Sage Surratt Biography: Powerful Rise of a Record-Breaking American Football Player
From North Carolina high-school star to Wake Forest standout and professional tight end, Sage Surratt’s story shows talent, discipline, injury setbacks, and a determined football journey.
Introduction
Sage Surratt is an American football player known for his impressive high-school records, strong college career at Wake Forest, and professional football experience in the NFL, USFL, and UFL. He first became widely recognized as a talented wide receiver with excellent hands, size, and scoring ability.
His story is positive because he proved himself in both football and basketball while also performing strongly in academics. It also has a difficult side because injury interruptions and roster changes affected his professional path. Still, Sage Surratt remains an inspiring name for fans who follow hardworking athletes with strong college football backgrounds.
Quick Bio
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sage Surratt |
| Real Name | Sage Surratt |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of Birth | April 13, 1998 |
| Age | 28 years old, as of June 2026 |
| Birthplace | Lincolnton, North Carolina, United States |
| Hometown | Lincolnton, North Carolina |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Profession | American football player |
| Position | Tight end; former wide receiver |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in |
| Weight | Listed as 215 lb in college/NFL-style profiles and 234 lb in UFL profile |
| High School | Lincolnton High School |
| College | Wake Forest University |
| College Major | Economics |
| Father | Kevin Surratt |
| Mother | Brandi Surratt |
| Brother | Chazz Surratt |
| Known For | Wake Forest football, first-team All-ACC 2019, high-school receiving records |
Sage Surratt Early Life
Sage Surratt was born in Lincolnton, North Carolina, and grew up in a sports-focused environment. From a young age, he showed the kind of athletic ability that could translate into more than one sport. His early development helped him become a strong football receiver and a successful basketball player.
His childhood story is especially interesting because he did not build his reputation from football alone. He became one of the top young athletes in North Carolina through both football and basketball. That two-sport foundation later helped his football style, especially his timing, body control, and ability to win contested catches.
High School Career and Records
At the high-school level, Sage Surratt became one of the most productive receivers in North Carolina history. He played at East Lincoln High School before finishing at Lincolnton High School. His football numbers were outstanding, and they helped him earn attention as a serious college prospect.
As a senior, he recorded 129 receptions, 2,104 receiving yards, and 28 touchdowns. Across his high-school career, he set major state records with 366 receptions, 5,926 receiving yards, and 80 touchdown catches. These numbers made him stand out as a powerful and reliable pass catcher.
Basketball Background
Sage Surratt also had a strong basketball background. He was known as a high-scoring player who could dominate games with his size, skill, and confidence. His basketball success added another layer to his athletic reputation.
He scored 2,951 career high-school basketball points and produced several big scoring performances. This basketball background helped him in football because receivers often need the same skills as basketball players: positioning, jumping, timing, and strong hands near defenders.
Education and Academic Strength
Sage Surratt was not only an athlete. He also showed strong academic ability. He was listed as valedictorian of his senior class, ranked highly in his class, and was connected with respected student organizations during school.
At Wake Forest University, he majored in economics. This academic detail is important because it shows that he balanced sport and education. His profile is not just about athletic performance; it also reflects discipline, focus, and responsibility away from the field.
Family Background
Sage Surratt is the son of Brandi Surratt and Kevin Surratt. His family background is closely connected with football because his brother, Chazz Surratt, also became a recognized football player.
His brother Chazz played college football at North Carolina and later entered professional football. The Surratt family became known in college football circles because both brothers played at a high level. This family connection added more attention to Sage Surratt during his college years.
College Football Career at Wake Forest
Sage Surratt joined Wake Forest and began his college football journey as a wide receiver. He redshirted in 2017, which gave him time to develop physically and learn the college game. That patience helped him become more prepared for a larger role.
In 2018, he became Wake Forest’s second-leading receiver. He finished the season with 41 receptions, 581 receiving yards, and four touchdowns. This was an important step because it showed he could translate his high-school production into college football.
Breakthrough Season in 2019
The biggest breakthrough of Sage Surratt’s college career came in 2019. He played at a very high level and became one of the top receivers in the Atlantic Coast Conference. His size, hands, and ability to make difficult catches made him a major target in Wake Forest’s offense.
During that 2019 season, he recorded 66 receptions for 1,001 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. He earned first-team All-ACC honors and became a Fred Biletnikoff Award semifinalist. A season-ending injury stopped his year early, which was a negative moment in an otherwise excellent season.
Playing Style and Strengths
Sage Surratt built his reputation as a big, physical pass catcher. At 6 ft 3 in, he had the frame to compete against defensive backs and make plays in tight coverage. His best qualities included strong hands, body control, red-zone ability, and confidence when the ball was in the air.
His style was influenced by his basketball experience. Like a forward going up for a rebound, he could position his body and attack the ball. This made him valuable as a wide receiver in college and later helped him transition toward tight end in professional football.
