Willie Snead
{{Short description|American football player (born 1992)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Willie Snead
| image = Willie Snead.png
| caption = Snead with the Baltimore Ravens in 2020
| current_team =
| number =
| position = Wide receiver
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1992|10|17}}
| birth_place = Winter Park, Florida, U.S.
| height_ft = 5
| height_in = 11
| weight_lbs = 195
| high_school = Muskegon Heights (MI)
| college = Ball State (2011–2013)
| undraftedyear = 2014
| pastteams =
- Cleveland Browns ({{NFL Year|2014}})*
- Carolina Panthers ({{NFL Year|2014}})*
- New Orleans Saints ({{NFL Year|2014}}–{{NFL Year|2017}})
- Baltimore Ravens ({{NFL Year|2018}}–{{NFL Year|2020}})
- Las Vegas Raiders ({{NFL Year|2021}})
- Carolina Panthers ({{NFL Year|2021}})
- San Francisco 49ers ({{NFL Year|2022}}–{{NFL Year|2023}})
- Miami Dolphins ({{NFL Year|2024}})*
| status =
| highlights =
- 2× First-team All-MAC (2012, 2013)
| statweek =
| statseason =
| statlabel1 = Receptions
| statvalue1 = 281
| statlabel2 = Receiving yards
| statvalue2 = 3,445
| statlabel3 = Receiving touchdowns
| statvalue3 = 16
| pfr = S/SneaWi00
}}
Willie Lee Snead IV (born October 17, 1992) is an American professional football wide receiver. He played college football at Ball State and was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2014. He has also been a member of the Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders, and San Francisco 49ers.
Early life
Snead played his freshman year at Glade Central High School in Belle Glade, Florida. The Snead family then moved to Michigan where his father, Willie Snead III, had taken the head coaching job at Holland Christian High School in Holland, Michigan. Holland Christian went 14–0 in 2008 winning the state championship. Snead, as a sophomore, was one of the top receivers on the team with 35 receptions, 543 receiving yards, and 5 touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Willie Snead IV's High School Timeline |url=https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/willie-snead-iv/LTeby_TwEeKZ5AAmVebBJg/default.htm |access-date=October 16, 2022 |website=MaxPreps.com |language=en}}
Another move to Muskegon took Snead to Muskegon Heights High School where he would play his final two years of high school football. His senior year, Snead was named Michigan Division 5–6 Player of the Year by the Associated Press.{{Cite web |last=Mattson |first=Mike |date=November 24, 2010 |title=Muskegon Heights' Willie Snead IV named state's top football player in Divisions 5–6, three other locals earn all-state honors |url=http://www.mlive.com/sports/muskegon/index.ssf/2010/11/muskegon_heights_willie_snead.html |access-date=November 26, 2013 |website=Muskegon Chronicle |publisher=mlive.com}} At Muskegon Heights, Snead played quarterback and in his senior year he threw for 2,200 passing yards with 13 touchdowns and one interception. He rushed for an additional 1,083 yards and nine touchdowns. Snead also played defense as a linebacker and safety with one interception and 76 tackles.{{Cite web |last=Beiswanger |first=Bert |date=November 6, 2013 |title=Ball State's Willie Snead: Big Willie Style |url=http://kentsterling.com/2013/11/06/ball-states-willie-snead-big-willie-style/ |access-date=November 26, 2013 |website=kentsterling.com |publisher=kentsterling.com}}
College career
Snead played in eleven games for the Ball State Cardinals in 2011. In his first start, Snead recorded 180 receiving yards, which is the 11th-best for a single game in Ball State history, and a touchdown against Army.{{Cite web |title=Player Profile |url=http://ballstatesports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=205090102 |access-date=November 26, 2013 |website=Ball State Athletics |publisher=Ball State Athletics}} His first career reception came at South Florida and his first career touchdown catch came against Buffalo. Ball State finished the season 6–6 with another win over Army 48–21 and notable losses to #22 South Florida and #2 Oklahoma. Snead finished his freshman season with 327 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Willie Snead Player Profile |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/17258/willie-snead-iv |access-date=November 26, 2013 |website=ESPN.com}}
In the 2012 season, Snead started in 12 games and played in all 13 games. At the end of the 2012 season, Snead was tied for third on Ball State's single season receptions and third for single season receiving yards. In his sophomore season, Snead ended the year 25th in the nation on receiving yards per game averaging 88 yards per game. He finished the season with 89 receptions, 1,148 receiving yards, and nine receiving touchdowns. The nine receiving touchdowns ranked sixth in a single season in school history. The Cardinals finished the 2012 season 9–3 with important wins over #25 Toledo 34–27, the then Big East’s South Florida 31–27 and, for a second year in a row, the Big Ten’s Indiana Hoosiers 41–39. The three regular season losses came to the #12 Clemson Tigers, Kent State, and Northern Illinois. Both Kent State and Northern Illinois went on to be ranked in the Top 25. Snead started for Ball State in the 2012 Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl game in St. Petersburg, Florida where they were defeated by the Central Florida Knights 38–17.
