K.J. Osborn Bio
Kendrick Ladell “K. J.” Osborn Jr. is an American professional football wide receiver who is currently active in the National Football League (NFL). Standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and listed at 203 pounds, he has built a career as a reliable pass catcher and special teams contributor since entering the league. He played college football for the Buffalo Bulls and the Miami Hurricanes before being selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL draft.
Osborn has suited up for multiple NFL franchises, including the Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, Washington Commanders, Atlanta Falcons, and most recently the Tennessee Titans. Over the course of his professional career, he has recorded 165 receptions for 1,902 receiving yards and 16 receiving touchdowns.
Early Life and Background
Kendrick Ladell “K. J.” Osborn Jr. was born on June 10, 1997, in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Growing up in Michigan, he developed an early passion for football and refined his athletic skills throughout his formative years. His journey through the sport included time at Lincoln High School, where he first began attracting attention as a young receiver.
Seeking a higher level of competition, Osborn transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, for his senior year of high school. The program at IMG Academy is widely recognized for preparing athletes for college-level play, and it gave Osborn the platform to showcase his abilities on a national stage. That experience helped him earn opportunities to continue his football career at the collegiate level.
Path to American Football
Osborn committed to play college football at the University at Buffalo, where he spent three seasons developing as a wide receiver. During his time with the Buffalo Bulls, he totaled 96 catches for 1,490 yards and 12 touchdowns, establishing himself as a productive offensive weapon. His strong senior campaign earned him Second-team All-Mid-American Conference (MAC) recognition in 2018.
Looking to challenge himself at a higher level of competition, Osborn enrolled at the University of Miami as a graduate transfer in 2019. With the Miami Hurricanes, he led the team with 50 receptions for 547 yards and five touchdowns while also contributing on special teams, returning 16 punts for 255 yards and 10 kickoffs for 201 yards. His versatility and production at Miami positioned him for the next step toward the NFL.
K.J. Osborn Career
Early Career (2020)
Osborn was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round, 176th overall, of the 2020 NFL draft. He joined a Vikings wide receiver room that already featured established stars, which gave him the opportunity to learn from veteran players while gradually earning his role. His rookie season allowed him to adjust to the speed and complexity of the professional game.
Minnesota Vikings Breakthrough (2020–2023)
During the 2021 season, Osborn emerged as a meaningful contributor for the Vikings. In Week 6, he caught the game-winning touchdown pass in overtime against the Carolina Panthers. Later that season, in Week 14, he posted three receptions for 83 yards, including a 63-yard touchdown from quarterback Kirk Cousins, in a 36–28 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. He finished 2021 with 655 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, both third-most on the team behind Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen.
The 2022 season produced one of the defining moments of his career. In Week 15 against the Indianapolis Colts, Osborn recorded 10 receptions for 157 yards and a touchdown, helping the Vikings erase a 33-point deficit and win 39–36 in overtime. That victory marked the largest comeback in NFL history. In Week 18 of the same season, he added a second career 100-yard game with 117 receiving yards on five receptions against the Chicago Bears. In 2023, he finished with 48 receptions for 540 yards and three touchdowns.
New England Patriots (2024)
On March 19, 2024, Osborn signed with the New England Patriots as he looked for a fresh opportunity. His time in New England was brief, finishing with seven catches for 57 yards and a touchdown before he was waived on December 10, 2024.
Washington Commanders (2024–2025)
One day after being waived, on December 11, 2024, Osborn was claimed off waivers by the Washington Commanders. He later re-signed with the Commanders on a one-year contract on March 14, 2025, before being released on August 26 as part of final roster cuts.
Atlanta Falcons (2025)
On November 24, 2025, Osborn joined the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad, continuing his search for a stable roster opportunity. The move gave him a chance to remain active within the league as the season progressed.
Tennessee Titans (2026–Present)
On April 1, 2026, Osborn signed with the Tennessee Titans. He is listed as an active member of the Titans’ roster, wearing jersey number 85, and continues his professional career with the franchise.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the standout moments of Osborn’s career, his role in the largest comeback in NFL history against the Indianapolis Colts in 2022 stands out as a defining highlight. He has also recorded two career 100-yard receiving games and has shown a knack for producing in key moments, including overtime game-winning catches.
K.J. Osborn Career Wins
Across his NFL career, K.J. Osborn has produced consistent receiving numbers while serving in complementary roles with multiple teams. He has accumulated 165 receptions for 1,902 receiving yards and 16 receiving touchdowns through the 2025 season.
NFL Highlights
His best statistical season came in 2021, when he posted 655 receiving yards and seven touchdowns for the Minnesota Vikings. He followed that with a 157-yard, one-touchdown performance in the historic comeback win over the Colts in 2022. His 2023 totals of 48 receptions for 540 yards and three touchdowns rounded out his Vikings tenure.
K.J. Osborn Family
Personal Life
Off the field, K.J. Osborn is a Christian. In March 2023, he was credited with helping rescue Nelson Thomas, a former contestant on MTV’s The Challenge, from a burning car in Austin, Texas. Thomas’ leg was later amputated as a result of the accident, and Osborn’s quick actions drew widespread recognition.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season began with Osborn returning to the Washington Commanders on a one-year contract, though he was released on August 26 as part of final roster cuts. He remained in search of his next opportunity until November 24, when he signed with the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad. The late-season move allowed him to stay active within the league as the campaign moved toward its final stretch.