Ryan Flournoy

Ryan Flournoy Bio

Ryan Flournoy is an American professional football wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Central Missouri Mules, Iowa Western Reivers, and Southeast Missouri State Redhawks. After an impressive collegiate career, he was selected by the Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL draft.

Early Life and Background

Ryan Flournoy was born on October 27, 1999, in Hazel Crest, Illinois. Growing up, he was a fan of the Chicago Bears and was inspired by legendary players such as Gale Sayers and Walter Payton. His passion for football began at the young age of five, and he played throughout his childhood, eventually attending Homewood-Flossmoor High School in Flossmoor, Illinois. At Homewood-Flossmoor, he played as a wide receiver and also participated in track. Although he had limited playing time in his earlier years, he had a breakout senior season, recording 28 receptions for 480 yards and seven touchdowns. Despite his performance, he received little attention from college recruiters and decided to enroll at Central Missouri, a NCAA Division II school.

Path to American Football

Ryan Flournoy redshirted his first year at Central Missouri in 2018. His second season was marred by injury, but he managed to post 17 receptions for 170 yards upon his return, despite dealing with a partially-torn ACL. The 2020 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading Flournoy to transfer to Iowa Western Community College in 2021. At Iowa Western, he emerged as the team’s top receiver, totaling 32 receptions for 545 yards and five touchdowns, helping the team reach the NJCAA national championship. Flournoy scored all of his team’s touchdowns in the championship game, despite the loss. In 2022, he transferred to Southeast Missouri State, where he quickly became a key player, serving as team captain and recording 61 catches for 984 yards and seven touchdowns, earning first-team All-Ohio Valley Conference honors. He continued to excel in his final season in 2023, finishing with 57 catches for 839 yards and six touchdowns, and graduated with a degree in general studies in December 2023.

Ryan Flournoy Career

Early Career (2024)

Ryan Flournoy was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL draft, being the 216th overall pick. He made 11 appearances during his rookie season, recording 10 receptions for 102 yards. His first season laid the foundation for his professional career, showcasing his potential as a wide receiver.

Breakthrough (2025)

In 2025, Ryan Flournoy’s career took a significant turn. He was waived by the Cowboys on August 28 but was re-signed to the practice squad shortly after. He was promoted to the active roster on September 13. In Week 5 against the New York Jets, Flournoy achieved a career-high with six receptions for 114 yards, surpassing his total receiving yards from his rookie season. His performance continued to improve, and in Week 9 against the Arizona Cardinals, he caught his first career touchdown pass from quarterback Dak Prescott. On December 4, 2025, during a Thursday Night Football matchup against the Detroit Lions, Flournoy recorded career highs in targets (12), receptions (9), and yards (115), solidifying his role as a key player for the Cowboys.

Notable Works and Milestones

Ryan Flournoy’s signature achievements include being named first-team All-OVC in 2022 and his notable performances in the NFL, particularly in the 2025 season where he recorded significant career highs. His journey from college football to the NFL exemplifies his dedication and talent as a wide receiver.

Ryan Flournoy Award Nominations

Throughout his career, Ryan Flournoy has received recognition for his performances, including being named first-team All-Ohio Valley Conference in 2022.

Ryan Flournoy Awards Won

Ryan Flournoy has achieved notable recognition during his collegiate career, including being named first-team All-OVC in 2022, highlighting his skills and contributions on the field.