Christian Wilkins has established himself as one of the most entertaining and dominant defensive tackles in the NFL. Whether it’s his on-field explosiveness, locker-room leadership, or his post-game dances, Wilkins continues to capture the attention of fans and analysts alike. This article takes a deep dive into Christian Wilkins’ contract, injury history, NFL draft journey, and his off-field flair — especially his viral dancing moves.
Who is Christian Wilkins?
Christian Wilkins is a professional American football player who plays defensive tackle for the Las Vegas Raiders in the NFL. Known for his explosive playing style and charismatic personality, Wilkins is a product of Clemson University, where he was a multi-time national champion and All-American.
Christian Wilkins Contract Breakdown
Raiders’ $110 Million Deal (2024)
In March 2024, Christian Wilkins signed a four-year, $110 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, making headlines across the league. The contract included $84.75 million in guaranteed money, placing him among the highest-paid defensive tackles in NFL history at the time.
Contract Highlights:
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Length: 4 years
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Total Value: $110 million
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Guaranteed: $84.75 million
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Average Annual Value (AAV): $27.5 million
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Signing Bonus: $32.5 million
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Free Agent Year: 2028
This deal followed a standout season with the Miami Dolphins in 2023, where Wilkins posted career highs in tackles and sacks. His performance, combined with durability and leadership, earned him a massive payday in free agency.
Previous Contract with the Miami Dolphins
Christian Wilkins was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 2019 and signed a four-year rookie contract worth $15.4 million, which was fully guaranteed. Miami exercised the fifth-year option in 2023, paying him approximately $10.75 million before he hit the free agency market in 2024.
Rookie Deal Summary:
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Drafted: 13th overall, 2019 NFL Draft
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Rookie Contract: 4 years, $15.4 million
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Fifth-Year Option (2023): $10.75 million
NFL Draft Pick Journey
Christian Wilkins entered the 2019 NFL Draft as one of the most decorated defensive linemen in college football. His collegiate résumé included:
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2× CFP National Champion (2016, 2018)
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3× First-Team All-American
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2018 William V. Campbell Trophy Winner (academic Heisman)
2019 NFL Draft Selection
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Drafted: Round 1, Pick 13
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Team: Miami Dolphins
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College: Clemson University
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Height/Weight: 6’4″, 310 lbs
The Dolphins selected Wilkins to bolster their defensive line and to anchor the middle of a rebuilding defense. He quickly became a cornerstone of Miami’s defensive unit, starting 60+ games over five seasons.
Christian Wilkins Injury History
Despite playing a physically demanding position, Christian Wilkins has remained impressively durable throughout his career. He has avoided major injuries and has only missed a handful of games since his NFL debut.
Minor Injuries & Missed Time:
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2020 (COVID-19 List): Missed 2 games due to health protocols
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2021 (Quad strain): Day-to-day, no games missed
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2023 (Minor back soreness): Practiced in limited capacity but played all games
Wilkins’ ability to stay on the field has significantly increased his market value. His consistent presence has been a major asset to both the Dolphins and now the Raiders.
Stats Snapshot
Let’s take a look at his NFL career statistics (as of 2024):
| Season | Team | Games Played | Tackles | Sacks | TFL | QB Hits | Forced Fumbles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Miami Dolphins | 16 | 56 | 2.0 | 5 | 7 | 1 |
| 2020 | Miami Dolphins | 14 | 47 | 1.5 | 4 | 6 | 1 |
| 2021 | Miami Dolphins | 17 | 89 | 4.5 | 10 | 13 | 2 |
| 2022 | Miami Dolphins | 17 | 98 | 3.5 | 9 | 12 | 0 |
| 2023 | Miami Dolphins | 17 | 65 | 9.0 | 11 | 17 | 2 |
Christian Wilkins’ 2023 breakout season was a key driver behind his massive contract. With a career-high 9 sacks and 17 QB hits, he showcased his ability to collapse the pocket.
Dancing With the Defensive Linemen
Beyond his on-field dominance, Christian Wilkins is also known for his legendary celebrations and dance moves. Whether it’s post-sack dances, pre-game energy routines, or viral locker-room moves, Wilkins is one of the NFL’s most animated personalities.
Most Viral Dancing Moments:
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Draft Stage Split (2019): Jumped into a full split on the draft stage after being picked — went viral instantly.
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Locker Room Celebrations: Frequently seen leading team celebrations after wins.
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End Zone Dance (2022): After recovering a fumble, Wilkins broke into a full-body dance in the end zone.
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TikTok Challenges: Wilkins has participated in several social media dance trends, gaining a large online following.
Why It Matters
His dance moves reflect his leadership and locker-room energy. Teammates and coaches have often credited Wilkins for keeping morale high and creating a fun, competitive atmosphere.
Leadership and Personality
Wilkins’ infectious energy is not just for the cameras. He has been a team captain and a vocal leader throughout his time at Clemson and in the NFL.
Leadership Traits:
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High Football IQ: Known for reading offenses and adjusting line schemes
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Vocal Presence: Often mic’d up, Wilkins is seen motivating both offense and defense
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Mentorship: Mentors younger defensive linemen and rookies
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Academic Background: Earned a Master’s degree while playing at Clemson
Off the Field: Philanthropy and Community Work
Christian Wilkins has also been active off the field, especially in community outreach programs. He often speaks at youth camps, supports education initiatives, and runs charity events.
Notable Initiatives:
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“Wilkins Way” Foundation: Launched to support underserved youth through sports and education.
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Annual Youth Football Camp: Held in Springfield, Massachusetts — his hometown.
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Literacy Events: Partnered with libraries to promote reading among children.
Social Media Presence: Instagram & Beyond
Christian Wilkins has a growing fan base on social media. His Instagram (@christianwilkins42) is filled with game-day photos, behind-the-scenes content, dancing videos, and community work.
Social Media Stats (as of July 2025):
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Instagram Followers: 210,000+
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TikTok: Frequently features dancing clips, trending NFL content
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Twitter/X: Used for motivational posts and fan engagement
His social media strategy enhances his brand value, making him one of the more marketable defensive players in the NFL.
What’s Next for Wilkins?
Wilkins enters the 2025 season as a centerpiece of the Raiders’ defensive line, expected to lead a new era for Las Vegas. His contract, energy, and production make him one of the most important defensive investments in franchise history.
Expectations for 2025:
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Double-digit sacks as a primary goal
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Team captaincy under new coaching staff
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Mentorship role for younger linemen like Tyree Wilson
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More viral dances, of course
If Wilkins continues to dominate the trenches and avoid injuries, he could find himself in Pro Bowl and All-Pro conversations by the end of the season.
Final Thoughts
Christian Wilkins is more than just a stat sheet or contract figure — he’s the heartbeat of a locker room and a personality that the NFL needs. From a decorated college player to a breakout NFL star and now one of the highest-paid defensive tackles, Wilkins continues to thrive both on and off the field.
Whether it’s crushing quarterbacks, leading community initiatives, or breaking out dance moves that shake the stadium, Christian Wilkins is the full package. And with his prime years still ahead, the Raiders — and the league — can expect more highlights, leadership, and a whole lot of fun.
