He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide and was selected sixth overall by the Dolphins in the 2021 NFL draft.
Waddle attended Episcopal High School in Bellaire, Texas.
[20] On October 24, Waddle broke his right ankle when he was tackled while returning the opening kickoff in a game against Tennessee.
[21] Waddle returned for the National Championship game against Ohio State.
[22] On January 14, 2021, Waddle announced that he would forgo his senior season and enter the 2021 NFL draft.
[28] In his first NFL game on September 12, 2021, Waddle faced off against former Alabama teammate quarterback Mac Jones and the New England Patriots.
His first big breakthrough came in Week 12 against the Carolina Panthers, finishing with 137 receiving yards as the Dolphins won 33–10.
Waddle finished his rookie season with 104 receptions for 1,015 yards and seven total touchdowns.
Before a Week 3 game against the Denver Broncos, Waddle was ruled out with a concussion.
[43] On April 29, 2024, the Dolphins picked up the fifth-year option on Waddle's contract.