John Stephens Jr.

John Stephens Jr. (born September 23, 1999)

College career TCU Stephens accepted a football scholarship from Texas Christian University. As a true freshman, he played in eight games off the bench, making 2 receptions for 58 yards (29-yard avg.). He had a 47-yard reception against the University of Oklahoma.

As a sophomore, he appeared in 12 games, tallying 11 receptions for 157 yards (14.3-yard avg.). He had 3 receptions for 40 yards against Texas Tech University.

As a junior, he appeared in 5 games, making only one reception for 5 yards (against Kansas State University).

UL Lafayette Stephens transferred after his junior season to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. As a senior in 2021, he collected 13 receptions for 167 yards and 4 touchdowns. He had 3 receptions for 48 yards and one touchdown against Nicholls State University. He made 3 receptions for 37 yards and 2 touchdowns against Ohio University.

As a super senior in 2022, he was a backup wide receiver, compiling 14 receptions for 284 yards and 3 touchdowns. He had 3 receptions for 103 yards and one touchdown against Eastern Michigan University. He made 3 receptions for 47 yards against the University of Houston.

Professional career

Stephens was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys after the 2023 NFL draft on May 12. He was converted into a tight end during training camp. He was trending toward making the roster, before suffering an ACL injury in the second preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks. He was placed on the injured reserve list on August 29, 2023.

On October 24, 2024, it was announced that Stephens had suffered another torn ACL in practice, and would miss the remainder of the season.

Stephens was waived by the Cowboys on August 25, 2025 and reverted to injured reserved. He was released on November 18 with an injury settlement.

Personal life Stephens is the son of former NFL running back, John Stephens. His half-sister is 2017 U.S. Open tennis champion Sloane Stephens.