Raymond was born in Lawrenceville, Georgia, to an African-American father and a Chinese mother.[1] He played college football and track for the Holy Cross Crusaders from 2012 to 2015. On the football field he was a two time All-Patriot League first team performer, amassing 4,059 all purpose yards and 18 touchdowns in his four year career. For the Track team, Raymond was a two time All-New England selection, highlighted by a 2nd place finish in the 100-meter dash at the 2015 New England outdoor championships.[2][3]
Professional career
Denver Broncos
On May 3, 2016, the Denver Broncos signed Raymond as an undrafted free agent.[4] He was released on September 3 during final roster cuts and was later signed to the practice squad.[5][6] Raymond was promoted to active roster on December 2.[7]
On September 2, 2017, Raymond was waived by the Broncos.[8]
Raymond was waived on September 19 and was re-signed to the practice squad.[11][12] He was released on September 26.[13]
New York Giants (first stint)
On October 11, 2017, Raymond was signed to the New York Giants' practice squad.[14] He was released on October 31,[15] but was re-signed the next day.[16] He was promoted to the active roster on November 14.[17]
On September 1, 2018, Raymond was waived by the Giants.[18]
Tennessee Titans (first stint)
On September 25, 2018, Raymond was signed to the Tennessee Titans' practice squad.[19] He was released on October 2.[20]
New York Giants (second stint)
On October 16, 2018, Raymond was signed to the Giants' practice squad,[21] but was released two days later.[22]
Tennessee Titans (second stint)
On December 24, 2018, Raymond was signed to the Titans practice squad.[23] He signed a reserve/future contract with the Titans on December 31.[24]
Raymond after scoring a touchdown in a game against the Indianapolis Colts in 2019
On September 7, 2019, Raymond was waived by the Titans and was re-signed to the practice squad.[25] He was promoted to the active roster on October 26, 2019.[26] During Week 10 against the Kansas City Chiefs, Raymond caught a 52-yard reception from Ryan Tannehill and returned three kicks for 46 yards in the 35–32 victory. Three weeks later, he scored his first NFL touchdown on a 40-yard pass from Tannehill in a 31–17 road victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Raymond gave the football to his mother who was in attendance at the Week 13 game.[27] On the 2019 season, Raymond totaled nine receptions for 170 receiving yards and one touchdown in eight games.[28] In the divisional round of the playoffs against the Baltimore Ravens, he caught a 45-yard touchdown during the 28–12 road victory.[29]
In Week 3 of the 2020 season, Raymond had three receptions for 118 yards in the 31–30 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.[30] He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the Titans on December 19,[31] and was activated six days later.[32]
Detroit Lions
On March 25, 2021, Raymond signed with the Detroit Lions.[33] On October 3, he scored two touchdowns in a 24–14 loss to the Chicago Bears.[34]
On March 18, 2022, Raymond signed a two-year, $9.5 million contract extension with the Lions.[35] On December 18, he ran 47 yards for his first career punt-return touchdown in a 20–17 win against his former team, the Jets.[36] Raymond was named second-team All-Pro for the 2022 season.[37]
On August 11, 2023, Raymond signed a two-year contract extension with the Lions.[38]
In Week 8 of the 2024 season, Raymond had a 90-yard punt return touchdown along with a seven-yard touchdown reception during a 52–14 victory over the Titans, his former team, earning NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.[39] Raymond finished the season with 30 punt returns for 413 yards, leading the league in punt return yards despite missing five games due to injury. As a receiver, he had 17 receptions for 215 yards and two touchdowns.[40][41] Raymond was named second-team All-Pro as a punt returner.[42]