In 2013, Snead helped quarterback Keith Wenning and head coach Pete Lembo lead the Cardinals to another successful season, finishing bowl eligible for the third consecutive year with a 10–3 record. Snead had 100+ receiving yards in nine games, a school record, and tied with Vanderbilt's Jordan Matthews for the most such games that year. He finished the season with 106 receptions for 1,516 yards and 15 touchdowns, setting the Ball State single-season receiving record in all three categories.{{Cite web |title=Records Fall in 55–14 Football Victory over Miami |url=http://ballstatesports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=14200&ATCLID=209326323 |access-date=November 30, 2013 |website=Ball State Athletics |publisher=Ball State Athletics}} Those totals also ranked him tied for seventh, third, and tied for third respectively among all college football players that season.{{Cite web |title=2013 Leaders |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/years/2013-leaders.html |access-date=October 3, 2018 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en}}
Snead bypassed his senior season to enter the 2014 NFL draft.{{Cite web |last=Zaleski |first=Doug |date=January 7, 2014 |title=Ball State receiver Snead declares for NFL draft |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/2014/01/07/ball-state-receiver-snead-declares-for-nfl-draft/4363635/ |access-date=October 16, 2022 |website=The Indianapolis Star |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Huguenin |first=Mike |date=January 7, 2014 |title=Ball State's Willie Snead will bypass senior season for NFL draft |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/ball-state-s-willie-snead-will-bypass-senior-season-for-nfl-dra-0ap2000000310571 |access-date=October 16, 2022 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}}
=College statistics=
Snead ranks second in Ball State history with 2,991 receiving yards (to Dante Ridgeway's 3,030) and 26 receiving touchdowns (to Darius Hill's 31), and third in receptions with 223. He and Ridgeway are the only two players in Ball State history to have two 1,000 yard receiving seasons, and his 13 games with 100+ yards receiving is a school record.
=Awards=
- Selected as a Biletnikoff Award Semifinalist in 2013{{Cite web |title=Biletnikoff Award Announces 2013 Semifinalists |url=http://biletnikoffaward.com/2013-semifinalists |access-date=November 26, 2013 |website=biletnikoffaward.com |publisher=biletnikoffaward.com}}
- 2012 All-MAC First Team Offense{{Cite web |date=November 28, 2012 |title=MAC Announces 2012 Football Postseason Awards |url=https://getsomemaction.com/news/2012/11/27/FB_172907.aspx?path=football |access-date=December 14, 2022 |website=getsomemaction.com |language=en}}
- 2013 All-MAC First Team Offense{{Cite web |last=Scheessele |first=Keith |date=December 4, 2013 |title=2013 All-MAC Teams Announced, Huskies Lead the Way |url=http://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-football/2013/12/4/5175712/2013-all-mac-teams-announced-huskies-lead-the-way |access-date=December 18, 2013 |website=SB Nation |publisher=hustlebelt.com}}
- 2013 Honorable Mention WR All-American by Sports Illustrated{{Cite web |title=College Football All America Team |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-football/news/20131217/college-football-all-america-team/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131222075301/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-football/news/20131217/college-football-all-america-team/ |archive-date=December 22, 2013 |access-date=December 18, 2013 |website=SI.com |publisher=Sports Illustrated}}
Professional career
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 5
| height in = 11
| weight = 195
| dash = 4.56
| ten split = 1.49
| twenty split = 2.57
| shuttle = 4.38
| cone drill = 7.18
| vertical = 36.0
| broad ft = 9
| broad in = 11
| bench = 11
| wonderlic =
| arm span = 33
| hand span = 10 1/4
| note = All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day{{Cite web |title=Willie Snead Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/willie-snead/3200534e-4511-5447-652c-c9261bcca6a7 |access-date=December 21, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |title=Willie Snead, Combine Results, WR – Ball State (IN) |url=https://nflcombineresults.com/playerpage.php?i=20882 |access-date=September 14, 2021 |website=nflcombineresults.com}}
}}
=Cleveland Browns=
File:Cleveland Browns Training Camp 2014 (14750786291).jpg
