Ross Dwelley

Ross Dwelley's Biography

Ross Dwelley, an American professional football player born on January 26, 1995, has led a successful sporting career as a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). His journey to professional football began in his hometown, El Dorado Hills, California, where he forged his football roots and developed his love for the sport.

As a student at Oak Ridge High School, Dwelley was immersed in both baseball and football. Initially, he assumed the role of quarterback during the first two seasons of high school. However, he took a sporting hiatus in his junior year, shifting his focus from football to baseball. It was his high school football coach who reignited Dwelley’s passion for football and persuaded him to return to the sport for his senior year. After transitioning to the tight end position, Dwelley’s exceptional performance on the field was evident. He clocked 43 catches for 568 receiving yards, registering five touchdowns, earning him the title Offensive MVP of his team.

Staying true to his passion, Dwelley embarked on his college football journey at the University of San Diego. Despite redshirting during his freshman year, he still managed to make a significant impact on the field. His contributions to the Toreros were remarkable, and over four seasons, he played 47 games and achieved a stellar record with 197 receptions for a total of 2,305 yards and 26 touchdowns. His exceptional performance did not go unnoticed and led to his recognition as second-team All-Pioneer Football League during his sophomore and junior years. His senior year was also notable as he led all Football Championship Subdivision tight ends with ten touchdown receptions, bringing his tally to 50 receptions for 663 yards. Despite suffering from an injury that had him out for two games, Dwelley was named first-team All-Pioneer League.

After finishing his college football career on a high note, Dwelley graduated with a degree in industrial and systems engineering. However, he remained committed to football, joining the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2018. Although he was initially cut from the team at the end of his training camp, he managed to secure a place on the 49ers’ practice squad.

Ross Dwelley’s determination and dedication paved the way for his promotion to the 49ers’ active roster in October 2018, paving the way for his NFL debut in a game against the Green Bay Packers. His first taste of victory came a few weeks later in a 34-3 triumph over the Oakland Raiders, during which he made his first NFL pass for an eight-yard reception. Turning up for subsequent matches, Dwelley finished his rookie year with two catches for 14 yards, featuring in 11 games without any starts.

In a testament to his development as a player, Dwelley was given the chance to make his first NFL start during a Week 6 road victory over the Los Angeles Rams in the following season. During a Week 11 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, Dwelley notched up his first NFL touchdown, going on to score another touchdown later in the same game. The 2019-2020 season saw Dwelley finish with 15 receptions, 91 yards, and two touchdowns over 16 games and six starts. The season wrapped up with a Super Bowl LIV appearance, although the 49ers fell to the Kansas City Chiefs with a 31-20 scoreline.

Amid the challenges of the 2020-2021 season, Dwelley was re-signed to a one-year contract by the 49ers, concluding the season with 19 receptions for 245 yards and a touchdown over a series of 16 games and nine starts. His impressive performance led to another contract extension for the 2021-2022 season. This season marked his career-long 56-yard reception during a Week 8 road victory against the Rams. Dwelley ended the season with three receptions for 105 yards and a touchdown across twelve games.

On March 29, 2022, Dwelley once again re-signed with the 49ers. However, in May 2024, a new career opportunity presented itself when he signed a contract with the Atlanta Falcons. Ross Dwelley’s athletic journey from an initial high school quarterback to a successful professional NFL tight end embodies resilience, dedication, and an unwavering love for the sport.