Brief Introduction of Devin Neal
Devin Marques Neal, born on August 12, 2003, is an emerging American professional football running back renowned for his record-breaking collegiate career at the University of Kansas. A native of Lawrence, Kansas, Neal quickly became a hometown hero, transforming the Jayhawks’ football program with his exceptional talent and leadership on the field. His impressive college performance culminated in him being selected by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, marking his transition to the professional league. Neal is celebrated not only for his athletic prowess, which includes setting numerous school records, but also for his strong character and commitment to community engagement. Devin Neal biography, Devin Neal wiki, Devin Neal net worth, Devin Neal gf/bf, Devin Neal husband/wife.
Devin Neal Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Devin Marques Neal |
| Date of Birth | August 12, 2003 |
| Age (as of August 2025) | 22 years old |
| Birthplace | Lawrence, Kansas, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
| Weight | 213 lb (97 kg) |
| Profession | Professional American Football Running Back |
| Current Team | New Orleans Saints (NFL) |
| Drafted | 2025, 6th Round, 184th overall pick by New Orleans Saints |
| College | University of Kansas (2021–2024) |
| High School | Lawrence High School (Lawrence, Kansas) |
| Parents | Freda McPhail (Mother), Ryan McPhail (Father) |
| Relationship Status | Dating Alyssa Heuer |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | Approximately $4.45 million (based on rookie contract value, not liquid net worth) |
Early Life and Education of Devin Neal
Devin Marques Neal was born on August 12, 2003, and spent his formative years in Lawrence, Kansas, a place that would later become synonymous with his collegiate athletic achievements. From a young age, Neal displayed a natural inclination and passion for sports, particularly football, which he began playing at the age of five. His early inspiration came from watching running back legends like T.J. Yeldon and Dalvin Cook, whose playing styles influenced his decision to wear the number 4.
Neal attended Lawrence High School, where he quickly established himself as a dominant force in both football and baseball, showcasing his versatility as a two-sport athlete. During his senior year in high school, Neal’s football prowess was undeniable, as he rushed for an impressive 1,327 yards and scored 20 touchdowns, earning him first-team Class 6A All-State honors. He was widely regarded as the consensus No. 1 recruit in Kansas and a four-star recruit nationally, drawing significant attention from top college programs across the country. Despite receiving football offers from prominent institutions such as Iowa, Kansas State, Nebraska, and Oklahoma State, Neal ultimately made the impactful decision to commit to the University of Kansas, his hometown university, where he also intended to play baseball.
Beyond his athletic talents, Neal was also noted for his strong academic performance and exemplary character. He maintained a diligent focus on his studies, being a straight-A student for most of his life, with his parents emphasizing the importance of education beyond sports. His upbringing by Freda and Ryan McPhail instilled in him values of discipline and guidance, which were evident in his leadership qualities even in youth sports. His high school baseball coach, Brad Stoll, praised Neal’s humble, mentally tough, and caring nature, highlighting how he treated people with respect despite his athletic accomplishments. This foundation of strong character and academic commitment, combined with his athletic gifts, set the stage for his remarkable journey in collegiate and professional football.
Devin Neal’s Career
Collegiate Career at Kansas (2021-2024)
Devin Neal’s collegiate career at the University of Kansas was nothing short of historic, as he committed to his hometown team at a time when the program was facing significant challenges, with a vision to contribute to its turnaround. He played for the Kansas Jayhawks from 2021 to 2024, leaving an indelible mark on the university’s football records.
Freshman Year (2021)
As a freshman, Neal made an immediate impact, playing in all 12 of Kansas’s games. He rushed for 707 yards and eight touchdowns on 158 carries, demonstrating his potential from the outset. His breakout performance earned him the distinction of being The first freshman in school history to be named the Big 12 Conference Offensive Player of the Week after a game where he rushed for 143 yards and three touchdowns. Neal also showcased his dual-threat ability with 57 receiving yards and one touchdown on seven catches. Additionally, he played in seven games for the Kansas baseball team during his freshman year.
Sophomore Year (2022)
Neal was named the starting running back entering his sophomore season and continued to excel. He played in all 13 games, rushing 180 times for 1,090 yards and nine touchdowns, while also adding 21 catches for 183 yards and one touchdown. A standout game against Oklahoma State saw him named the Doak Walker Award National Running Back of the Week and Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week, after becoming the first player to achieve at least 200 rushing yards and 100 receiving yards in a single game. This pivotal performance helped the Jayhawks become bowl-eligible for the first time since 2008.