Snead went undrafted during the 2014 NFL draft.{{Cite web |last=Vance |first=Bryan |date=May 10, 2014 |title=Ball State's Willie Snead Signed By Cleveland Browns |url=http://www.hustlebelt.com/2014/5/10/5700786/ball-states-willie-snead-signed-by-cleveland-browns |access-date=August 22, 2014 |website=hustlebelt.com |publisher=hustlebelt.com}} On May 10, 2014, the Cleveland Browns signed Snead to a three-year, $1.54 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $5,000.{{Cite web |title=Spotrac.com: Willie Snead contract |url=https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/baltimore-ravens/willie-snead-14764/ |access-date=December 21, 2018 |website=Spotrac.com}}
Throughout training camp, Snead competed for a roster spot against Andrew Hawkins, Anthony Armstrong, Conner Vernon, Charles Johnson, and Taylor Gabriel.{{Cite web |last=Howard |first=Brandon |date=July 29, 2014 |title=Competition Escalates on Day 2 of Browns Training Camp |url=http://proplayerinsiders.com/nfl-player-team-news-features/competition-escalates-day-2-browns-training-camp/ |access-date=December 21, 2018 |website=proplayerinsiders.com}}{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Cleveland Browns Depth Chart: 07/01/2014 |url=https://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/160/CLE |access-date=December 21, 2018 |website=Ourlads.com}} Snead performed well throughout training camp and finished the preseason with eight receptions for 124 receiving yards.{{Cite web |last=Lyndall |first=Craig |date=August 5, 2014 |title=Willie Snead and the elusive undrafted starter |url=http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/2014/08/nfl-news-browns-depth-chart-willie-snead-training-camp/ |access-date=August 22, 2014 |website=waitingfornextyear.com}} On August 30, 2014, the Cleveland Browns waived Snead as part of their final roster cuts.{{Cite web |title=Cleveland Browns: Transactions (2014) |url=https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/team/transactions/2014 |access-date=December 21, 2018 |website=clevelandbrowns.com}}
=Carolina Panthers (first stint)=
Snead signed with the practice squad of the Carolina Panthers on September 23, 2014.{{Cite web |last=Breiner |first=Ben |date=September 23, 2014 |title=Ex-Cardinal Snead signs with Panthers |url=http://www.thestarpress.com/story/sports/college/ball-state/2014/09/23/willie-snead-ball-state-football-carolina-panthers-kelvin-benjamin/16116119/ |access-date=September 24, 2014 |website=www.thestarpress.com |publisher=A Gannett Company}} On November 6, 2014, the Panthers released Snead from their practice squad.{{Cite web |title=Carolina Panthers: Transactions (2014) |url=https://www.panthers.com/team/transactions/2014 |access-date=December 21, 2018 |website=panthers.com}}
=New Orleans Saints=
=2014=
On December 11, 2014, the New Orleans Saints signed Snead to their practice squad.{{Cite web |last=Breiner |first=Ben |date=December 11, 2014 |title=Ball State's Snead makes Saints practice squad |url=http://www.thestarpress.com/story/sports/college/ball-state/2014/12/11/willie-snead-new-orleans-staints-ball-state-football/20276849/ |access-date=December 12, 2014 |website=www.thestarpress.com |publisher=Gannett}} Snead spent the remainder of the 2014 NFL season on the Saints’ practice squad and did not appear in any regular season games during the season. On December 29, 2014, the New Orleans Saints signed Snead to a reserve/futures contract.{{Cite web |last=Woodbery |first=Evan |date=December 29, 2014 |title=New Orleans Saints sign receiver Willie Snead to reserve/futures contract |url=https://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2014/12/new_orleans_saints_sign_receiv.html |access-date=December 21, 2018 |website=Nola.com}}
==2015==
During training camp in 2015, Snead competed for a roster spot against Joe Morgan, Nick Toon, Seantavius Jones, Lance Lewis, Jalen Saunders, R.J. Harris, and Kyle Prater.{{Cite web |last=Katzenstein |first=Josh |date=August 8, 2016 |title=Saints WR Willie Snead proving teams made mistake by passing on him in 2014 draft |url=http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2016/08/willie_snead_proving_teams_mad.html |access-date=September 25, 2019 |website=NOLA.com}}{{Cite web |last=Schuster |first=Andrew |date=August 18, 2015 |title=It's clear Saints wide receiver Willie Snead is seeking employment in New Orleans |url=https://whodatdish.com/2015/08/18/clear-saints-willie-snead-seeking-employment-new-orleans/ |access-date=December 21, 2018 |website=whodatdish.com}} Head coach Sean Payton named Snead the fourth wide receiver on the depth chart to begin the regular season, behind Marques Colston, Brandin Cooks, and Brandon Coleman.
