Who is R.J. Harvey? Meet Broncos rookie RB starting for Denver in AFC playoffs

Griffin Missant

Who is R.J. Harvey? Meet Broncos rookie RB starting for Denver in AFC playoffs image

© Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The Denver Broncos faced numerous injuries this season. Despite those setbacks, their success remained consistent, even when starters were unavailable.

Earlier this season, starting running back J.K. Dobbins suffered a foot injury in November that sidelined him for nine games. That opened the door for Harvey to take on a larger role during his rookie year.

Now fully integrated as a pro, Harvey is considered one of the top receiving-threat backs in the NFL.

AllSportsPeople provides all the details you need about Harvey.

MORE 2026 NFL PLAYOFF NEWS:

Who is RJ Harvey?

Harvey is the Broncos' rookie running back. He was selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL draft and has earned the title of NFL Rookie of the Week several times during his impressive debut season.

In his rookie season, he was named NFL Rookie of the Week for Week 8 and became the first Broncos player to score three touchdowns since Clinton Portis in 2002.

MOREBroncos' last Super Bowl win

Where did RJ Harvey go to college?

Harvey played college football for the UCF Knights and set the record as the program's all-time leader in career touchdowns scored with 48.

In his final two seasons at UCF, he rushed for more than 1,400 yards in both and scored 38 combined touchdowns.

Harvey was also a huge threat in the receiving game; he compiled 61 catches for 720 yards and 5 touchdowns.

RJ Harvey NFL Draft

At the NFL Combine, he showcased his speed and explosiveness with a 4.40-second 40-yard dash. After the draft, Broncos general manager George Paton commended his vision and energetic running style.

As mentioned above, Harvey was selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL draft with pick 60th.

RJ Harvey height

Harvey comes in at 5-foot-8, which is small by NFL standards.

While he's not the shortest player of all time, he's tied with three other players for the 16th-shortest in NFL history. One of these players is a former Bronco, Wes Welker.

MORERevisiting 2016 AFC championship

RJ Harvey quads

Harvey's quads garner much attention from fans and the media because of their muscular, powerful look, leading to the nickname "quad-zilla."

The nickname began circulating on Twitter and other platforms after photos and videos of Harvey's impressive legs went viral during the Broncos' rookie minicamp in May 2025.

RJ Harvey stats 2025

Rushing

CARYDSAVGTDLNGFUM
1465403.77501

Receiving

RECTGTSYDSAVGTDLNG
47583567.6532

MORERanking the 4 possible Super Bowl 60 matchups

Fantasy Football Intern

Staff Writer