From NFL Tight End to Filmmaker Kris Wilson’s Journey from Gridiron to Behind the Camera

Kris Wilson: From NFL Star to Renowned NFL Films Producer

When the Kansas City Chiefs selected J.P. McCaskey graduate Kris Wilson in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft, NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. couldn’t have been more impressed. “A kid who caught the ball very effectively when it was thrown,” Kiper remarked on the draft’s first day.

For Wilson, the confidence came long before his name was called by the Chiefs. Reflecting on his high school days, Wilson credited the coaches, mentors, and people who saw potential in him long before he recognized it himself. “A big thanks to them because they sort of helped me to believe,” Wilson said.

After playing several positions at McCaskey, Wilson headed to the University of Pittsburgh to play defense. However, his future in football took a turn when the coaches decided to switch him to the offensive side, where his ability to catch the ball and play tight end would shine. Despite redshirting his freshman year, Wilson ended up starting for four years at Pitt, where he still holds several tight end receiving records.

Wilson’s eight-year NFL career saw him play for teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers, and Baltimore Ravens, as well as a preseason stint with the Philadelphia Eagles. During his time in the league, he learned from some of the best tight ends in history, including Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates. But after retiring from football, Wilson sought a new challenge: transitioning from making plays on the field to working behind the scenes.

Wilson’s shift into the world of NFL Films marked a full-circle moment. He returned to school to study entertainment law and filmmaking, bringing together his diverse experiences in both football and education. “Being at NFL Films… it brings all of my experiences together in one profession,” Wilson shared.

In addition to creating short films, Wilson’s work extends to high-profile NFL projects such as Hard Knocks, NFL Top 100, and Hey Rookie, Welcome to the NFL. “I got a list here actually in front of me,” Wilson said. “I’m looking at probably like 20 different programs that I’ve worked on throughout the year.” From documentaries to Thursday Night Football coverage, his busy schedule reflects his passion for telling the stories of the NFL from behind the camera.