He made his professional regular season debut in the Saints season-opener at the Arizona Cardinals and caught one pass for a 63-yard gain during their 31–19 loss. On September 20, 2015, Snead made four receptions for 44-yards and scored his first career touchdown as the Saints lost 26–19 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2. Snead scored his first career touchdown on a 16-yard pass by Saints’ quarterback Drew Brees during the fourth quarter.{{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints – September 20th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201509200nor.htm |access-date=December 22, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}} In Week 5, he earned his first career start and made six receptions for a season-high 141 receiving yards during a 39–17 loss at the Philadelphia Eagles. On November 1, 2015, Snead had six receptions for 70-yards and two touchdowns in the Saints’ 52–49 victory against the New York Giants in Week 8. Snead was inactive for the Saints’ Week 13 loss against the Panthers due to a calf injury.{{Cite web |last=Cariello |first=Dave |date=December 4, 2015 |title=Saints vs. Panthers Final Injury Report: John Jenkins Out for Sunday, Willie Snead Doubtful |url=https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2015/12/4/9851608/saints-panthers-final-injury-report-john-jenkins-out-for-sunday |access-date=December 22, 2018 |website=canalstreetchronicles.com}} In Week 14, he collected seven receptions for 122 receiving yards during a 24–17 win at the Buccaneers. The following week, Snead made a season-high ten catches for 76 receiving yards as the Saints lost 35–27 to the Detroit Lions in Week 15.{{Cite web |title=Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints – December 21st, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201512210nor.htm |access-date=October 16, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference}} He finished the 2015 season with 69 receptions for a career-high 984 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 15 games and eight starts.{{Cite web |title=Willie Snead 2015 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SneaWi00/gamelog/2015/ |access-date=October 16, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He finished second on the team in receiving yards, behind Brandin Cooks (1,138 yds), and ranked 28th among all players in the league.{{Cite web |title=2015 New Orleans Saints Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2015.htm |access-date=October 16, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference}}{{Cite web |title=2015 NFL Receiving |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/receiving.htm |access-date=October 16, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference}}
==2016==
Throughout training camp, Snead competed against rookie second round pick Michael Thomas for a job as a starting wide receiver after the Saints released Marques Colston.{{Cite web |last=Cobern |first=James |date=July 22, 2016 |title=New Orleans Saints Training Camp: Willie Snead vs. Michael Thomas |url=https://nflspinzone.com/2016/07/22/new-orelans-saints-training-camp-willie-snead-vs-michael-thomas/ |access-date=December 22, 2018 |website=nflspinzone.com}} Head coach Sean Payton named Snead the third wide receiver to start the regular season, behind Brandin Cooks and Michael Thomas.{{Cite web |last=Hendrix |first=John |date=September 8, 2016 |title=Saints' Week 1 depth chart lists Paul Kruger, Jahri Evans as starters |url=https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2016/9/8/12846872/saints-week-1-depth-chart-paul-kruger-jahri-evans-starters |access-date=December 22, 2018 |website=canalstreetchronicles.com}}
He appeared in the Saints season-opener against the Oakland Raiders and caught nine passes for a career-high 172 yards and a touchdown during their 35–34 loss. Snead, Cooks, and Michael Thomas combined for a total of 373 receiving yards against the Raiders, which became the most by a New Orleans trio in a loss.{{Cite web |last=Teope |first=Herbie |date=September 12, 2016 |title=Saints' speedy receivers shred Raiders defenders in loss |url=http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2016/09/saints_wr_corps_use_speed_to_o.html#incart_river_mobile_index |access-date=September 25, 2019 |website=NOLA.com}} Snead was inactive for a Week 3 loss against the Atlanta Falcons after injuring his toe.{{Cite web |last=Triplett |first=Mike |date=September 26, 2016 |title=Saints' Willie Snead (toe injury) inactive vs. Falcons |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/17643915/new-orleans-saints-wr-willie-snead-toe-inactive-vs-atlanta-falcons |access-date=December 27, 2018 |website=ESPN.com}} On November 13, 2016, Snead caught five passes for 47 yards and had a season-high two touchdown receptions during the Saints’ 25–23 loss against the Denver Broncos in Week 10. In Week 12, Snead completed a 50-yard touchdown pass to running back Tim Hightower off a lateral during the fourth quarter of a 49–21 victory against the Los Angeles Rams. It marked his first career touchdown pass. Snead finished the 2016 NFL season with 72 receptions for 895 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 15 games and four starts.{{Cite web |title=Willie Snead 2016 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SneaWi00/gamelog/2016/ |access-date=October 16, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference}}
