Former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne was one of the best receivers of his generation, making six Pro Bowls and playing a big role in a Super Bowl Championship in 2007 for the Colts. His cousin Jalen Wayne is also embarking on his NFL career.
Jalen Wayne finished up his collegiate career last year at South Alabama. Like his cousin, he is a wide receiver and impressed in his final season with the program.
He recorded 58 receptions for 816 yards and nine touchdowns last year. Unfortunately, he was not selected in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Despite not being taken in the draft, that didn’t mean that there wasn’t interest from NFL teams in the undrafted free-agent market.
Reggie Wayne is now the Colts’ wide receivers coach, which led many to think that the Colts may sign him. However, it was the Buffalo Bills that took a chance on Jalen Wayne.
Former South Alabama WR Jalen Wayne – cousin of Reggie Wayne – is signing with the #Bills, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 30, 2023
Given his family lineage, this signing from the Bills drew a ton of reactions from the NFL world on social media.
If he’s anything like his cousin, we got a DAWG! #BillsMaifa https://t.co/f7zHVqYYOF
— 🥷🏾 (@yutti_bojangles) April 30, 2023
The Bills drafted Dallas Clark in Dalton Kincaid and signed Reggie Wayne's cousin
We really are the new age 2000's Colts https://t.co/TWGRasPAfq
— Bills Chat Podcast (@BillsChatPod) April 30, 2023
Jalen Wayne signs with the Bills.
Had the pleasure of speaking with Jalen earlier this draft season, and I was equally impressed with the person he is as well as the player on the field! https://t.co/gjXeJRneMM
— Destin Adams (@TheDestinAdams) April 30, 2023
Another Senior Bowl attendee. Had some good reps in 1-on-1's throughout the week on his home turf https://t.co/vMiCcWUbfg
— Tyler DeSena (@DeSenaSports) April 30, 2023
Pedigree. Bills add more WR help. https://t.co/8N6VoscBaP
— alex brasky (@alexbrasky) April 30, 2023
It has to sting for Colts fans to see a family member of a legendary player for their organization not be brought in. Regardless, Bills fans are certainly hoping that Jalen Wayne can follow in his cousin’s footsteps.
Wayne will obviously have a significant learning curve to overcome going from Sun Belt competition to the NFL. But he will get a chance to earn a roster spot and catch passes from star quarterback Josh Allen for the foreseeable future.