Junior Year (2023)
His junior season saw Neal continue to be a central figure in the Jayhawks’ offense. He played every game, rushing for 1,280 yards on 203 carries and tying his career high with 16 rushing touchdowns. He also recorded 25 receptions for 217 yards. Notable performances included three touchdowns against Nevada and Kansas State, and 154 yards against Central Florida. Neal’s consistent production earned him Second-team All-Big 12 honors. At the end of 2023, after contemplating an early entry into the NFL Draft, Neal announced his decision to return to Kansas for his senior season, aiming to further his legacy and contribute to the team’s continued success.
Senior Year (2024)
In his senior year, Neal started all 12 games, rushing for 1,266 yards on 219 attempts and 16 touchdowns. He also caught 24 passes for 254 yards and one touchdown. During this season, he surpassed June Henley to become Kansas’ all-time leader in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. He secured his third consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season, a first in Kansas football history. Neal’s historic Senior Day performance against No. 16 Colorado, where he amassed 287 total yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns, earned him the Maxwell National Player of the Week award. He finished his career as the Jayhawks’ all-time leading rusher with 4,343 yards and 49 rushing touchdowns, holding school records for rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, scrimmage touchdowns (53), and 100+ yard rushing games (20). He was also voted team captain by his teammates.
Professional Career: NFL Draft and New Orleans Saints (2025-Present)
Devin Neal declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, officially announcing his entry via Instagram on December 3, 2024. He participated in the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, where he measured 5’11” and 213 lbs, and ran a 40-yard dash in 4.58 seconds. On April 26, 2025, Neal was selected by the New Orleans Saints with the 184th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year contract with the Saints on May 9, 2025, valued at $4,451,312, including a $251,312 signing bonus and an average annual salary of $1,112,828.
As a rookie with the Saints, Neal entered training camp in competition for carries behind veteran Alvin Kamara. In the 2025 preseason, Neal experienced a hamstring injury that sidelined him for some initial games. He made his preseason debut on August 23, 2025, in a game against the Denver Broncos, rushing five times for 20 yards and catching two passes for 10 yards. Despite the early injury, Neal is seen as a promising addition to the Saints’ backfield, valued for his versatile skillset, vision, and ability to run with power.
Devin Neal Personal Life & Family
Devin Neal maintains a relatively private personal life, though some details about his family and relationships are publicly known. He is the son of Freda McPhail and Ryan McPhail, and he has a sister named Embree. His parents have played a significant role in his development, instilling a strong work ethic and emphasizing academics alongside his athletic pursuits. His mother, Freda McPhail, is a graduate of Baker University and works as a customer service manager. Accounts from his youth highlight his parents’ supportive yet disciplined approach, which helped shape him into a well-rounded individual.
As of April 2025, Devin Neal is in a relationship with Alyssa Heuer. The couple has been dating since 2021, marking over three years together. While details about his daily lifestyle or specific personal beliefs beyond his publicly demonstrated character are not extensively documented, his commitment to his hometown and the University of Kansas indicates a deep sense of loyalty and community. Devin Neal gf/bf, Devin Neal husband/wife, Devin Neal wife.
Awards and Achievements of Devin Neal
Devin Neal’s collegiate career was distinguished by numerous accolades and record-breaking performances, solidifying his status as one of the most impactful players in Kansas football history. His key awards and achievements include:
- 2x Second-team All-Big 12 (2023, 2024)
- Maxwell Award National Player of the Week (November 2024)
- Doak Walker Award National Running Back of the Week (November 2022)
- Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week (multiple times: November 2021, November 2022)
- Semifinalist for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award (2024)
- First-team Class 6A All-State (High School Senior Year)
- Kansas’ All-Time Leading Rusher (4,343 yards)
- Kansas’ All-Time Leader in Rushing Touchdowns (49)
- Kansas’ All-Time Leader in Scrimmage Touchdowns (53)
- Kansas’ All-Time Leader in 100+ Yard Rushing Games (20)
- First Kansas player to achieve 1,000+ rushing yards in three consecutive seasons (2022, 2023, 2024)
- Team Captain (Senior Season 2024)
Devin Neal Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Devin Neal’s net worth is primarily influenced by his recent entry into the National Football League. While a specific liquid net worth figure is not widely published, his financial standing has significantly changed with his professional contract. Upon being drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Neal signed a four-year rookie contract valued at $4,451,312. This contract includes a signing bonus of $251,312 and an average annual salary of $1,112,828. In his rookie year (2025), Neal is expected to earn a base salary of $840,000, with a cap hit of $902,828 and a cash payout of $1,091,312.
