CeeDee Lamb
Cedarian DeLeon "CeeDee" Lamb (born April 8, 1999) is an American football wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL).[1] Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 200 pounds, Lamb played college football for the Oklahoma Sooners, where he recorded 3,292 receiving yards and 32 touchdowns over three seasons, earning first-team All-American honors from the Football Writers Association of America in 2019.[2][3] The Cowboys selected him in the first round (17th overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft, marking him as the highest-drafted player from Oklahoma that year.[4] In August 2024, Lamb signed a four-year contract extension with the Cowboys worth $136 million.[5] In his rookie season of 2020, Lamb appeared in all 16 games, starting 9, and amassed 935 receiving yards on 74 catches with 5 touchdowns, contributing to a total of 1,017 scrimmage yards that made him the seventh Cowboys rookie to surpass 1,000 in that category.[3] He earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2021 after recording 79 receptions for 1,102 yards and 6 touchdowns, helping the Cowboys reach the playoffs.[6] Lamb's performance elevated further in 2022, with 107 receptions for 1,359 yards and 9 touchdowns, securing his second Pro Bowl nod and second-team All-Pro honors.[3] Lamb's breakout year came in 2023, when he led the NFL with 135 receptions for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns, earning First-Team All-Pro recognition, his third consecutive Pro Bowl selection, and the NFL Moment of the Year award for a 92-yard touchdown reception against the Detroit Lions in Week 17.[4] In 2024, despite missing two games, he posted 101 receptions for 1,194 yards and 6 touchdowns in 15 appearances.[7] As of November 16, 2025, through the first six games of the 2025 season, Lamb has recorded 35 receptions for 491 yards and 1 touchdown, continuing to serve as the Cowboys' primary receiving threat.[8] As of November 16, 2025, over his career to date, Lamb has totaled 531 receptions for 6,830 yards and 39 touchdowns, solidifying his status as one of the league's elite wide receivers.[2]Early life
Family and childhood
Cedarian DeLeon "CeeDee" Lamb was born on April 8, 1999, in Opelousas, Louisiana, to parents Cliff Lamb and Leta Ramirez.[9] The family initially lived in the New Orleans area, but in 2005, when Lamb was six years old, they were forced to evacuate due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, relocating to Richmond, a suburb outside Houston, Texas.[10] This move marked a significant shift in their lives, as the family sought stability amid the widespread destruction in Louisiana.[11] Lamb was raised primarily by his mother, Leta Ramirez, after his parents divorced when he was nine years old.[9] He grew up with four siblings—brothers Christian Lamb and Taribbean Ramirez, and sisters Andres Lamb and Brianna Lamb—in a close-knit household that emphasized resilience and support.[12] The challenges of the relocation and family changes instilled a strong work ethic in Lamb, with his mother's dedication providing a foundation for his pursuits.[13] In Houston, Lamb's early exposure to football came through local parks and Pop Warner youth leagues, where he first developed his passion for the sport starting in fourth grade.[14] His family's encouragement helped him channel energy into athletics, overcoming personal hurdles from the turbulent early years and preparing him for organized high school play.[15]High school career
CeeDee Lamb attended James W. Foster High School in Richmond, Texas, from 2013 to 2017, where he emerged as a standout wide receiver for the Falcons football team.[16][17] As a senior in 2016, Lamb delivered a dominant performance with 98 receptions for 2,032 receiving yards and 33 touchdowns, setting the fourth-highest single-season receiving yards total in Texas high school history and tying for the second-most touchdown receptions in a season.[18][19] His exceptional play earned him first-team all-state honors in Class 5A, as well as District 27-5A Overall MVP and Houston Touchdown Club Offensive Player of the Year accolades, while helping Foster achieve a 14-1 record and advance to the state semifinals.[20][19] Lamb also participated in track and field during high school, reinforcing his reputation as a versatile multi-sport athlete with athletic prowess across disciplines.[21] A highly sought-after four-star recruit, Lamb received scholarship offers from numerous top programs, including Texas A&M, Baylor, LSU, TCU, and Texas, before recommitting to the University of Oklahoma on July 25, 2016.[20][22]College career
Oklahoma Sooners
CeeDee Lamb joined the Oklahoma Sooners as a highly touted recruit from Foster High School in Texas, where his speed and playmaking ability earned him a spot in Lincoln Riley's high-powered offense. As a true freshman in 2017, Lamb quickly adapted to college football, appearing in all 14 games and establishing himself as a dynamic return specialist and emerging receiver. He recorded 46 receptions for 807 yards and seven touchdowns, setting a school record for freshman receiving yards. His contributions helped power Oklahoma's explosive attack, which averaged over 40 points per game en route to a Big 12 Championship and Rose Bowl appearance.