==2017==
Snead entered training camp slated as the No. 2 wide receiver, but received competition for the role from Ted Ginn Jr.{{Cite web |last=Triplett |first=Mike |date=August 29, 2017 |title=Saints WR Ted Ginn Jr. steps up; Willie Snead sits out |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-orleans-saints/post/_/id/27386/saints-wr-ted-ginn-jr-steps-up-willie-snead-sits-out |access-date=December 28, 2018 |website=ESPN.com}} On September 1, 2017, Snead received a three game suspension stemming from an incident where he was arrested for driving while intoxicated and failing to maintain proper control of his vehicle after crashing into a parked car and failing a breathalyzer test.{{Cite web |last=Triplett |first=Mike |date=September 1, 2017 |title=Saints' Snead suspended 3 games after DUI |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/20536056/willie-snead-new-orleans-saints-suspended-three-games |access-date=November 6, 2017 |website=ESPN.com}} He was originally suspended for four games, but was reduced to three after an appeal.{{Cite web |last=Sessler |first=Marc |date=September 1, 2017 |title=Saints' Willie Snead suspended three games by NFL |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/saints-willie-snead-suspended-three-games-by-nfl-0ap3000000838677 |access-date=October 16, 2022 |website=NFL.com}} Upon returning from suspension, Snead was named the fourth wide receiver in the depth chart behind Michael Thomas, Ted Ginn Jr., and Brandon Coleman. He also lost his position as the primary slot receiver to Brandon Coleman.{{Cite web |last=Parks |first=James |date=January 12, 2018 |title=Willie Snead could see more snaps in Brandon Coleman's absence |url=https://247sports.com/nfl/new-orleans-saints/article/new-orleans-saints-willie-snead-could-see-more-time-in-brandon-colemans-absence-113625194/ |access-date=December 28, 2018 |website=247sports.com}} Snead finished the 2017 NFL season with only eight receptions for 92 receiving yards and was held without a touchdown reception in 11 games and seven starts.{{Cite web |title=Willie Snead 2017 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SneaWi00/gamelog/2017/ |access-date=2024-06-02 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
On March 13, 2018, the New Orleans Saints applied a level three tender to Snead as a restricted free agent. The tender allowed the Saints to match any contract offer given to Snead.{{Cite web |last=Triplett |first=Mike |date=March 13, 2018 |title=Saints tender Willie Snead at lowest level, let Delvin Breaux walk |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/271268/saints-tender-willie-snead-at-lowest-level-let-delvin-breaux-walk |access-date=April 20, 2018 |website=ESPN.com}}
=Baltimore Ravens=
==2018==
On April 20, 2018, the Baltimore Ravens signed Snead to a two-year offer sheet worth up to $10.4 million, giving the Saints five days to match or let him sign with Baltimore.{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=April 20, 2018 |title=Ravens signing Saints' Willie Snead to offer sheet |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/ravens-sign-saints-willie-snead-to-offer-sheet-0ap3000000927622 |access-date=September 25, 2019 |website=NFL.com}} On April 23, 2018, the Saints officially declined to match the Ravens' contract offer.{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=April 23, 2018 |title=Saints decline to match Ravens' offer for Willie Snead |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000927961/article/saints-decline-to-match-ravens-offer-for-willie-snead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180423232439/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000927961/article/saints-decline-to-match-ravens-offer-for-willie-snead |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 23, 2018 |access-date=September 25, 2019 |website=NFL.com}} As a result, Snead became a member of the Ravens and received a two-year, $7 million contract that includes $3 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $2 million.
