Wylie, Devon (1988-2023)

Card: Leaf Rookies 2012
Acquired: 2012, Box Breaker

A multifaceted speedster, Devon Wylie did it all for Fresno State as a receiver and punt returner. A sure handed pass catcher, Wylie played 4 years for the Bulldogs, amassing 98 receptions in 44 games, finishing his career there with 1327 yards and 8 touchdowns. His best season came in 2011, when he proved his worth as a fulltime starter hauling in 56 receptions for 716 yards and a 71 yard touchdown reception. Devon also had a great season as a punt returner with 29 PR for 446 yards and two touchdowns including a 79 yarder. Devon’s efforts in his senior season earned him an invite to the 2012 East West Shrine game and 3rd team All-American honors as a punt returner. 

Invited to the NFL combine, Wylie had aspirations to break the 4.3 in the 40.  Although he didn’t meet his expectations, Wylie did score a superior 4.39 time.  Projected roughly to go in the 7th round, the Chiefs stepped up and picked Wylie in the 4th round of the 2012 draft where he got some playing time in at the tail end of 2012.  Over the last 3 weeks of the season Devon had 6 receptions for 53 yards, 9 kick returns for 191 yards (21.2 avg), and 5 punt returns for 26 yards.

He’d be cut in 2013, and then found a home with the Cardinals PS. Soon thereafter he’d move over to Tennessee, seeing some action on special teams that season. Then it was off to Seattle and finally San Fransisco to close out the year.

Wylie then spent time on the St. Louis Rams practice squad in 2014 and 2015. He’d then hop around between Oakland and Atlanta, before finishing up his career in Toronto playing for the Argonauts of the CFL in 2016-17.

EPITAPH:

11/13/23- Devon’s family announced his passing through social media. No cause of death was given.