Josh Pederson Bio
Josh Pederson, born September 22, 1997, in Newark, New Jersey, is an American football tight end who has built a professional career across the NFL, the United States Football League (USFL), and the United Football League (UFL). Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and listed at 235 pounds, he developed into a reliable pass-catching target at the University of Louisiana at Monroe before pursuing his professional dream as an undrafted free agent. He is widely recognized as the son of longtime NFL head coach Doug Pederson, a connection that has shaped both his personal and professional path. Through persistence and several stops across professional leagues, Pederson has continued his football journey with the Houston Roughnecks of the UFL.
Early Life and Background
Josh Pederson was born on September 22, 1997, in Newark, New Jersey, and spent his formative years between New Jersey and Kansas, the result of his father’s coaching career across the country. He attended Blue Valley North High School in Kansas, where he emerged as a productive receiver on the football field. During his two varsity seasons, he recorded 73 receptions for 1,102 yards and 16 touchdowns, numbers that reflected a player ready to take the next step despite a modest two-star recruit rating.
Coming from a football family, Pederson grew up with unique insight into the sport, learning the game from a parent who would eventually become a Super Bowl-winning head coach. That environment gave him an early understanding of offensive schemes, practice habits, and the discipline required at the highest levels. He committed to play college football at Louisiana–Monroe, choosing a program where he believed he could develop and earn meaningful playing time.
Path to American Football
Pederson redshirted his first year at Louisiana–Monroe, allowing his body to adjust to the rigors of college-level football while learning the team’s offensive system. As a redshirt-freshman, he appeared in 11 games and recorded 12 catches for 136 yards, giving coaches a glimpse of his potential. He matched that production the following season, again playing 11 games and posting 12 receptions, demonstrating consistency in his role within the passing attack.
His breakout came in his junior year, when he was named First-team All-Sun Belt after an impressive campaign of 43 receptions for 567 yards and 9 touchdowns. The following season, he started every game as a senior and added Second-team All-Sun Belt recognition while recording 32 catches for 367 yards. By the time he declared for the 2021 NFL draft, he had established himself as a dependable tight end prospect with the size and athleticism to compete professionally.
Josh Pederson Career
Early Career (2021–2022)
After going unselected in the 2021 NFL draft, Josh Pederson signed with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent, beginning his professional journey. He was waived on August 4, 2021, just days before the start of the regular season. Two days later, he joined the New Orleans Saints, though his time there was also brief, as he was released on August 21, 2021.
Pederson returned to the NFL in February 2022, signing a reserve and future contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, providing him another opportunity to compete at the highest level. That opportunity ended on May 5, 2022, when he was waived. Across his initial NFL stops, he gained valuable exposure to professional systems and proved his resilience by continuing to pursue roster opportunities.
USFL Breakthrough (2022–2023)
On May 20, 2022, Pederson signed with the Houston Gamblers of the USFL, beginning the most productive stretch of his professional career. He spent part of his first season on the inactive list, but returned healthy and ready the following year. In the 2023 season opener against the Michigan Panthers, he made his USFL debut and caught two passes for 23 yards in a 29–13 loss.
He appeared in all 10 games that season, finishing second on the team with 24 receptions for 325 yards and establishing himself as a reliable target in the passing game. On July 6, 2023, the Gamblers terminated his contract to give him a chance to return to the NFL, a turning point in his career. Across the USFL, he had shown he could produce consistently as a pass-catching tight end.
Jacksonville Jaguars Era (2023–2024)
On July 7, 2023, Pederson signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joining a team led by his father, Doug Pederson, as head coach, a moment that brought national attention to his career. He was initially waived on August 29 but was re-signed to the practice squad the next day. Later that season, he was elevated to the active roster and made his NFL debut against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13, becoming the first person to play for his father as head coach in the NFL since 1978.
Following the 2023 season, he signed a reserve and futures contract with Jacksonville on January 9, 2024, securing another opportunity. He was waived and injured on August 3, ending his time with the Jaguars. Through three NFL regular-season games, he had finally realized the dream he had chased since 2021.
