Juwann Winfree Bio
Juwann Winfree (born September 4, 1996) is an American professional football wide receiver. He played college football for the Colorado Buffaloes and was selected by the Denver Broncos in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL draft. Over the course of his career, Winfree has spent time with several NFL organizations and has continued to pursue professional opportunities in North American football.
Born in Manhattan, New York, and raised in New Jersey, Winfree built his athletic identity through years of perseverance. After an injury-plagued college path that included a transfer and a torn ACL, he entered the NFL with the Broncos and later moved between the Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans, and the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League.
Early Life and Background
Juwann Winfree was born on September 4, 1996, in Manhattan, New York. He grew up in the Englewood area of New Jersey, where he attended the Academies at Englewood, a magnet sibling school to Dwight Morrow High School. The school system helped shape his early athletic development and exposed him to competitive football in a structured environment.
During his high school years, Winfree earned recognition as a talented wide receiver prospect and became one of the most sought-after recruits in the region. His play on the field drew attention from several college programs, and he ultimately committed to the University of Maryland to begin his collegiate career. His exposure to organized football at a young age laid the foundation for his future in the sport.
Path to American Football
Winfree first began his college career at the University of Maryland, where as a freshman, he finished the 2014 season with 158 receiving yards on six receptions. He was later dismissed from the team due to an undisclosed code of conduct violation, which forced him to seek another opportunity to continue his playing career.
He admitted to Coffeyville Community College for the 2015 season, where he worked to rebuild his reputation and sharpen his skills as a wide receiver. After a year at Coffeyville, Winfree transferred to the University of Colorado to compete at the Division I level. He did not play in 2016 due to a torn ACL he suffered during off-season workouts, an early setback that tested his resolve.
Winfree made his first NCAA appearance in three years during the 2017 season, finishing with 325 receiving yards. In an injury-riddled 2018 campaign, he still managed 324 receiving yards, demonstrating the resilience that would eventually lead to NFL consideration. His senior season performance caught the attention of professional scouts and cemented his status as an NFL draft prospect.
Juwann Winfree Career
Early Career (2019)
Winfree was selected by the Denver Broncos in the sixth round, 187th overall, of the 2019 NFL draft. He joined a Broncos team in transition and immediately began working to earn a role in the wide receiver rotation during his rookie campaign.
He appeared in three games during the 2019 season before being placed on injured reserve on December 14, 2019. On September 5, 2020, Winfree was waived by the Broncos, closing his first NFL chapter and setting the stage for a new opportunity.
Green Bay Packers Breakthrough (2020–2022)
On October 1, 2020, Winfree was signed to the practice squad of the Green Bay Packers. He was elevated to the active roster on November 14 and December 12 for games against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Detroit Lions, reverting to the practice squad after each appearance.
On January 26, 2021, Winfree signed a reserves/futures contract with the Packers. After being released as part of final roster cuts on August 31, 2021, he was signed back to the practice squad the next day. He was elevated again on October 16 for the Chicago Bears game and recorded two snaps without a target before being reverted.
His most memorable Packers moment came on October 28, 2021, when he was elevated ahead of a Week 8 game against the Arizona Cardinals. In that contest, Winfree recorded his first NFL catch, a 12-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers, finishing with four catches for 30 yards. He was elevated again on November 20 against the Minnesota Vikings and signed to the active roster on December 14, 2021. During the 2022 season, he bounced between the practice squad and active roster before his contract expired on January 8, 2023.
Indianapolis Colts Era (2023–2024)
On May 9, 2023, Winfree signed with the Indianapolis Colts. He was released on August 29 and re-signed to the practice squad the same day as part of the team’s roster management process.
Winfree was promoted to the active roster on October 17, 2023, and was waived on December 9. He was signed back to the practice squad on December 19 and promoted again to the active roster on January 2, 2024. His Colts tenure concluded when he was placed on injured reserve on August 27, 2024.
Houston Texans Era (2025)
On August 19, 2025, Winfree signed with the Houston Texans, joining a competitive wide receiver room for training camp. He was released on September 1, 2025, as part of final roster cuts, ending his brief Texans tenure.
Juwann Winfree Career Wins
Throughout his professional career, Juwann Winfree has accumulated nine receptions for 75 receiving yards across multiple NFL stops. His contributions have come primarily on special teams and in reserve roles, with his most notable statistical performance occurring during the 2021 season with the Green Bay Packers.
NFL Highlights
Winfree’s most celebrated performance came on October 28, 2021, against the Arizona Cardinals, when he caught four passes for 30 yards, including his first career reception from quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The performance showcased his route-running ability and reliability as a depth target.
Beyond that standout game, Winfree has served primarily in practice squad roles, where he developed within offensive systems and contributed to game-day elevations. His journey through multiple practice squad rotations reflects the perseverance required to maintain a career in professional football.
Other Performances
Winfree’s college career produced his most prolific statistical seasons, including 325 receiving yards in 2017 and 324 receiving yards in 2018 at Colorado. These outputs, combined with his 158 receiving yards as a freshman at Maryland, established him as a capable receiver at the collegiate level despite injury interruptions.
Juwann Winfree Family
Personal Life
Winfree graduated from the Academies at Englewood, a magnet sibling school to Dwight Morrow High School in Englewood, New Jersey. On June 23, 2019, he received a Key to the City of Englewood from Mayor Michael Wildes during a community event.
During that same event, his father announced the formation of Team Winfree Youth Foundation, a nonprofit organization designed to host low-cost camps for football, soccer, and basketball, as well as leadership conferences for area youth. The foundation reflects the Winfree family’s commitment to giving back to the Englewood community that helped shape his early athletic career.
2025 Season Performance
Winfree’s 2025 season began with a brief stint with the Houston Texans after signing on August 19. He was released on September 1 as part of the team’s final roster cuts, ending his pursuit of an active roster spot in Houston.
Looking ahead, Winfree signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League on February 10, 2026, expanding his professional football journey into the CFL. He was released on May 13 and re-signed the following day before being released again on May 30 as part of final roster cuts.
As Winfree continues to pursue opportunities in professional football, his career remains a testament to perseverance through injury, roster turnover, and positional competition. His transition into the CFL represents a continued commitment to playing the game at the highest level available.