[23] In his sophomore year of 2018, Lamb solidified his role as a primary target, hauling in 65 passes for 1,158 yards and 11 touchdowns over 14 games, earning second-team All-Big 12 honors. He played a pivotal part in Oklahoma's postseason run, including six receptions for 167 yards and a touchdown in the Big 12 Championship victory over Texas, which secured a College Football Playoff berth. Lamb's highlight-reel performance continued in the Orange Bowl semifinal against Alabama, where he caught eight passes for 109 yards and a score, showcasing his ability to stretch the field and create after the catch in Riley's spread system.[23][24] Lamb's junior season in 2019 marked his breakout, as he led the team with 62 receptions for 1,327 yards and 14 touchdowns in 13 games, averaging a remarkable 21.4 yards per catch. Named a consensus All-American and first-team All-Big 12 selection, he was also a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, recognizing the nation's top receiver, after earning MVP honors in the Big 12 Championship win over Baylor with eight catches for 173 yards. His versatility—combining precise route-running, elite body control, and yards-after-catch explosiveness—elevated Oklahoma's offense to new heights under Riley, ranking the Sooners among the top passing attacks nationally. Following a performance of four receptions for 119 yards in the Peach Bowl, Lamb declared for the 2020 NFL Draft on December 29, 2019, forgoing his senior year after amassing 173 career receptions for 3,292 yards and 32 scores.[23][25][26]College statistics
CeeDee Lamb's receiving statistics during his three seasons with the Oklahoma Sooners are detailed below.[23]| Year | Class | Games | Receptions | Yards | Yards/Rec | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | FR | 14 | 46 | 807 | 17.5 | 7 |
| 2018 | SO | 14 | 65 | 1,158 | 17.8 | 11 |
| 2019 | JR | 13 | 62 | 1,327 | 21.4 | 14 |
| Career | - | 41 | 173 | 3,292 | 19.0 | 32 |
Professional career
Draft and rookie years
The Dallas Cowboys selected wide receiver CeeDee Lamb in the first round, 17th overall, of the 2020 NFL Draft.[27] His breakout junior season at the University of Oklahoma, where he recorded 74 receptions for 1,327 yards and 14 touchdowns, had elevated his draft stock as a dynamic playmaker.[23] Lamb signed his rookie contract with the Cowboys on July 23, 2020, a four-year deal worth $14.01 million that included a $7.75 million signing bonus.[28][29] In his debut professional season, Lamb played in all 16 games, finishing with 74 receptions for 935 receiving yards and five touchdowns while also contributing 82 rushing yards and one rushing score.[30] The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his preparation, limiting traditional offseason workouts and on-field sessions with quarterback Dak Prescott during training camp.[31] Lamb leaned on veteran teammate Amari Cooper for mentorship in adapting to the professional level, drawing on Cooper's experience in route precision and game preparation.[32]2020–2022 seasons
In 2021, CeeDee Lamb solidified his role in the Dallas Cowboys' offense, recording 79 receptions for 1,102 yards and six touchdowns across 16 games while starting 13.[8] Despite missing one game due to a concussion sustained in Week 11 against the [Kansas City Chiefs](/page/Kansas_City Chiefs), Lamb's consistent production earned him his first Pro Bowl selection as an injury replacement for the NFC roster.[33][34] Under offensive coordinator Kellen Moore's scheme, which emphasized dynamic route concepts and play-action passes, Lamb built on his promising rookie foundation from 2020 by emerging as a reliable secondary option alongside Amari Cooper, frequently stretching defenses with his yards-after-catch ability. Lamb's development accelerated in 2022 following Cooper's trade to the Cleveland Browns, positioning him as the primary target for quarterback Dak Prescott in Moore's system. He set career highs with 107 receptions for 1,359 yards and nine touchdowns over 17 starts, earning Second-Team All-Pro honors from the Associated Press.[8][35] Lamb's versatility shone in critical situations, including a four-reception, 68-yard, one-touchdown performance in the NFC Wild Card victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a playoff-career-high 10 receptions for 117 yards in the Divisional Round loss to the San Francisco 49ers.[36][37] Off the field, Lamb demonstrated growth as a leader within the Cowboys' receiving corps during this period, embracing his expanded responsibilities and mentoring younger players while refining his approach to media interactions.[38] This maturation complemented his on-field consistency, helping anchor Dallas' high-powered offense as it pursued a deep playoff run.2023–2024 seasons
In the 2023 season, CeeDee Lamb delivered a breakout performance, recording 135 receptions for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns over 17 games, setting a new Dallas Cowboys single-season record for receptions and leading the NFL in that category.[8][39] His prolific output earned him First-Team All-Pro honors from the Associated Press and a selection to the Pro Bowl, marking his third consecutive appearance in the latter.[40] Lamb's dominance as the Cowboys' primary receiving threat was instrumental in Dallas securing the NFC East title and a home playoff game, where he contributed 9 receptions for 110 yards in the Wild Card loss to the Green Bay Packers.[41] Entering the 2024 offseason, Lamb held out from training camp amid contract negotiations, seeking an extension that reflected his elite status. The standoff resolved on August 26, when he agreed to a four-year, $136 million deal with the Cowboys, which included a $38 million signing bonus and established the highest average annual value for a wide receiver in NFL history at the time.[5][42] Despite the extended absence from team activities, Lamb managed minor injuries throughout the year while adapting to the Cowboys' offensive scheme. Lamb's 2024 campaign saw him notch 101 receptions for 1,194 yards and 6 touchdowns across 15 games, showcasing his resilience and route-running precision even as Dallas navigated a challenging season. He earned his fourth Pro Bowl nod and Second-Team All-Pro recognition, underscoring his continued impact as a top-tier wideout. His consistent production provided a stabilizing force for the Cowboys' passing attack, though the team did not advance to the playoffs that year.2025 season
