Donovan Peoples-Jones

Donovan Peoples-Jones's Biography

Donovan Peoples-Jones, also affectionately known as “DPJ”, is a talented professional American football wide receiver and return specialist. Born on the 19th of February, 1999 in Detroit, he now plays for the Detroit Lions. Before his pro career, Donovan was a shining star during his college football days at the University of Michigan. He got his quarterback sacks-start in the National Football League (NFL) when the Cleveland Browns selected him in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL draft. Michigan can rightfully boast of being Peoples-Jones’ home throughout his high school, collegiate, and professional football journey.

Donovan was born into the family of Roslyn Peoples and Eddie Jones. His formative education was at Southfield Christian School, but he had a passion for sports that was so great that it prompted a switch to Cass Technical High School. It was here where Peoples-Jones’ career in sports really began to take shape. The high school recognized his exceptional talents, rating him as a five-star recruit and the best wide receiver recruit from the state since Charles Rogers in 2000. His undeniable talent led to being named the 2016 Michigan High School Football Player of the Year by MLive Media Group. Donovan proved his worth with 60 receptions giving 1,071 yards and 17 touchdowns in his senior year at Cass Tech. In a career-shaping decision, he committed to playing for the University of Michigan, a decision he publicly announced on ESPN2.

After his commitment to Michigan, he began college as an early enrollee in January 2017. Displaying impressive talent and potential for greatness, Donovan’s performances were met with praise from his peers. After his first game, he demonstrated his punt-returning prowess with five punt returns gaining 40 yards against Florida. To further prove his skill, he ran 44 yards on a jet sweep in his second game against Cincinnati. His steady rise did not halt there, as he recorded two punts for 104 yards, including a 79-yard return for a touchdown against Air Force. An unbelievable record, it was the longest return since Steve Breaston in 2006.

Peoples-Jones continued his steady rise and marked his place in Michigan football history. His freshman year saw him catch 22 passes for 277 yards and earn the title of Freshman All-American. During his second season, he led the team with 39 receptions for 541 yards and seven touchdowns. This further earned him a place in the All-Big Ten special teams third-team, and on the All-Big Ten offensive teams third-team.

In 2019, Donovan was once again recognized for his craft, as he was named to the All-Big Ten special teams third-team. His final season of college football saw him contribute immensely to the team. However, on January 4, 2020, he announced he was ready to make the leap into professional football, and so, he entered the NFL draft.

Peoples-Jones career took a phenomenal turn when the Cleveland Browns selected him as the 187th overall pick of the 2020 NFL draft. Making his mark in his professional debut, Donovan recorded numerous impressive plays, including scoring the game-winning touchdown with only 11 seconds left against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7. Despite some COVID-19 related hurdles, Donovan concluded his rookie season with 14 receptions for 304 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns in 12 games.

The next few seasons saw Donovan establish himself as a crucial team player. He finished the 2021 season with 34 receptions for 597 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns in 14 games. In the 2022 season, he recorded one of the highlights of his career so far with a 76-yard punt return touchdown. It was no surprise when he was honored with the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week.

As the 2023 season approached, Donovan’s career took a nostalgic turn as he was traded to the Detroit Lions, his hometown’s team, in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft. He then re-signed with the Lions in March 2024. Despite a brief setback when he was released by the Lions in August 2024, Donovan quickly returned to the team’s practice squad, proving that he was a force to be reckoned with, undeterred by obstacles that came his way. His career trajectory serves as an inspiration for aspiring footballers the world over.