Professional Career Overview
After college, Sage Surratt entered the professional football world. He was not selected in the 2021 NFL Draft, but he signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent. He spent time with the Lions during training camp and was also part of their practice squad period.
He later continued his career in spring football and the NFL system. He played with the Birmingham Stallions, Los Angeles Chargers, New Orleans Breakers, Memphis Showboats, and Arizona Cardinals. His professional journey shows both opportunity and difficulty, because roster competition in football is extremely intense.
Career Timeline
| Year | Team / Level | Career Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | East Lincoln High School | Helped the team win a 2A state football championship |
| 2016 | Lincolnton High School | Completed a record-setting high-school career |
| 2017 | Wake Forest | Redshirt season |
| 2018 | Wake Forest | 41 receptions, 581 yards, 4 touchdowns |
| 2019 | Wake Forest | 66 receptions, 1,001 yards, 11 touchdowns |
| 2019 | Wake Forest | Earned first-team All-ACC honors |
| 2021 | Detroit Lions | Signed as an undrafted free agent |
| 2022 | Birmingham Stallions | Became part of a USFL championship team |
| 2022 | Los Angeles Chargers | Signed as a tight end |
| 2023 | New Orleans Breakers | Continued spring-football career |
| 2024 | Memphis Showboats | Played in the UFL |
| 2024 | Arizona Cardinals | Signed in August and later waived/injured |
Career Statistics
Sage Surratt’s college statistics are a major part of his football identity. At Wake Forest, he finished with 107 receptions, 1,582 receiving yards, and 15 touchdowns across his main playing seasons. His 2019 season remains the strongest statistical point of his college career.
In spring football, he also produced as a receiving tight end. With the New Orleans Breakers in 2023, he recorded 50 receptions for 552 yards and one touchdown. With the Memphis Showboats in 2024, he recorded 27 receptions for 269 yards and two touchdowns.
Awards and Major Achievements
Sage Surratt’s biggest confirmed achievement is his first-team All-ACC selection in 2019. That honor showed he was one of the best receivers in a major college football conference. He was also a Fred Biletnikoff Award semifinalist, which recognized him among top college receivers.
Another important achievement came in professional spring football. He was part of the Birmingham Stallions team that won the inaugural USFL Championship in 2022. His high-school records, academic success, and college honors all add to his complete athletic profile.
Injury Challenges
Injuries are a negative but real part of Sage Surratt’s biography. His 2019 Wake Forest season ended early because of injury, even though he had already reached 1,001 receiving yards. That injury stopped what could have been an even bigger college season.
In 2024, he was waived/injured by the Arizona Cardinals during roster cuts. This kind of football setback can be difficult for any player, especially one trying to secure a long-term roster spot. Even so, his career shows persistence through changing teams and roles.
Public Image and Personality
Sage Surratt’s public image is connected with discipline, intelligence, and athletic talent. He is often viewed as a player who combined classroom strength with sports excellence. His academic record makes his story more complete than a standard football profile.
On the field, he is seen as a tough, reliable pass catcher with strong hands. The positive part of his image is his work ethic and production. The negative part of his career story is that injuries and roster movement limited his chance to become a regular NFL contributor.
Legacy and Impact
Sage Surratt’s legacy is strongest in North Carolina high-school sports and Wake Forest football. His high-school receiving records made him one of the most memorable pass catchers in the state. His basketball scoring also proved that he was not a one-dimensional athlete.
At Wake Forest, his 2019 season remains the key chapter of his football story. He showed that an American football player from a smaller hometown could become one of the best receivers in the ACC. His journey continues to be useful for young athletes who want to balance sports, education, and long-term discipline.
Conclusion
Sage Surratt’s biography is a story of talent, achievement, and resilience. He rose from Lincolnton, North Carolina, to become a record-setting high-school athlete, a strong student, and a standout receiver at Wake Forest. His 2019 college season remains the defining moment of his football career.
His professional path included both positive milestones and difficult setbacks. He became a USFL champion and earned opportunities with NFL organizations, but injuries and roster competition created challenges. Overall, Sage Surratt remains a respected American football player whose journey reflects skill, hard work, and determination.
FAQ
Who is Sage Surratt?
He is an American football player known for his Wake Forest career and professional football experience.
When was he born?
He was born on April 13, 1998.
Where is he from?
He is from Lincolnton, North Carolina, United States.
Who are his parents?
He is the son of Brandi Surratt and Kevin Surratt.
Does he have a brother?
He has a brother named Chazz Surratt, who also played football.
What college did he attend?
He attended Wake Forest University.
What position does he play?
He plays tight end professionally and was formerly a wide receiver.
What is his biggest career achievement?
He earned first-team All-ACC honors in 2019 and was part of a USFL championship team in 2022.
