Palmetto’s Own LaJohntay Wester Delivers 87‑Yard Punt Return TD in NFL Debut

A hometown hero turned professional standout, Palmetto High School alum LaJohntay Wester electrified fans Thursday night with an explosive 87‑yard punt return touchdown for the Baltimore Ravens in their NFL preseason opener — his first pro‑career touchdown and a national television highlight.

Wester’s journey from Manatee County to the NFL has been one marked by consistent production and electric playmaking. Born March 29, 2002, in Palmetto, Florida, he starred at Palmetto High before heading to Florida Atlantic University, where he set the school record as FAU’s all-time leading receiver. In 2023, Wester tallied 108 receptions for 1,168 yards and eight touchdowns, earning AAC Special Teams Player of the Year and First‑Team All‑AAC honors — as well as First‑Team All‑American recognition as a punt returner.

A one‑year stop at Colorado in 2024 added more highlights to his résumé: Wester caught 74 passes for 931 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also averaged 12.2 yards on punt returns in Boulder, including a spectacular 76‑yard return for a touchdown against Utah. He famously hauled in a 43‑yard Hail Mary from Shedeur Sanders as time expired to send a game into overtime.

Selected by the Ravens in the sixth round (203rd overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft, the 5‑foot‑9, 170‑pound wideout wasted no time making an impact. Ravens GM Eric DeCosta praised his "twitchy," explosive return skills and potential for immediate impact on special teams. His preseason debut delivered spectacularly, providing Baltimore with a much-needed boost in the return game.

In just one electric play, LaJohntay Wester brought pride to Manatee County and signaled that his professional journey is off to a powerful start.