John Stephens Jr. Bio
John Stephens Jr. (born September 23, 1999) is an American professional football tight end. He played college football for the TCU Horned Frogs and the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns and was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent after the 2023 NFL draft. Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing around 240 pounds, Stephens brings a frame built for the tight end position, a transition the Cowboys made shortly after signing him.
Early Life and Background
John Stephens Jr. was born on September 23, 1999, in Logansport, Louisiana. He grew up in the small town of Logansport and attended Logansport High School, a small 1A program with a total enrollment of only 175 students. Football was a central part of his upbringing, and he developed into a versatile two-way player, lining up at wide receiver on offense and defensive lineman on defense.
As a senior at Logansport High School, Stephens posted an impressive statistical line, registering 1,001 receiving yards, 17 touchdowns, and 64 solo tackles, with 12 of those tackles coming behind the line of scrimmage. He helped lead his team to a 13-1 record and a run to the state semifinals. That breakout senior season helped him attract attention from college programs and set the stage for his move to the next level.
Path to American Football
Coming out of Logansport High School, Stephens accepted a football scholarship from Texas Christian University, joining the TCU Horned Frogs of the Big 12 Conference. The move from a tiny 1A high school program to a major college football program represented a significant jump in competition, and Stephens worked to develop his body and skill set to handle the transition.
After spending his first three college seasons at TCU, Stephens transferred to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to play for the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns. He used his remaining college eligibility to expand his offensive role and showcase his pass-catching ability. The combination of his size, athleticism, and production ultimately earned him an invitation to an NFL training camp as an undrafted prospect.
John Stephens Jr. Career
Early Career (2018-2020)
Stephens began his college career at Texas Christian University in 2018. As a true freshman, he appeared in eight games off the bench and made 2 receptions for 58 yards, an average of 29 yards per catch, including a 47-yard reception against the University of Oklahoma. That early production suggested his big-play potential as a pass catcher.
As a sophomore, he appeared in 12 games and recorded 11 receptions for 157 yards, an average of 14.3 yards per catch, highlighted by 3 receptions for 40 yards against Texas Tech University. His playing time decreased as a junior, when he appeared in only 5 games and made one reception for 5 yards against Kansas State University, prompting his decision to transfer.
TCU Breakthrough (2018-2020)
During his three seasons at TCU, Stephens gradually developed into a bigger receiving threat, peaking statistically as a sophomore. His longest play came on a 47-yard reception against the University of Oklahoma, a game that showcased his ability to stretch the field. By his junior year, however, his role had diminished, and he finished with just one catch for 5 yards against Kansas State University.
UL Lafayette Era (2021-2022)
After transferring to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Stephens played two more seasons for the Ragin’ Cajuns. As a senior in 2021, he collected 13 receptions for 167 yards and 4 touchdowns, including 3 receptions for 48 yards and one touchdown against Nicholls State University, as well as 3 receptions for 37 yards and 2 touchdowns against Ohio University.
As a super senior in 2022, he served primarily as a backup wide receiver, compiling 14 receptions for 284 yards and 3 touchdowns. He posted 3 receptions for 103 yards and one touchdown against Eastern Michigan University, and 3 receptions for 47 yards against the University of Houston. Across his two seasons at Louisiana, he totaled 27 receptions, 451 receiving yards, and 7 touchdowns.
Dallas Cowboys Era (2023-Present)
Stephens was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys on May 12, 2023, shortly after that year’s NFL draft. During training camp, the Cowboys made the decision to convert him from wide receiver to tight end, a position change designed to take advantage of his 6-foot-5 frame. He was trending toward making the roster before suffering an ACL injury in the second preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks, and he was placed on injured reserve on August 29, 2023.
On October 24, 2024, the Cowboys announced that Stephens had suffered another torn ACL in practice, causing him to miss the remainder of the season. In 2025, he was waived by the Cowboys on August 25 and reverted to injured reserve, before being released on November 18 with an injury settlement. His NFL career has been defined as much by his physical tools and position versatility as by the injuries that have interrupted his progress.
Notable Events and Milestones
Stephens’ most notable professional moments have come off the stat sheet. His signing as an undrafted free agent out of Louisiana represented a personal milestone, as did the Cowboys’ decision to convert him to tight end during his first training camp. He has since had two ACL injuries, in 2023 and 2024, that have prevented him from establishing himself on the active roster.
John Stephens Jr. Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
John Stephens Jr. is the son of former NFL running back John Stephens, who played professionally in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Growing up the son of a former professional player gave him early exposure to the demands of the game and helped shape his path into football.
Personal Life
Stephens’ half-sister is Sloane Stephens, the 2017 U.S. Open tennis champion. The athletic family background extends across multiple sports, and Stephens has continued that tradition through his pursuit of a professional football career.
2025 Season Performance
Stephens entered the 2025 season still working his way back from his second torn ACL. On August 25, 2025, the Dallas Cowboys waived him and reverted him to injured reserve, signaling that he was not yet healthy enough to compete for a roster spot. He was later released on November 18 with an injury settlement, ending his tenure with the franchise.
For 2025, the storyline has been defined by recovery rather than on-field production, as Stephens has worked to return to full health following multiple knee surgeries. With his release from the Cowboys, his next opportunity will likely depend on his recovery progress and the interest of teams in need of a 6-foot-5 pass catcher with tight end flexibility. His long-term outlook hinges on getting back on the practice field and demonstrating that he can stay healthy.