Garrett Wilson
A dynamic wide receiver who instantly electrified the New York Jets, claiming Rookie of the Year honors with spectacular catches.
Born 2000 (age 26)·American football player·Birthday: July 22·Generation Z
Biography
Garrett Wilson brought a jolt of electricity to the New York Jets the moment he stepped onto the field. Drafted 10th overall in 2022 after a standout career at Ohio State, where he played alongside other future NFL stars, Wilson was tasked with reviving a moribund offense. He did more than that; he became its brightest spot. With a combination of route-running precision, body control that defied physics, and a competitive fire, he made highlight-reel catches a weekly expectation. Despite inconsistent quarterback play, Wilson surpassed 1,000 receiving yards, a rare feat for a rookie in Jets history. His efforts were rewarded with the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year award, instantly establishing him as the centerpiece of the franchise's rebuilding hopes and one of the most exciting young talents in the league.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
Garrett was born in 2000, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Garrett Was Born
The biggest hits of 2000
#1 Movie
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Best Picture
Gladiator
#1 TV Show
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire
Garrett's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
2000Born
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2005Started school
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2013Became a teenager
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2016Could drive
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2018Could vote
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2021Turned 21
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 26 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2022 after recording 1,103 receiving yards.
- Selected 10th overall by the New York Jets in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
- Became the first Jets wide receiver to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
- Was a First-team All-Big Ten selection in 2021 during his final year at Ohio State.
Did You Know?
He played high school football at Lake Travis in Texas, a powerhouse program known for producing quarterbacks.
At Ohio State, he famously switched his jersey number from 5 to 17 for his junior season.
He won the 2022 Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Year award, which is fan-voted.
“I just want to be the best receiver I can be and help this team win.”
