Mathew Sexton Bio
Mathew Sexton (born October 17, 1997) is an American professional football wide receiver who is currently on the practice roster of the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL). Standing 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) and listed at 176 lb (80 kg), Sexton is known for his speed, route running, and special teams value. Over the course of his career he has suited up for NFL, XFL, UFL, and now CFL organizations, building a résumé defined by persistence and versatility.
After going unselected in the 2020 NFL Draft, Sexton has pieced together a professional path through developmental leagues, practice squads, and short-term contracts. He played college football at Eastern Michigan University, where he developed into a reliable pass catcher. His journey from Clinton, Michigan, to professional rosters across North America reflects a steady commitment to the game.
Early Life and Background
Mathew Sexton was born on October 17, 1997, in Clinton, Michigan, a small community in Lenawee County. He grew up in the same town where he would later attend Clinton High School, beginning his organized football career in a close-knit local program. The small-town setting gave him early opportunities to log significant reps as a young athlete.
At Clinton High School, Sexton emerged as a capable wide receiver and multi-sport athlete, drawing attention from college recruiters with his quickness and hands. His high school résumé helped him secure a college opportunity at Eastern Michigan University, a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) program in nearby Ypsilanti, Michigan. The proximity allowed him to continue developing close to home before moving to the next level.
Path to American Football
Sexton enrolled at Eastern Michigan University in 2016 and spent four seasons with the Eastern Michigan Eagles. He appeared in 43 games across his college career, producing 100 receptions for 1,335 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. Those totals made him a dependable target in the Eagles’ passing attack and helped him earn a measure of pro consideration.
Following the conclusion of his senior season, Sexton declared for the 2020 NFL Draft. He went undrafted, but his college production and pro-day measurables kept his professional hopes alive. In 2020, he joined The Spring League, a developmental circuit that has historically served as a bridge for undrafted players, and his performance there eventually led to an NFL opportunity in 2021.
Mathew Sexton Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
Sexton’s professional journey began in 2020 with The Spring League, a showcase environment that allowed him to demonstrate his skills in front of NFL scouts. He did not secure an NFL contract that year, but his work in the developmental league helped him remain on professional radars heading into the following spring.
On March 31, 2021, Sexton signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His time in Pittsburgh was brief, as he was released on August 28, 2021. Although the stint did not result in a regular-season appearance, it gave him his first NFL training-camp experience and confirmed that he had the tools to compete at the highest level.
NFL Stops and XFL Opportunity (2022–2024)
On January 11, 2022, Sexton signed a future contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. He was released on June 23, 2022, and later reverted to injured reserve, before being released again on July 23, 2023. His time in Kansas City offered him another chance to learn within a championship-caliber organization.
On November 16, 2022, Sexton was drafted by the Vegas Vipers of the XFL. He played the 2023 XFL season with the Vipers, appearing in 8 games and finishing with 23 receptions for 326 receiving yards. The spring league provided meaningful game reps and helped him re-enter the NFL picture later that same year.
On August 4, 2023, Sexton signed with the Atlanta Falcons. After being released and brought back to the practice squad, he was ultimately released on September 19, 2023. Shortly after, on November 29, 2023, the New England Patriots signed him to their practice squad, though he was released the following day. Sexton then signed a future contract with the Miami Dolphins on January 17, 2024, before being waived on June 18, 2024.
San Antonio Brahmas Era (2024–2025)
On August 27, 2024, Sexton signed with the San Antonio Brahmas of the United Football League (UFL), beginning a new chapter in the spring-football landscape. He carved out a role as a wide receiver and return specialist, contributing on offense and special teams throughout the UFL campaign.
In Week 4 of the 2025 UFL season, Sexton returned a punt 83 yards for a touchdown, finishing that game with 107 all-purpose yards. He was named the UFL special teams player of the week for the performance, a signature moment in his professional career. On May 19, 2025, Sexton was placed on injured reserve, pausing his season with the Brahmas.
Notable Events and Milestones
Sexton’s most memorable professional moment came in Week 4 of the 2025 UFL season, when his 83-yard punt return touchdown earned him UFL special teams player of the week honors. Reaching the NFL as an undrafted free agent, logging four seasons of college production, and continuing his career across multiple leagues also stand as meaningful milestones in his playing journey.
Mathew Sexton Career Wins
Mathew Sexton’s professional résumé features steady contributions across multiple leagues rather than championship hardware, with his most prominent individual recognition coming in the UFL. His 83-yard punt return touchdown in 2025 highlighted his impact as a playmaker in the return game, complementing his work as a wide receiver.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his NFL practice-squad experience, Sexton produced 23 receptions for 326 receiving yards in 8 games with the Vegas Vipers in 2023, establishing himself as a consistent target in the XFL. His Eastern Michigan college totals of 100 receptions for 1,335 yards and nine touchdowns across 43 games further underscore his production as a pass catcher at multiple levels.
Mathew Sexton Family
Personal Life
Mathew Sexton was raised in Clinton, Michigan, the same community where he attended high school and began his football career. He is an American citizen and has continued to be active on social media, where he shares updates about his training and professional journey.
2025 Season Performance
Sexton’s 2025 season began with the San Antonio Brahmas of the UFL, where he quickly made an impact. In Week 4, his 83-yard punt return touchdown and 107 all-purpose yards earned him UFL special teams player of the week, marking the high point of his spring campaign.
His season was interrupted on May 19, 2025, when he was placed on injured reserve, requiring him to step away from game action to recover. Despite the setback, his early-season production reinforced his value as a versatile weapon on offense and special teams.
Looking ahead, Sexton’s contract with the Brahmas is listed through 2025, leaving the next phase of his career open as he continues rehabilitation. His history of moving between leagues and adapting to new systems suggests he remains a candidate to contribute wherever his next opportunity arises.