Lamb began the 2025 season with seven receptions for 110 yards in the Dallas Cowboys' Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on September 4.[43] In Week 2, he recorded nine receptions for 112 yards in a 40–37 overtime victory over the New York Giants on September 11.[7] This performance highlighted his continued role as the team's primary wide receiver following his four-year, $136 million contract extension signed in August 2024, which provided long-term security amid the Cowboys' roster transitions.[7] In Week 3 against the Chicago Bears on September 22, Lamb suffered a high ankle sprain in the first quarter after his left ankle was rolled up during a handoff play, limiting him to just seven snaps.[44] Diagnosed as a moderate sprain, the injury sidelined him for Weeks 4 through 6, forcing him to miss three consecutive games while the Cowboys managed a 1–2 record in his absence, including a tie in Week 4 against the Green Bay Packers.[45] Lamb's rehabilitation focused on controlled mobility drills, underwater therapy, and gradual weight-bearing exercises to rebuild ankle stability, with medical updates indicating a target return around Week 7 after initial estimates of 4–6 weeks recovery.[46] Lamb returned in Week 7 on October 19 against the Washington Commanders, catching five passes for 110 yards, including a 74-yard touchdown that showcased his explosive speed post-injury.[47] In postgame comments, he self-assessed his performance critically, acknowledging a couple of drops as uncharacteristic lapses and vowing to sharpen his focus on ball security to avoid repeating early-season errors from Week 1.[48] This outing contributed to a Cowboys victory, moving the team to 2–5 overall, grappling with broader offensive inconsistencies despite strong individual outputs from Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott.[49] In Week 8 at the Denver Broncos on October 26, Lamb had seven receptions for 74 yards in a loss. The following week against the Arizona Cardinals on November 2, he posted seven receptions for 85 yards in another defeat. Lamb had no receptions in Week 10.[7] Through Week 10, the Cowboys stood at 3–5–1, with the early struggles stemming from defensive lapses allowing high opponent scores, which overshadowed the passing game's potential, including Lamb's chemistry with Prescott—honed through offseason workouts but tested by the receiver's absence and the unit's occasional miscommunications in protection schemes.[50] As of November 16, 2025 (during Week 11), Lamb had recorded 35 receptions for 491 yards and 1 touchdown on the season, with analysts noting incremental improvements in route timing between the duo, though the offense ranked mid-tier in yards per game amid the team's push to salvage playoff contention.[51] In Week 14 against the Detroit Lions on December 7, 2025, Lamb suffered a concussion, which led him to enter the NFL's concussion protocol and miss subsequent practices initially.[52] Prior to the injury, Lamb had recorded six receptions for 121 yards in that game. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer shared positive updates on his recovery, noting that Lamb was progressing nicely through the protocol with only a couple of steps remaining ahead of Week 15 against the Minnesota Vikings.[52]NFL career statistics
Regular season
CeeDee Lamb has established himself as one of the NFL's premier wide receivers during his regular-season career with the Dallas Cowboys, amassing impressive volume and efficiency in receptions and yards. His statistics reflect consistent production, particularly in high-target roles within the Cowboys' offense.[2] The following table summarizes Lamb's regular-season receiving statistics year by year:| Year | Team | G | Rec | Yds | Y/R | TD | Lng |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | DAL | 16 | 74 | 935 | 12.6 | 5 | 52 |
| 2021 | DAL | 16 | 79 | 1,102 | 13.9 | 6 | 49 |
| 2022 | DAL | 17 | 107 | 1,359 | 12.7 | 9 | 39 |
| 2023 | DAL | 17 | 135 | 1,749 | 13.0 | 12 | 92 |
| 2024 | DAL | 15 | 101 | 1,194 | 11.8 | 6 | 65 |
| 2025* | DAL | 6 | 35 | 491 | 14.0 | 1 | 74 |
Postseason
CeeDee Lamb has appeared in four postseason games with the Dallas Cowboys, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure despite the team's limited playoff success during his tenure. His contributions have included key receptions that extended drives and created scoring opportunities, though the Cowboys have not advanced beyond the divisional round in his playoff outings.[2]| Year | Date | Round | Opponent | Receptions | Yards | Longest | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Jan 16 | Wild Card | San Francisco 49ers | 1 | 21 | 21 | 0 |
| 2022 | Jan 16 | Wild Card | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 4 | 68 | 26 | 1 |
| 2022 | Jan 22 | Divisional | San Francisco 49ers | 10 | 117 | 46 | 0 |
| 2023 | Jan 14 | Wild Card | Green Bay Packers | 9 | 110 | 47 | 0 |