Josh Palmer

Josh Palmer's Biography

Joshua Keith Palmer was born on September 22, 1999 in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. He is a professional Canadian football player serving as a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for the Los Angeles Chargers. Prior to his NFL debut, Palmer played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers and through his steady performance and hard work, caught the attention of the Chargers, who went on to pick him in the third round of the 2021 NFL draft.

Joshua, who in his early years paved the stepping stones of his career in the industrial city of Brampton, was born to parents Alethia and Keith Palmer and also has two sisters, Lanisha and Keiana. He began his journey into sports at St. Roch Catholic Secondary School participating in multiple athletic pursuits such as track events, basketball and, most prominently, football. His outstanding performance on the football field and prowess in other sports led to him being chosen as St Roch’s junior athlete of the year during his tenth-grade year.

While at St Roch, Palmers dual role of a wide receiver and defensive back majorly contributed in the school securing two junior varsity (JV) football titles during his ninth and tenth grade years. He also showcased his versatile athletic skills through his performance for the Burlington Stampeders of the Ontario Football Conference and the Brampton Bulldogs.

Ambitions of refining his skills and the interest shown by several Division I football programs lead Palmer to the United States, where he took part in various summer football camps before making a decision to transfer to St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for his last two years of high school.

Upon arrival at St. Thomas Aquinas, Palmer was rated as a three-star recruit, and his credibility as a strong player led him to initially commit to play college football at Syracuse during the summer before his senior year. Despite his commitment, he ultimately decided to sign with the Tennessee Volunteers, after closing off his senior year with rave statistics which included 32 receptions for 506 yards, eight touchdowns, and being named second-team Class 7A All-State.

Parker’s college football career began as a freshman where he had a playtime in all 12 of the Volunteers’ games, and had a fair haul of nine passes for 98 yards. His performance in his freshman year led to Palmer becoming a regular starter as a sophomore and marked achievements such as 23 receptions for a total of 484 yards, two touchdowns, and an additional rushing touchdown. His positive trajectory continued in his junior year which culminated in 34 passes and one touchdown which amounted to 457 yards.

Navigating his way through the COVID-19 pandemic, Palmers senior year was shortened to only nine games but that didn’t deter his spirit. He ended the year on a bright note with 33 receptions for 475 yards and four touchdowns.

Despite being eligible and ranking first as a Canadian prospect, Palmer did not get picked in the subsequent 2021 CFL Draft which followed the 2021 NFL draft. However, his performance drew attention from the national league. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in the third round as the 77th overall pick. Solidifying his position in the big leagues, Palmer signed a four-year rookie contract with the Chargers on July 23, 2021.

Plunging into his life as an NFL player, Palmer debuted with one reception for 17 yards in his first game against the Washington Football Team. He enhanced his play over time which was catapulted with his first career touchdown on a 24-yard reception from teammate Justin Herbert during a game against the New England Patriots. He ended his rookie season making appearances in all 17 games, starting five, and fetching in 33 receptions that contributed to 353 receiving yards and four touchdowns.

In his game against the Atlanta Falcons, Palmer received eight passes for a total of 106 yards, which helped the Chargers secure a win. He repeated his noteworthy performance with another gain of 106 yards via eight receptions and two touchdowns in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

By 2023, Palmer had established himself as a consistent player with remarkable ability. He was listed third on the depth chart, a pivotal list within the Charger’s team, behind Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. In the fifth week, against the Kansas City Chiefs, Palmer scored onto his tally, receiving five passes for a grand total of 133 yards.

However, in the eighth week, during a game against the Chicago Bears, he suffered a sprain to his right knee. Despite the injury, he continued playing through the game. But due to concerns over his injury, he was placed on the injured reserve list on November 5, 2023. After a one-month hiatus, Palmer was activated on December 12.

In his first game after his recovery, he demonstrated a gallant fight, making4 receptions for 113 yards and even scoring a touchdown. However, the Chargers had to face defeat in the game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Battling adversity and fighting his way to the top, Palmer finished the 2023 season with an impressive tally of 38 receptions that amounted to 581 yards and two touchdowns in just ten games.