Introduction to Ted Ginn Jr’s NFL Career
Ted Ginn Jr. is a wide receiver and return specialist with a multiyear National Football League (NFL) career marked by speed, reliable hands, and impactful special teams play. Debuting in 2007 after a standout college career at Ohio State, Ginn Jr. established himself as a deep threat and reliable slot receiver for the Miami Dolphins and later played for the San Francisco 49ers, Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals, and New Orleans Saints. This profile provides evergreen context for his NFL statistics, team history, and on-field contributions, emphasizing verified performance metrics and durable career details.
Ted Ginn Jr. Early Career and College Background
Before entering the NFL, Ginn Jr. played college football at Ohio State, where he earned recognition as a versatile playmaker on offense, special teams, and defense. His combination of size, speed, and route-running precision drew strong draft interest, setting the stage for a long-running professional career that emphasized his value as both a receiver and a returner.
Draft, Teams, and Career Timeline
Ted Ginn Jr. was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the first round (17th overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft. He spent his early years in Miami, establishing return and receiving value, before later joining the San Francisco 49ers, Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals, and New Orleans Saints. His career timeline reflects longevity across multiple teams and systems, adapting to varying offensive schemes while contributing as a slot receiver and return specialist.
Team History and Tenure
| Team | Season(s) | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Miami Dolphins | 2007–2012 | Primary return specialist, slot receiver |
| San Francisco 49ers | 2013–2014 | Slot receiver, returner |
| Carolina Panthers | 2015–2016 | Slot receiver, returner |
| Chicago Bears | 2017–2n1 | Slot receiver, returner |
| Arizona Cardinals | 2018 | Slot receiver, returner |
| New Orleans Saints | 2019–2020 | Slot receiver, returner |
Note 1: Bears tenure extended into 2018 min2.
Ted Ginn Jr. Career Receiving and Return Statistics
Across his NFL career, Ginn Jr. compiled notable receiving totals, especially during his Dolphins and 49ers years. While never a deep, red-zone target, he consistently contributed in the slot and on special teams, with career totals reflecting steady production and reliable third-down usage.
| Stat Category | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 144 | Regular season (2007–2020) |
| Receptions | 405 | Career catches |
| Receiving Yards | 4,786 | Total yards gained receiving |
| Receiving Touchdowns | 21 | Scores via reception |
| Yards per Reception | 11.8 | Average yards per catch |
| Kick Return Yards | 3,249 | Return yardage |
| Punt Return Yards | 897 | Return yardage |
| Return Touchdowns | 5 | Combined kick and punt returns |
Performance Breakdown by Team
Ginn Jr.’s production varied by team, with his most productive receiving years coming in Miami and San Francisco. In Miami, he built his reputation as a deep return threat, while in San Francisco he transitioned into a more consistent slot receiver within a balanced offense. His role with later teams emphasized veteran leadership and situational play in the slot and on special teams.
Miami Dolphins (2007–2012)
In Miami, Ginn Jr. appeared in 90 games and logged the majority of his career returns. He averaged over 26 yards per kickoff return and was a central figure on special teams. Receiving totals peaked here, with multiple seasons above 30 catches and 400+ yards, establishing his dual-value profile.
San Francisco 49ers and Carolina Panthers (2013–2016)
With the 49ers and Panthers, Ginn Jr. evolved into a slot-focused receiver, benefiting from system pacing and reduced return duties. He recorded multiple 30+ catch seasons and remained a reliable third-down option, contributing both as a route runner and a returner when called upon.
Consistency, Usage, and Role Adaptation
Across teams, Ginn Jr. maintained a durable presence, playing over 130 regular season and postseason games. His ability to adapt to different schemes—whether as a primary returner in Miami or a slot stabilizer in Chicago and Arizona—demonstrates sustained value. He remained a trusted option in third-down and short-yardage situations, emphasizing route precision and ball security.
Comparative Context and Career Highlights
- Combined 4,786 receiving yards and 3,249 kick return yards showcase dual-threat value.
- 21 career receiving touchdowns reflect red-zone efficiency as a slot target.
- Five total return touchdowns highlight impact on special teams.
- 144 games played demonstrates durability and reliability over 14 seasons.
Legacy and Long-Term Value
Ted Ginn Jr. represents a model of sustained excellence as a slot receiver and return specialist. His career statistics underscore steady production rather than outlier peaks, making him a useful case study in role player longevity. For analysts and fans, his stats offer a benchmark for evaluating specialists who contribute across multiple phases without requiring heavy volume.
FAQ
Reader questions
How many career touchdowns does Ted Ginn Jr. have?
Ted Ginn Jr. has 21 career receiving touchdowns and 5 return touchdowns, totaling 26 touchdowns across returns and receptions.
Which team did Ginn Jr. play for the longest?
He spent the most time with the Miami Dolphins (2007–2012), six seasons, during which he established his signature return and slot receiver role.
Did Ted Ginn Jr. lead the NFL in any statistical category?
While he never led the league in a major receiving or return category, he regularly ranked among the top returners in yards per attempt and was a steady third-down contributor.
Is Ted Ginn Jr. still active in the NFL?
As of the most recent verified season data available through 2020, Ginn Jr. concluded his regular NFL playing career, though he remains involved in football through coaching and mentorship roles.
How can I track Ted Ginn Jr.’s weekly stats during his career?
For historical weekly splits, consult reputable stat sites such as Pro-Football-Reference, ESPN, or the official NFL.com archives, which list season-by-season and game-level detail.