Braxton Berrios

Braxton Berrios is a professional NFL wide receiver and return specialist recognized for his contributions in football and academic achievement. Berrios committed to the Miami Hurricanes over several Power 5 schools. At the University of Miami, he excelled both on the field and academically, serving as class valedictorian and earning CoSIDA Academic All-America honors. During his four seasons with the Hurricanes, Berrios caught 100 passes for 1,175 yards and 14 touchdowns and returned 47 punts for 487 yards. His senior year marked career highs, with 55 receptions for 679 yards and nine touchdowns, and an average of 15.9 yards per punt return.

Berrios was selected by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the NFL Draft. Although he did not play in a game for New England, he received a Super Bowl ring following the team's victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII. He later joined the New York Jets, where he developed into a versatile playmaker as both a receiver and return specialist. In one standout season, Berrios finished second on the team with 46 catches for 431 yards and two touchdowns, and added 40 rushing yards with two scores. He returned a kickoff for a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars, earning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week, and became the first Jets receiver to record both a receiving and rushing touchdown in the same game.

Berrios earned first-team All-Pro honors as a returner, averaging 13.4 yards per punt return and leading the NFL with 30.4 yards per kickoff return. He is one of five NFL players since 1970 to record a passing, receiving, rushing, and kickoff return touchdown in his career. His 11.39-yard punt return average has ranked among the top in the NFL since his debut, highlighting his consistent impact on special teams.

After his time with the Jets, Berrios signed with the Miami Dolphins, where he played in 16 games, recording 27 catches for 238 yards and one touchdown. His second season in Miami was interrupted by a torn ACL, after which he returned to action, signing with the Houston Texans and later the New York Giants. Berrios's career totals include 140 receptions for 1,360 yards and six touchdowns, along with 20 rush attempts for 171 yards and four touchdowns. On special teams, he has returned 100 punts for 1,130 yards and 91 kickoffs for 2,265 yards and one touchdown. Berrios's progression from a sixth-round draft pick to a first-team All-Pro selection reflects his perseverance and preparation in the NFL.