Houston Roughnecks Era (2025–Present)
On February 17, 2025, Pederson signed with the Houston Roughnecks of the UFL, returning to spring football with renewed confidence and experience. The move reunited him with a familiar football city, as he had previously spent time with the Houston Gamblers. With his combination of size, route-running ability, and league experience, he is positioned to play a significant role in the Roughnecks’ offense. His current contract runs through 2025, providing stability as he continues to perform at a high level.
Driving Style and Strengths
Pederson is known for his size and athleticism at the tight end position, traits that make him a matchup problem in the passing game. His college production at Louisiana–Monroe demonstrated the ability to contribute as both a receiver and a red-zone target, highlighted by his 9-touchdown junior season. He combines disciplined route running with dependable hands, allowing quarterbacks to trust him in critical situations. His professional experience across multiple leagues has also added polish to his blocking and in-line work.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Pederson’s career came in Week 13 of the 2023 NFL season, when he debuted for the Jacksonville Jaguars against the Cincinnati Bengals, joining his father Doug on the sideline as a player-coach duo. That appearance made him the first person to play for a father as head coach in the NFL since 1978. He also earned back-to-back All-Sun Belt recognition at Louisiana–Monroe, including First-team honors in 2019. His transition from undrafted free agent to NFL active roster stands as a testament to his perseverance.
Josh Pederson Career Wins
Throughout his career, Josh Pederson has achieved several notable milestones, even though the win totals vary across leagues. His college career at Louisiana–Monroe produced two All-Sun Belt selections and consistent production as a starting tight end. Professionally, he has yet to record a championship victory, but he has built a steady résumé of appearances and contributions across the USFL, UFL, and NFL. The highlights below reflect the achievements that can be confirmed from verified sources.
USFL Highlights
Pederson joined the Houston Gamblers of the USFL in 2022 and quickly became a key piece of their offense. In 2023, he played in all 10 games and finished second on the team with 24 receptions for 325 yards, demonstrating the consistency of a top-tier pass-catching tight end. His debut against the Michigan Panthers, in which he caught two passes for 23 yards, marked the official beginning of his on-field professional career. The team finished that season with a losing record, and no playoff victories are recorded for Pederson in the USFL.
Other Wins and Performances
Across his brief NFL stops with the San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs, and Jacksonville Jaguars, Pederson did not record a verified regular-season or postseason win as a primary contributor. His three NFL games played came with the Jaguars in 2023, where he appeared as a depth tight end and on special teams. With the Houston Roughnecks in 2025, his early-season performance in the UFL continues to build on the foundation he established in the USFL.
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Josh Pederson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Josh Pederson comes from one of the most recognized football families in the country. He is the son of Doug Pederson, a former NFL quarterback who went on to become a successful head coach, most notably leading the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl championship in 2017. Growing up, Josh was immersed in the culture of professional football, observing coaching strategies and team operations at the highest level. That unique upbringing gave him insights few young players ever receive and helped shape his understanding of the game.
Personal Life
Pederson was raised across multiple states, including New Jersey and Kansas, following the trajectory of his father’s coaching career. His decision to join the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023 was especially meaningful, as it allowed him to play for his father during Doug Pederson’s tenure as head coach. Beyond his family connections, Pederson has kept his personal life largely private, focusing public attention on his development as a professional athlete.
2025 Season Performance
Josh Pederson enters the 2025 UFL season with the Houston Roughnecks, a fresh chapter following his NFL experience with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Signed in February 2025, he joins an offense that values his size, route-running precision, and proven ability to produce in spring football. His prior success with the Houston Gamblers, where he posted 24 receptions for 325 yards in 2023, provides a strong foundation for his role with the Roughnecks.
The 2025 campaign represents an important opportunity for Pederson to reestablish himself as a featured tight end, with the UFL offering a competitive stage to showcase his skills. His combination of NFL experience and USFL production makes him one of the more seasoned players in the league. The Roughnecks’ coaching staff is expected to feature him prominently in both the passing game and red-zone situations.
Looking ahead, Pederson’s current contract with the Houston Roughnecks runs through 2026, giving him long-term stability as he continues his professional journey. If he continues producing at the level he showed in 2023, additional NFL opportunities could once again become a possibility. For now, his focus remains on helping the Roughnecks compete for a UFL championship and continuing the strong family legacy in professional football.