreno-Cropper’s path to professional football began with his commitment to Fresno State, where he quickly made an impact as a freshman. During his first season with the Bulldogs, he caught 15 passes for 196 yards and also contributed as a rusher with 343 yards and three touchdowns. His versatility immediately caught the attention of the coaching staff.
As a sophomore, he elevated his production and led the Bulldogs with 37 receptions for 520 receiving yards and added five touchdown receptions. This breakout performance established him as a key piece of the Fresno State offense and set the stage for even greater success in his junior and senior seasons.
During his junior year, Moreno-Cropper earned Second-team All-Mountain West Conference honors after recording 85 receptions for 899 yards and 11 touchdowns. His senior campaign was even more impressive statistically, as he posted 84 receptions for 1,093 yards and five touchdowns, earning First-team All-Mountain West recognition. These two strong seasons positioned him for a chance at the NFL despite going undrafted in 2023.
Jalen Moreno-Cropper Career
Dallas Cowboys Era (2023–2025)
Following the 2023 NFL Draft, Jalen Moreno-Cropper signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent. His initial opportunity with the team was short-lived, as he was waived on August 29, 2023, just before the start of the regular season. However, he quickly returned to the organization by re-signing with the practice squad, where he continued to develop his skills.
On January 15, 2024, Moreno-Cropper signed a reserve/future contract with the Cowboys, securing his place with the team heading into the next league year. He was released during roster cuts on August 27, 2024, but re-signed to the practice squad the following day. During the 2024 season, he was elevated to the active roster for Dallas’ Week 10 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles, where he played 12 of 60 offensive snaps in a 34-6 defeat before reverting to the practice squad.
Moreno-Cropper signed another reserve/future contract with the Cowboys on January 6, 2025. On August 26, 2025, he was waived as part of final roster cuts and re-signed to the practice squad the next day. He was later signed to the active roster on October 11, 2025, only to be waived again on October 14 and re-signed to the practice squad.
Houston Gamblers (2026)
On February 11, 2026, Jalen Moreno-Cropper signed with the Houston Gamblers of the United Football League, seeking more consistent playing time. The UFL provided him an opportunity to showcase his abilities in a competitive spring football league. His time with the Gamblers allowed him to refine his skills and stay ready for another chance at the NFL level.
New Orleans Saints (2026–Present)
On June 17, 2026, Moreno-Cropper signed with the New Orleans Saints, returning to the NFL. He joined the Saints roster wearing number 85 and was listed as an active player on the wide receiver depth chart. The move represented another opportunity for the young pass catcher to prove himself at the highest level of professional football.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a wide receiver, Moreno-Cropper brings a combination of reliable hands, sharp route running, and versatility to the field. His college production at Fresno State demonstrated an ability to contribute both as a pass catcher and as a gadget player in the running game. His compact frame at 6 feet 0 inches allows him to work effectively out of the slot while also handling outside receiver duties.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Moreno-Cropper’s professional career came when he was elevated to the Dallas Cowboys’ active roster for the Week 10 game against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024. That appearance marked his official NFL regular-season debut. His two consecutive All-Mountain West selections in 2021 and 2022 also stand as significant personal milestones, validating his college production.
Jalen Moreno-Cropper Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Jalen Moreno-Cropper grew up in Parlier, California, a tight-knit agricultural community where football is a central part of the local culture. His roots in the Central Valley helped shape his work ethic and determination to pursue a professional football career. The support of his hometown community has been a consistent theme throughout his journey from high school to the NFL.
Personal Life
Moreno-Cropper is known for his dedication to the sport and his commitment to continually improving his craft. He has used social media to connect with fans, including maintaining an active presence on Instagram under the handle @jalencropper. He continues to focus on his football career while representing his hometown of Parlier with pride.
2025 Season Performance
Jalen Moreno-Cropper’s 2025 season with the Dallas Cowboys was marked by movement between the practice squad and the active roster. He began the year on a reserve/future contract signed in January 2025, and after being waived in late August, he re-signed to the practice squad. His persistence paid off when he was elevated to the active roster in mid-October, although he was again moved back to the practice squad shortly after.
Through the 2025 season, Moreno-Cropper appeared in four NFL games, contributing as a depth receiver for the Cowboys. While his statistical impact was limited, his ability to remain with the organization and earn elevations to the active roster demonstrated the team’s continued interest in his development. The season ultimately ended with him being waived, leading to his eventual move to the UFL.
Looking ahead, Moreno-Cropper’s journey continued into 2026, when he signed with the Houston Gamblers of the UFL and later joined the New Orleans Saints. His career trajectory reflects the resilience required of undrafted players working to establish themselves in professional football.