Snead joined a revamped wide receivers core that included free agent acquisitions Michael Crabtree and John Brown. Head coach John Harbaugh named Snead the No. 3 starting wide receiver on the depth chart, behind Crabtree and Brown.{{Cite web |last=Barber |first=Kyle P. |date=September 4, 2018 |title=Ravens release first depth chart following roster cuts: Lamar Jackson is QB2 |url=https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2018/9/4/17820230/ravens-release-first-depth-chart-following-roster-cuts-orlando-brown-james-hurst-lamar-jackson-rgiii |access-date=December 28, 2018 |website=baltimorebeatdown.com}} He was also named the primary slot receiver.{{Cite web |date=October 18, 2018 |title=Wide receiver Willie Snead thriving with Ravens as man in the middle |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/ravens/wide-receiver-willie-snead-thriving-ravens-man-middle |access-date=December 29, 2018 |website=nbcsports.com |agency=Associated Press}}
He made his Ravens regular season debut in their season-opener against the Buffalo Bills and made four receptions for 49 yards and caught a 13-yard touchdown pass from Joe Flacco during the third quarter of their 47–3 victory.{{Cite web |title=Buffalo Bills at Baltimore Ravens – September 9th, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201809090rav.htm |access-date=December 29, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}} In Week 6, Snead caught a season-high six passes for 60 receiving yards as the Ravens defeated the Tennessee Titans 21–0.{{Cite web |title=Willie Snead 2018 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SneaWi00/gamelog/2018/ |access-date=October 16, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He finished the season with 62 receptions for 651 yards and one touchdown. He led the team in receptions and finished second in receiving yards behind John Brown.{{Cite web |title=2018 Baltimore Ravens Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/rav/2018.htm |access-date=September 25, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference}}
==2019==
On October 28, 2019, Snead signed a one-year, $6 million contract extension with the Ravens through the 2020 season.{{Cite web |last=Scott |first=Jelani |date=October 28, 2019 |title=Willie Snead signs 1-year extension with Ravens |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/willie-snead-signs-1-year-extension-with-ravens-0ap3000001070870 |access-date=October 16, 2022 |website=NFL.com}} In Week 12 against the Rams, Snead caught two passes for 14 yards and two touchdowns in the 45–6 win.{{Cite web |date=November 25, 2019 |title=Lamar Jackson throws 5 TD passes, Ravens rout Rams 45–6 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128012 |access-date=November 25, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} Overall, Snead finished the 2019 season with 31 receptions for 339 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Willie Snead 2019 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SneaWi00/gamelog/2019/ |access-date=July 2, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference}}
==2020==
In Week 1 against the Browns, Snead caught four passes for 64 yards and his first receiving touchdown of the season during the 38–6 win.{{Cite web |title=Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens – September 13th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202009130rav.htm |access-date=September 18, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference}} In Week 8, against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he had five receptions for 106 yards in the 24–28 loss for his first 100-yard receiving game since the 2016 season.{{Cite web |title=Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens – November 1st, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202011010rav.htm |access-date=November 4, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference}} In Week 10, against the New England Patriots, he had five receptions for 64 yards and two touchdowns in the 17–23 loss.{{Cite web |title=Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots – November 15th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202011150nwe.htm |access-date=November 20, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference}} Snead was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team on November 30, 2020,{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Clifton |last2=Mink |first2=Ryan |date=November 30, 2020 |title=Four More Ravens Added to Reserve/COVID-19 List, Four Return |url=https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/four-more-ravens-added-to-reserve-covid-19-list-four-return |access-date=January 9, 2021 |website=BaltimoreRavens.com}} and activated on December 10.{{Cite web |last=Mink |first=Ryan |date=December 10, 2020 |title=Willie Snead IV Activated From Reserve/COVID-19 List |url=https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/willie-snead-iv-activated-from-reserve-covid-19-list |access-date=January 9, 2021 |website=BaltimoreRavens.com}} He finished the 2020 season with 33 receptions for 432 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Willie Snead 2020 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SneaWi00/gamelog/2020/ |access-date=October 16, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference}}
=Las Vegas Raiders=
On March 26, 2021, Snead signed a one-year, $1.1 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders.{{Cite web |date=March 26, 2021 |title=Raiders sign WR Willie Snead |url=https://www.raiders.com/news/raiders-sign-wr-willie-snead-2021-nfl-free-agency |access-date=October 16, 2022 |website=Raiders.com}} On October 26, 2021, he was released by the Raiders.{{Cite web |last=Bouda |first=Nate |date=October 26, 2021 |title=Raiders Releasing WR Willie Snead |url=https://nfltraderumors.co/raiders-releasing-wr-willie-snead/ |access-date=October 26, 2021 |website=NFLTradeRumors.co}}
=Carolina Panthers (second stint)=
On October 27, 2021, Snead signed with the Panthers’ practice squad.{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Charean |author-link=Charean Williams |date=October 27, 2021 |title=Willie Snead joining the Panthers' practice squad |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/10/27/willie-snead-joining-the-panthers-practice-squad/ |access-date=October 28, 2021 |website=NBC Sports}} He played in nine games in the 2021 season.{{Cite web |title=Willie Snead 2021 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SneaWi00/gamelog/2021/ |access-date=October 16, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference}} His contract expired when the team's season ended on January 9, 2022.
