Jelani Woods Bio
Jelani Woods is an American professional football tight end for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Oklahoma State Cowboys before transferring to the Virginia Cavaliers for the 2021 season, where he was named first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference. Woods was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, marking the beginning of his professional career.
Early Life and Background
Jelani Woods was born on October 9, 1998, in Ellenwood, Georgia. He attended Cedar Grove High School, where he initially played as a quarterback. During his junior season, he passed for 1,992 yards with 20 touchdown passes and was recognized as an honorable mention All-State player in basketball. In his senior year, Woods continued to excel, passing for 2,316 yards and 26 touchdowns, earning him first-team All-Region honors. His impressive high school performance led him to be rated as a three-star recruit, ultimately committing to play college football at Oklahoma State University over offers from several other schools.
Path to American Football
Woods began his college football career at Oklahoma State, where he redshirted his freshman year. He transitioned from quarterback to tight end during the team’s preparations for the 2017 Camping World Bowl. In his redshirt freshman season, he recorded seven receptions for 120 yards and two touchdowns. As a redshirt sophomore, Woods caught 16 passes for 112 yards and a touchdown, earning honorable mention All-Big 12 Conference recognition. He continued to build on his success as a redshirt junior, with eight receptions for 129 yards and another touchdown. Following his junior season, Woods decided to transfer to the University of Virginia as a graduate student, where he had a standout season, catching 44 passes for 598 yards and eight touchdowns, which earned him first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors.
Jelani Woods Career
Early Career (2022–2024)
Jelani Woods was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, being the 73rd overall pick. He made an immediate impact in his rookie season, scoring his first two professional touchdowns on his first two career receptions during a Week 3 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Over the course of the season, he finished with 25 receptions for 312 yards and three touchdowns. However, his second season was marred by injuries, and he was placed on injured reserve on August 30, 2023. In August 2024, Woods underwent toe surgery, which sidelined him for approximately four months.
Breakthrough (2025)
On August 26, 2025, Jelani Woods was waived by the Indianapolis Colts as part of the final roster cuts. Shortly thereafter, on August 27, 2025, he was claimed off waivers by the New York Jets, marking a new chapter in his professional career. This transition to the Jets presents an opportunity for Woods to further develop his skills and contribute to his new team.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Jelani Woods has made significant strides as a tight end. His notable achievements include being named first-team All-ACC and making a strong debut in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts. His performance in the 2022 season showcased his potential as a reliable target in the passing game.
Jelani Woods Award Nominations
Jelani Woods has received recognition for his performance on the field, including being named first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference in 2021 during his college career.
Jelani Woods Awards Won
Throughout his career, Jelani Woods has achieved notable accolades, including being recognized as a first-team All-ACC player in 2021, highlighting his exceptional performance during that season.
Jelani Woods Family
Information regarding Jelani Woods’ family is not publicly available, as he has maintained a level of privacy concerning his personal life.
Personal Life
Details about Jelani Woods’ personal life, including relationships and children, are not publicly disclosed, reflecting his preference for privacy outside of his professional career.
