Former Colorado Star LaJohntay Wester Reveals Mindset Amid Difficult NFL Rookie Season

Amid a difficult first season in the NFL, Baltimore Ravens return specialist LaJohntay Wester shared a peek into his mindset in a social media post.

Feb 28, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Colorado wideout Lajohntay Wester (WO46) talks to the press during the 2025 NFL Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephanie Amador Blondet-Imagn Images | Stephanie Amador Blondet-Imagn Images

Like a few other former Colorado Buffaloes stars now in the NFL, LaJohntay Wester's rookie season with the Baltimore Ravens has featured its fair share of challenges.

Wester, a sixth-round draft pick, has yet to record a regular season reception and is still looking to break out as a return specialist. Through 15 games played, the rookie has returned 16 punts for 198 yards to go along with five kickoff returns for 131 yards.

Oct 12, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Lajohntay Wester (83) carries the ball against the Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter of the game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images | Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Wester's lowest moment came against the Cleveland Browns in mid-October when he fumbled a punt inside his own 10-yard line, a rarity for the typically sure-handed return specialist.

Amid what has been a difficult rookie season, Wester shared a peek into his mindset on Monday with a post on X: "The Rejected will Be Respected," Wester wrote before adding an exclamation point and an hourglass emoji.

The Rejected will Be Respected ‼️⏳..

— lajohntay la’jay wester (@la_wester) December 22, 2025

"The Rejected Will Be Respected"

Nov 29, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes social media producer Deion Sanders Jr. walks the sidelines in the second quarter against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Coined by Deion Sanders Jr., the son of Colorado coach Deion Sanders, the phrase has often been used as a rallying cry of sorts. Wester's hourglass emoji also hints that he believes it's only a matter of time before he fully breaks out in the NFL.

Former Colorado safety Tawfiq Byard used the same phrase in another social media post soon after news broke he'd be entering the transfer portal.

The rejected will be respected!💯 #thestandard pic.twitter.com/oD6O3j7vQO

— UNO (@byard_tawfiq) December 21, 2025

LaJohntay Wester's Impressive Season At Colorado

Nov 29, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys linebacker Justin Wright (44) Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver LaJohntay Wester (10) in the second half at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

After four years at Florida Atlantic, Wester spent his final college season at Colorado and quickly became a trusted weapon for quarterback Shedeur Sanders. The shifty receiver closed last season with 74 catches for 931 yards and 10 touchdowns, playing a key role in Colorado's run to nine wins.

"For him to bring me in here (to Colorado) and be able to have a season like we did and be able to have the opportunity to do it at the next level, that's amazing," Wester said of playing alongside Shedeur Sanders, who was once committed to Florida Atlantic.

Wester also returned nine punts for 108 yards at Colorado, highlighted by a 76-yard touchdown against the Utah Utes.

MORE: Colorado Gets Hit With Biggest Transfer Portal Loss Yet

MORE: Michael Irvin Gets Real On Blame Surrounding Shedeur Sanders

MORE: Deion Sanders Faces Recruiting Problem After Omarion Miller Transfer News 

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LaJohntay Wester's Role In Baltimore

Sep 22, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Lajohntay Wester (83) makes a catch against the Detroit Lions during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images | Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images

At least for now, Wester has been relegated to strictly return duties for the Ravens.

He essentially locked down the job during the preseason when he scored an 87-yard punt return touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts.

"I've been overlooked all my life, in this game, since I was 6 years old," Wester said, per the Ravens. "I was still making plays. So, for me to be able to overcome all of that, and get here and be able to get my first NFL touchdown in a game like this, it was amazing. It was a whole lot of built-up emotion, anger, frustration, and crying. I just let it loose tonight."

Reps with @la_wester @SeatGeek pic.twitter.com/CKn8HEt7w1

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 12, 2025

Still alive in the playoff hunt, Baltimore will face the Green Bay Packers (Dec. 27) and Pittsburgh Steelers (Jan. 3 or 4) to close its regular season.