Jonathan Ondreal Mingo, born on April 20, 2001, is a promising American professional football wide receiver currently playing for the Dallas Cowboys in the National Football League (NFL). His journey to the professional league was paved with a successful college career at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), where he showcased his talent and potential.
Early Life and High School Career
Mingo grew up in Brandon, Mississippi, where he attended Brandon High School. He quickly became a standout athlete, earning a four-star recruit rating for his exceptional skills on the football field. His talent attracted the attention of several major college programs, and he ultimately committed to play for the Ole Miss Rebels, choosing them over offers from prominent schools like Georgia, Auburn, and Mississippi State.
College Career at Ole Miss
Mingo’s career with the Ole Miss Rebels spanned from 2019 to 2022, during which he consistently demonstrated his abilities as a reliable and impactful receiver.
As a freshman in 2019, Mingo started all 12 games for the Rebels, providing an early glimpse of his potential. He recorded 12 receptions for 172 yards and one touchdown, laying the foundation for his future contributions to the team.
In his sophomore season (2020), Mingo continued to develop, catching 27 passes for 379 yards and three touchdowns. His role in the offense expanded, and he became a more consistent target for the Ole Miss quarterbacks.
The 2021 season presented a setback for Mingo as he suffered a foot injury that sidelined him for seven games. Despite this, he managed to record 22 receptions for 346 yards and three touchdowns in the games he played, showcasing his resilience and continued productivity when healthy.
Mingo’s senior season in 2022 marked a significant step forward in his college career. He started all 13 games and tied for the team lead with five receiving touchdowns. His 51 receptions for 861 yards demonstrated his ability to be a primary receiving threat. Notably, he set an Ole Miss record for the most receiving yards in a single game with an astounding 247 yards against Vanderbilt. His outstanding performance earned him Second-team All-SEC honors, solidifying his status as one of the top receivers in the conference.
Throughout his college career, Mingo appeared in 33 games, amassing 112 receptions for 1,758 yards and 12 touchdowns. His combination of size (6’2″, 220 lbs), speed (4.46-second 40-yard dash), and athleticism made him an intriguing prospect for the NFL.
Carolina Panthers (2023-2024)
Mingo’s potential was recognized in the 2023 NFL Draft when he was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the second round with the 39th overall pick. He entered his rookie season with high expectations, starting as a wide receiver alongside veteran Adam Thielen.
In his rookie year (2023), Mingo played in 15 games, starting 14 of them. He recorded 43 receptions for 418 yards but did not score a touchdown. While his yardage total was respectable for a rookie, the absence of touchdowns left some wanting more in terms of immediate impact.
Mingo continued with the Panthers into the 2024 season. However, his role seemed to diminish slightly. In 9 games with the Panthers in 2024, he had 12 receptions for 121 yards and still no touchdowns.
Trade to the Dallas Cowboys (2024-Present)
A significant turn in Mingo’s professional journey occurred on November 5, 2024, when the Carolina Panthers traded him and a 2025 seventh-round draft pick to the Dallas Cowboys. In return, the Panthers received a 2025 fourth-round pick. This trade presented Mingo with a new opportunity to revitalize his career within a different offensive scheme and alongside a new quarterback. He played 8 games for the Cowboys in the remainder of the 2024 season, recording 5 receptions for 46 yards.
Recent Developments and Future Outlook
As of May 2025, Jonathan Mingo is actively part of the Dallas Cowboys roster. Recent news suggests that the Cowboys are optimistic about Mingo’s potential, with discussions highlighting his upside and the hope that he can develop into a significant contributor to their receiving corps.
Following a trade for veteran wide receiver George Pickens in May 2025, Mingo’s role with the Cowboys remains a topic of interest. While Pickens is expected to step in as a prominent target alongside CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys’ coaching staff will need to determine how to best utilize Mingo’s skillset. His size and speed could make him a valuable asset in various receiving roles, potentially as a deep threat or a physical presence over the middle.
Mingo’s current contract with the Carolina Panthers, signed after his drafting, is a 4-year deal worth $8,856,595, including a $3,441,160 signing bonus and $7,711,597 in guarantees. In 2025, he is set to earn a base salary of $1,555,145 with a cap hit of the same amount and a dead cap value of $2,367,864. This relatively affordable contract could provide the Cowboys with flexibility as they integrate him into their team.
The upcoming 2025 NFL season will be crucial for Jonathan Mingo to showcase his development and prove his value to the Dallas Cowboys. With a full offseason to work with quarterback Dak Prescott and learn the Cowboys’ offensive system, he has the opportunity to carve out a meaningful role and potentially emerge as the impactful receiver many envisioned when he entered the league.
FAQs
Who is Jonathan Mingo?
Jonathan Mingo is a professional American football wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys. He began his NFL career with the Carolina Panthers after a standout college tenure at Ole Miss.
What are Jonathan Mingo’s physical attributes?
Mingo stands at 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 220 pounds. He possesses a 4.46-second 40-yard dash time, a 39.5-inch vertical jump, and a 129-inch broad jump, showcasing his athleticism.
Where did Jonathan Mingo play college football?
He played at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) from 2019 to 2022. In his senior year, he recorded 51 receptions for 861 yards and five touchdowns, earning second-team All-SEC honors.
When was Jonathan Mingo drafted into the NFL?
Mingo was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the second round (39th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft.
What teams has Jonathan Mingo played for in the NFL?
He began his NFL career with the Carolina Panthers in 2023 and was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in 2024.
What are Jonathan Mingo’s NFL career statistics?
As of the end of the 2024 season, Mingo has played in 32 games, recording 60 receptions for 585 yards, averaging 9.7 yards per catch.
Why was Jonathan Mingo traded to the Dallas Cowboys?
The Panthers traded Mingo and a 2025 seventh-round pick to the Cowboys in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round pick. The trade aimed to bolster the Cowboys’ receiving corps.
How has Jonathan Mingo performed with the Dallas Cowboys?
In the 2024 season with the Cowboys, Mingo appeared in eight games, recording five receptions for 46 yards.
What is Jonathan Mingo’s playing style?
Mingo is known for his physicality, route-running precision, and ability to gain yards after the catch. His athleticism makes him a versatile threat on the field.
What are Jonathan Mingo’s prospects for the future?
With his combination of size and athleticism, Mingo has the potential to develop into a key contributor for the Cowboys, especially as he gains more experience and familiarity with the team’s offensive system.
To conclude
Jonathan Mingo’s journey from a standout college receiver at Ole Miss to an NFL player with the Carolina Panthers and now the Dallas Cowboys showcases his dedication and talent. While his professional career is still in its early stages, his physical attributes and college performance indicate a promising future. As he continues to adapt to the NFL’s demands, Mingo has the opportunity to become a significant asset to the Cowboys’ offense.
For fans and analysts alike, monitoring Mingo’s development will be intriguing, as he possesses the tools necessary to make a substantial impact in the league. His progression will depend on various factors, including team dynamics, coaching, and personal growth. Nevertheless, Jonathan Mingo remains a player to watch in the coming seasons.
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