FilAM Wide Receiver Johnny Wilson’s Journey to the NFL
Written by Jennifer Redondo
At the end of April, the 2024 National Football League (NFL) draft concluded their 89th meeting in Detroit, Michigan. For those of you who are new to the draft process, there are seven rounds in the NFL draft, in which each of the 32 teams receives one pick in each round. To be eligible to enter the draft, players must meet the following: 1. Graduated from high school for at least three years and 2. Used up their college eligibility before the start of the next college football season. This past spring, 257 players entered the 2024 draft, in which just 35 wide receivers were selected.
In the upcoming NFL season, one Filipino-American will be going pro! Johnny Wilson, wide receiver, was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round, number 185 overall. Wilson spent the draft with his family in Los Angeles. After receiving the call, the rookie didn’t waste any time signing his $4.2 million four-year contract.
To learn more about the newest addition to the Eagles squad, keep reading below:
1. He comes from a sports-oriented family.
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Both of Johnny’s parents played sports on the collegiate level. Johnny’s father, Kevin, played football, and his mother, Leslie, was an excellent basketball player.
2. He’s a valley kid!
Wilson grew up in the Los Angeles valley. The Pacoima native attended Calabasas High School all four years. During his time there, he had 187 catches for 3,302 yards, a 16.2 yards-per-catch average, and 43 touchdowns.
3. He started his college career at Arizona State University (ASU).
After high school, Wilson decommitted from Oregon to play for ASU under head coach and former Eagles cornerback, Herm Edwards. While at ASU, Wilson “ learned the importance of a brotherhood and what it takes to win”. During his freshman year in 2020, Wilson redshirted the whole season. Over two seasons, Wilson appeared in eight games, with three starts. He caught 18 passes for 243 yards and scored a touchdown.
4. He transferred to Florida State University.
In 2022, Wilson joined the Seminoles where he played in 12 games. Compared to his time at ASU, Wilson was able to get more playing time and his numbers. He led with 43 receptions for 897 yards and 5 touchdowns, earning second-team All-ACC honors. During an NFL Scouting Combine interview, “I chose Florida State, but at the same time Florida State chose me. In a time when I was in the (transfer) portal, I thought my career could have been over. Not a lot of schools reached out. Coach Norvell believed in me, and it made me work harder when coming close to losing everything”. He also shared that, “Coach Norvelll taught me a lot of life lessons as well as football lessons. He’s a huge role model in my life”.
5. He is big!
In the last 10 years, he is legitimately the biggest receiver drafted in the NFL. Wilson is one of four receivers to weigh over 230 pounds, while running at least 4.55 in the 40-yard dash. Wilson stands at 6’6” and weighs 231 pounds. In an interview, Wilson was asked about his size. He confirmed that he is 6’6” even though he’s also been listed as 6’7”. He said, “Being this size and being able to do some of the things I can do with my body and getting in and out of my breaks, and just having super long arms, it’s sometimes an advantage, especially to a lot of smaller corners and smaller defenders,” Wilson said. “I’ve just over the years tried to do a lot of training and using my body to my advantage.”
6. His nickname is “The Birdman”.
Due to his arm length measured at 35 3/8" and his wingspan measured 84 ½”, Wilson has been referred to as “The Birdman” – like a bird soaring over with his big wings. He has the longest arms ever recorded for a wide receiver in the combine. You may have noticed that he wears a long sleeve when he’s playing. It’s been his thing since he was in middle school, and since then it’s been part of his swag.
It’s only fitting that “The Birdman” is headed to the Eagles! This is Wilson’s chance to soar. Hopefully, he will become a fan favorite just as he looked up to wide receivers, Calvin Johnson and Davante Adams, who were his favorite NFL players growing up.
Written by Jennifer Redondo
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