=San Francisco 49ers=
On August 6, 2022, Snead signed with the San Francisco 49ers.{{Cite web |date=August 6, 2022 |title=49ers Sign OL Mills and WR Snead IV to One-Year Deals |url=https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-sign-ol-jordan-mills-and-wr-willie-snead-iv-to-one-year-deals |access-date=August 6, 2022 |website=49ers.com}} He was released on August 30, 2022, and signed to the practice squad the next day.{{Cite web |date=August 30, 2022 |title=49ers Announce 2022 Initial 53-Man Roster Ahead of NFL Deadline |url=https://www.49ers.com/news/2022-53-man-roster-nfl-deadline-sudfeld-hasty-poe-johnson-spence |access-date=October 16, 2022 |website=49ers.com}}{{Cite web |date=August 31, 2022 |title=49ers Move Two to IR; Waive RB; Announce Practice Squad and Other Moves |url=https://www.49ers.com/news/ir-ward-robinson-sermon-waive-rb-announce-practice-squad |access-date=October 16, 2022 |website=49ers.com}} He was released off the practice squad on September 7, 2022.{{Cite web |date=September 7, 2022 |title=49ers Sign TE and WR to Practice Squad; Release Willie Snead IV |url=https://www.49ers.com/news/te-troy-fumagalli-wr-connor-wedington-to-practice-squad-release-willie-snead-iv |access-date=October 16, 2022 |website=49ers.com}} He was re-signed to the practice squad on September 14, 2022.{{Cite web |date=September 14, 2022 |title=Jordan Willis Placed on Injured Reserve and Other Roster Moves |url=https://www.49ers.com/news/jordan-willis-placed-on-injured-reserved-and-other-roster-moves |access-date=September 15, 2022 |website=49ers.com |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914212216/https://www.49ers.com/news/jordan-willis-placed-on-injured-reserved-and-other-roster-moves |url-status=dead }} Snead was promoted to active roster on October 3, 2022.{{Cite web |date=October 3, 2022 |title=49ers Promote Willie Snead IV; Place Azeez Al-Shaair on Injured Reserve |url=https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-promote-willie-snead-iv-place-azeez-al-shaair-on-injured-reserve |access-date=October 4, 2022 |website=49ers.com}} He was released one day later on October 4, 2022, and re-signed to the practice squad.{{Cite web |date=October 4, 2022 |title=49ers Release WR Willie Snead IV |url=https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-release-wr-willie-snead-iv |access-date=October 4, 2022 |website=49ers.com}} He signed back to the active roster on October 29.{{Cite web |date=October 29, 2022 |title=49ers Promote WR Snead IV to the Active Roster; Waive an Offensive Lineman |url=https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-promote-wr-willie-snead-iv-waive-ol-blake-hance-elevate-martin-mcgill |access-date=November 1, 2022 |website=49ers.com}} He was released again two days later.{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Charean |date=October 31, 2022 |title=49ers cut Willie Snead |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/49ers-cut-willie-snead |access-date=February 18, 2024 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US}} He was signed back to the practice squad the next day.{{Cite web |date=November 1, 2022 |title=Willie Snead: Returns to practice squad |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/willie-snead-returns-to-practice-squad-523336/amp/ |access-date=December 1, 2022 |website=CBSSports.com}}
On May 1, 2023, Snead re-signed with the 49ers.{{Cite web |date=May 1, 2023 |title=49ers Re-Sign Wide Receiver Willie Snead IV |url=https://www.49ers.com/news/san-francisco-49ers-re-sign-wide-receiver-willie-snead-iv-roster |access-date=May 1, 2023 |website=49ers.com}} He was released on August 29, 2023, and re-signed to the practice squad.{{Cite web |date=August 29, 2023 |title=49ers Announce Moves for Initial 53-Man Roster |url=https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-announce-moves-for-initial-53-man-roster |website=49ers.com}}{{Cite web |date=August 30, 2023 |title=49ers Announce Practice Squad Moves |url=https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-announce-practice-squad-moves-x4783 |access-date=February 18, 2024 |website=49ers.com}} He was signed to the active roster on December 25, but waived the next day and re-signed to the practice squad.{{Cite web |date=December 25, 2023 |title=49ers Make a Series of Roster Moves Ahead of 'MNF' vs. Ravens |url=https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-make-a-series-of-roster-moves-ahead-of-mnf-vs-ravens-week-16-nfl |access-date=December 27, 2023 |website=49ers.com}}{{Cite web |date=December 26, 2023 |title=49ers Waive a Wide Receiver; Release a DL from the Practice Squad |url=https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-waive-a-wide-receiver-from-the-active-roster-release-a-dl |access-date=December 27, 2023 |website=49ers.com}}{{Cite web |date=December 27, 2023 |title=49ers Sign DL and OL to One-Year Deals; Announce Additional Roster Moves |url=https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-sign-dl-and-ol-to-one-year-deals-announce-additional-roster-moves |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=49ers.com}} His contract expired when the team's season ended on February 11, 2024.