Prior to his professional career, Neal also benefited from Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities during his time as a standout college athlete at the University of Kansas. These endorsements and appearances provided an additional income stream during his collegiate years, though specific figures for his NIL earnings are not publicly detailed. His dedication and high performance in college football positioned him well for these opportunities and ultimately for his NFL contract. Devin Neal net worth.
Legacy and Influence
Devin Neal’s legacy extends beyond his impressive statistics, deeply impacting the University of Kansas football program and the local community of Lawrence. He is widely credited as a pivotal figure in the Jayhawks’ resurgence, having committed to a struggling program and actively working to turn its fortunes around. His decision to return for his senior season, despite NFL opportunities, underscored his loyalty and leadership, earning him immense respect from fans and teammates alike.
As a homegrown talent, Neal became a symbol of hope and pride for Lawrence, Kansas. His consistent high-level performance and dedication inspired a new era for Kansas football, leading them to back-to-back bowl appearances. Off the field, Neal has demonstrated a commitment to social contributions through various charitable endeavors initiated during his college career. These include organizing a “Devin Neal’s Back 2 School” event, a school supply giveaway for elementary students, and coat drives to assist those in need within his community. Such actions reflect his strong character and desire to give back, traits that were fostered by his upbringing. His public image is one of a humble, disciplined, and resilient athlete who prioritizes his community and embodies leadership both on and off the field.
Interesting Facts about Devin Neal
- Hometown Hero: Devin Neal grew up in Lawrence, Kansas, and chose to play for the University of Kansas, his hometown university, despite receiving offers from many other prominent football programs.
- Multi-Sport Talent: In addition to being a football star, Neal was also a highly-rated baseball prospect in high school and played seven games for the Kansas baseball team during his freshman year.
- Inspiration Behind Jersey Number: He started playing football at age five and chose to wear jersey number 4, inspired by running back legends T.J. Yeldon and Dalvin Cook.
- Academic Excellence: Throughout his schooling, Neal was known for his strong academic performance, maintaining straight A’s for most of his life, a testament to his parents’ emphasis on education.
- Leadership Qualities: Even as a child, Neal displayed innate leadership. His mother recalls an instance during youth football where, despite being exhausted, he went back to run with struggling teammates, encouraging them not to quit.
- Record-Breaking Jayhawk: He holds multiple all-time Kansas Jayhawks football records, including rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, scrimmage touchdowns, and 100-yard rushing games.
- Consistent Performer: Neal is the first player in Kansas football history to record three consecutive seasons with over 1,000 rushing yards.
Controversies
As of the current available information, Devin Neal has maintained a public image free from any significant controversies or major challenges outside of typical athletic injuries and on-field competition. His career has been consistently highlighted by his athletic achievements, leadership, and community involvement rather than any public disputes or scandals.
Social Media Presence
Devin Neal maintains an active presence on social media platforms, connecting with fans and sharing updates on his career. His official Instagram account is @_devinxneal, where he officially announced his entry into the 2025 NFL Draft. While a specific follower count for his Instagram is not readily available in the provided sources, his girlfriend, Alyssa Heuer, has a private Instagram account with almost 3,000 followers as of April 2025. Neal also has a YouTube channel, @devinnealofficial, which features 15 videos and has garnered over 2,000 subscribers. Information regarding his official Twitter (X) presence and corresponding follower counts is not widely published in the available credible sources. Devin Neal social media, Devin Neal Instagram, Devin Neal Twitter, Devin Neal YouTube.
Final Words about Devin Neal
Devin Neal stands as a testament to perseverance, talent, and dedication, having navigated a remarkable journey from a local high school standout to a record-setting collegiate athlete and now a promising professional in the National Football League. His impact on the University of Kansas football program is undeniable, as he played a crucial role in its resurgence, becoming the all-time leading rusher and a symbol of hometown pride. As he embarks on his rookie season with the New Orleans Saints in 2025, Neal faces new challenges and opportunities to make his mark at the highest level of professional football, including competing for a significant role in the team’s backfield after signing his four-year contract. Despite a minor hamstring injury during his first NFL preseason, his proven track record of consistency, versatility, and leadership suggests a bright future. Devin Neal’s legacy is already cemented by his collegiate achievements and community contributions, and his professional career promises to further define his influence on the sport.