Irvin Charles, a wide receiver for the New York Jets, has taken a unique and challenging path to the NFL. Born in Sicklerville, New Jersey, Charles wasn’t selected in the 2022 NFL Draft, but his resilience and determination have allowed him to carve out a role in professional football. As of December 2024, Charles is making headlines not only for his performances on the field but also due to an unfortunate injury that has temporarily sidelined him. Despite these setbacks, his journey reflects the tenacity and spirit of an athlete working hard to establish himself in the competitive world of the NFL.
After playing college football at both Penn State and Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), Charles impressed scouts with his size and athleticism. He stands 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 219 pounds, which is a considerable advantage as a wide receiver. While he didn’t get drafted, his performance during pro-day workouts and subsequent signing with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent has helped him gain attention. But the latest news reveals that Charles has faced an unfortunate injury, which has left him on the injured reserve for the remainder of the 2024 season.
Key Takeaways
- Irvin Charles is a wide receiver for the New York Jets, known for his size (6’4", 219 pounds) and athleticism.
- He went undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft but signed with the Jets as a free agent.
- Charles made a name for himself as a key player on special teams before a torn ACL injury sidelined him in December 2024.
- He played college football at Penn State and Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he had impressive statistics, including 12 touchdowns in his final season at IUP.
- His contract with the Jets is valued at over $2 million, reflecting the team’s belief in his potential despite his undrafted status.
Irvin Charles’ College Career
Irvin Charles’ college football career began at Penn State, where he played as a wide receiver for the Nittany Lions. During his time at Penn State, Charles had limited opportunities, with just 3 receptions for 110 yards across 24 games. However, his potential was undeniable, and after a few seasons, he transferred to Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) to further his career.
At IUP, Charles enjoyed a breakout season. He played 9 games in his final year, catching 39 passes for 792 yards and 12 touchdowns. This impressive performance helped him gain attention from NFL scouts, even though he went undrafted in 2022. His ability to score touchdowns and make big plays demonstrated his potential as a future NFL player.
Irvin Charles’ NFL Journey with the New York Jets
After going undrafted in 2022, Irvin Charles signed a three-year contract with the New York Jets. His contract, worth $2.565 million, reflected the Jets’ belief in his raw talent. He primarily contributed on special teams, where his athleticism and speed were key to his success. However, despite not making an immediate impact on offense, Charles’ efforts on special teams were vital in the Jets’ performance.
In 2023, Charles earned a promotion to the Jets’ active roster, and his salary increased to around $705,000 for the season. However, his development was slowed when he suffered a torn ACL in a game against Miami in December 2024. This injury has kept him on the injured reserve list for the rest of the season, which is a major setback in what could have been a promising year for the young receiver.
Irvin Charles’ 40-Yard Dash Time and Athleticism
One of the most notable aspects of Irvin Charles’ game is his athleticism. At his Pro Day, he recorded a 40-yard dash time of 4.66 seconds, showcasing his speed for a player of his size. While not the fastest in his class, his combination of height, strength, and speed makes him a dangerous player when he’s on the field. His size gives him an advantage in contested catches, and his athleticism allows him to compete against faster, smaller cornerbacks in the NFL.
Irvin Charles’ Contract with the New York Jets
Irvin Charles signed a three-year contract with the New York Jets in May 2022, with a total value of $2.565 million. This contract reflects his potential and the Jets’ confidence in his ability to contribute, even though he wasn’t drafted. Charles’ contract includes incentives for his performance, particularly on special teams. In 2023, after his promotion to the active roster, Charles signed a one-year deal worth $705,000, a significant increase from his previous contract. His contract status reflects his role as a developing player with a lot to prove in the league.
Irvin Charles’ Stats and Performance
As of the 2024 season, Irvin Charles has played 12 games in the NFL, primarily contributing on special teams. While he has yet to record any receptions in the regular season, his ability to make plays on special teams has been noteworthy. In his 12 games, Charles has made 7 total tackles, an impressive number for someone whose primary focus is not on defense. Unfortunately, his torn ACL injury has halted his progress for the remainder of the 2024 season, but his stats from previous seasons reflect his potential in the league.
| Key Life Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Irvin DeVonta Charles |
| Born | April 13, 1997, Sicklerville, New Jersey |
| Height/Weight | 6’4", 219 pounds |
| College | Penn State University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania |
| NFL Draft Status | Undrafted in 2022 |
| Contract | 3-year, $2.565 million with Jets |
| Injury | Torn ACL in December 2024 |
| 2024 Salary | $705,000 |
Irvin Charles’ Touchdowns and College Stats
At IUP, Charles demonstrated his ability to find the end zone. He recorded 12 touchdowns in his final season, which showcased his potential as a playmaker. While he did not have the same success in his time at Penn State, his ability to excel at IUP helped boost his draft stock, despite ultimately going undrafted. His college stats reflect his athleticism and skill, making him a promising prospect for the NFL.
Conclusion
Irvin Charles’ journey to the NFL is one of perseverance and hard work. From being undrafted to signing with the New York Jets, he has faced numerous challenges but has continued to work toward solidifying his place in the NFL. His injury in 2024 is a setback, but his athleticism, size, and drive suggest that he can come back strong once he fully recovers. As the Jets continue to develop their roster, Irvin Charles remains a player to watch in the future, especially if he can continue to contribute on special teams and eventually become a more prominent part of the Jets’ receiving corps.
FAQ
What college did Irvin Charles attend?
Irvin Charles attended Penn State University before transferring to Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), where he had a standout final season.
What was Irvin Charles’ 40-yard dash time?
Irvin Charles recorded a 40-yard dash time of 4.66 seconds during his Pro Day, which showcases his speed and athleticism as a wide receiver.
Did Irvin Charles get drafted into the NFL?
No, Irvin Charles went undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft but signed with the New York Jets as a free agent.
What is Irvin Charles’ current contract with the Jets?
Irvin Charles signed a three-year contract worth $2.565 million with the New York Jets in 2022. He later signed a one-year contract worth $705,000 for the 2023 season.
What injury did Irvin Charles suffer in 2024?
Irvin Charles suffered a torn ACL in December 2024, which placed him on the injured reserve for the remainder of the season.
How many touchdowns did Irvin Charles score in college?
Irvin Charles scored 12 touchdowns during his final season at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), showcasing his playmaking ability as a wide receiver.