=Miami Dolphins=
On July 31, 2024, Snead signed with the Miami Dolphins.{{Cite web |date=July 31, 2024 |title=Miami Dolphins Make Roster Moves |url=https://www.miamidolphins.com/news/miami-dolphins-make-roster-moves-7-31-24 |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=MiamiDolphins.com}} He was placed on injured reserve on August 19, and released a few days later.{{Cite web |date=August 19, 2024 |title=Miami Dolphins Make Roster Moves |url=https://www.miamidolphins.com/news/miami-dolphins-make-roster-moves-8-19-24 |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=MiamiDolphins.com}}
NFL career statistics
| class=wikitable style="text-align:center;" | |||||||||||||
| rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="2"| Games ! colspan="5"| Receiving ! colspan="5"| Rushing ! colspan="2"| Fumbles | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Fum | Lost |
| 2015 | NO
| 15 || 8 || 69 || 984 || 14.3 || 63 || 3 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 2 || 1 | ||||||||||||
| 2016 | NO
| 15 || 4 || 72 || 895 || 12.4 || 49 || 4 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 2 || 0 | ||||||||||||
| 2017 | NO
| 11 || 7 || 8 || 92 || 11.5 || 26 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 1 | ||||||||||||
| 2018 | BAL
| 16 || 10 || 62 || 651 || 10.5 || 28 || 1 || 1 || 13 || 13.0 || 13 || 0 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||
| 2019 | BAL
| 16 || 11 || 31 || 339 || 10.9 || 50T || 5 || 2 || 2 || 1.0 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||
| 2020
!BAL | 13 || 8 || 33 || 432 || 13.1 || 34 || 3 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 0 | |||||||||||||
| 2021 | LV
| 5 || 0 || 3 || 33 || 11.0 || 15 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||
| colspan="2" | [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SneaWi00.htm Total] || 91 || 48 || 278 || 3,425 || 12.3 || 63 || 16 || 3 || 15 || 5.0 || 13 || 0 || 6 || 2 |
Personal life
His father, Willie Snead III,{{Cite web |last=Breiner |first=Ben |date=November 25, 2013 |title=The son of a coach, football is in Willie Snead IV's blood |url=http://www.indystar.com/article/20131125/SPORTS06/311250024/The-son-coach-football-Willie-Snead-IV-s-blood |access-date=November 26, 2013 |website=The Indianapolis Star}} played wide receiver at Virginia and Florida and was drafted by the New York Jets in the 12th round of the 1989 NFL draft with the 321st overall pick.{{Cite web |title=1989 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1989/draft.htm |access-date=July 2, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- {{Footballstats|nfl=Willie-Snead
|fox= |pfr=S/SneaWi00 |cbs=2130155 |espn=17258 |yahoo=28026 |rivals=}}
- [https://ballstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4092 Ball State Cardinals bio]
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Snead, Willie}}
Category:American football wide receivers
Category:Ball State Cardinals football players
Category:Baltimore Ravens players
Category:Carolina Panthers players
Category:Cleveland Browns players
Category:Las Vegas Raiders players
Category:New Orleans Saints players
Category:Players of American football from Belle Glade, Florida