Deon Cain

Deon Cain (born August 9, 1996) is an American professional football wide receiver for the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football at Clemson. He was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL draft. He was also named MVP of the 2023 USFL championship game.

Early life Cain attended Tampa Bay Technical High School in Tampa, Florida. He played quarterback for the high school football team. He was rated as a five-star recruit and committed to Clemson University to play college football under head coach Dabo Swinney.

College career Cain moved to wide receiver at Clemson. As a true freshman in 2015, he played in 13 games, recording 34 receptions for 582 yards and five touchdowns. He did not play in the 2015 Orange Bowl or 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship due to suspension for failing a drug test. Cain returned from the suspension in 2016, and played in all 15 games, including Clemson's 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship victory over Alabama. For the season, he had 38 receptions for 724 yards and nine touchdowns. After his junior season, Cain decided to forgo his senior year and declare for the 2018 NFL draft.

Professional career

Indianapolis Colts Cain was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round (185th overall) of the 2018 NFL draft. In the first preseason game, Cain suffered a torn ACL after a promising training camp, prematurely ending his rookie season. Cain was placed on injured reserve on August 12, 2018. He made his NFL debut in the Colts' 2019 season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers. In the 30–24 loss, he had two receptions for 35 yards. He was waived on November 9.

Pittsburgh Steelers On November 16, 2019, Cain was signed off the Colts practice squad by the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 6 games with the Steelers, Cain caught 5 passes for 72 yards.

He was waived on September 5, 2020, and was signed to the practice squad the next day. He was elevated to the active roster on October 17 and January 2, 2021, for the team's weeks 6 and 17 games, each against the Cleveland Browns, and reverted to the practice squad after each game. His practice squad contract with the team expired after the season on January 18.

Baltimore Ravens On January 22, 2021, Cain signed a reserve/futures contract with the Baltimore Ravens. On August 31, he was placed on injured reserve, and released three days later.

Philadelphia Eagles On October 18, 2021, Cain was signed to the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Eagles on January 18, 2022.

On August 30, 2022, Cain was waived by the Eagles and re-signed to the practice squad the following day. He was released by Philadelphia on October 31.

On November 11, 2022, the Tennessee Titans hosted Cain for a workout.

Birmingham Stallions On March 8, 2023, Cain signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the United States Football League (USFL). He caught 16 passes for 182 yards and two touchdowns. He was named 2023 USFL championship game MVP after he caught three touchdown passes when his team won the championship game at the end of the season. His contract was terminated after the season on July 10, to sign with an NFL team.

Philadelphia Eagles (second stint) On July 25, 2023, Cain signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was released on August 27, as part of final roster cuts before the start of the regular season.

Birmingham Stallions (second stint) On November 30, 2023, Cain re-signed with the Stallions. His contract was terminated on August 12, 2024, to sign with an NFL team.

Buffalo Bills On August 13, 2024, Cain signed with the Buffalo Bills following an injury to Chase Claypool. He was released as part of final roster cuts on August 27.

Carolina Panthers Cain was added to the practice squad of the Carolina Panthers on August 30, 2024. He was released by the Panthers on October 15.

Buffalo Bills (second stint) Cain was re-signed to the Bills practice squad on October 31, 2024. He was waived on December 3.

Birmingham Stallions (third stint) On February 7, 2025, Cain re-signed with the Birmingham Stallions. On June 2, Cain was selected for the All-UFL Team.

Buffalo Bills (third stint) On July 28, 2025, Cain signed with the Bills on a one-year contract. He was released on August 26 as part of final roster cuts.

Birmingham Stallions (fourth stint) On January 13, 2026, Cain was selected by the Birmingham Stallions via pick protection.

Career statistics

NFL Year Team Games Receiving Fumbles GP GS Tgt Rec Yds Avg Lng TD Fum Lost 2018 IND 0 0 Did not play due to injury2019 IND 7 3 14 4 52 13.0 25 0 0 0 PIT 6 3 6 5 72 14.4 35 0 0 0 2020 PIT 2 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 Career 15 6 20 9 124 13.8 35 0 0 0

USFL/UFL Legend Championship Game MVP Led the league League champion Bold Career high Regular season Year Team League Games Receiving Kickoff returns Ret Yds Avg Lng TD 2023 BHAM USFL 8 5 16 182 11.4 38 2 22 606 27.6 91 2 2024 BHAM UFL 10 10 33 436 13.2 40 3 14 281 20.1 39 0 2025 BHAM 9 9 29 514 17.7 65 6 16 421 26.3 42 0 2026 BHAM 10 9 25 295 11.8 67 4 11 266 24.2 40 0 Career 37 33 103 1,427 13.9 67 15 63 1,574 25.0 91 2

Postseason Year Team League Games Receiving Kickoff returns Ret Yds Avg Lng TD 2023 BHAM USFL 2 2 12 144 12.0 40 3 8 165 20.6 34 0 2024 BHAM UFL 2 2 4 25 6.3 11 0 2 69 34.5 39 0 2025 BHAM 1 1 6 124 20.7 65 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 Career 5 5 22 293 13.3 65 3 10 234 23.4 39 0

College Season Team Games Receiving GP GS Rec Yds Avg TD 2015 Clemson 13 1 34 582 17.1 5 2016 Clemson 15 0 38 724 19.1 9 2017 Clemson 14 13 58 734 12.7 6 Career 42 14 130 2,040 15.7 20