After he was redshirted as a true freshman in 2010, Walford played in all 12 games with eight starts as a redshirt freshman in 2011. He finished his freshman season with 18 receptions for 172 yards and a touchdown.[6] As a sophomore in 2012, Walford had 25 receptions for 451 yards and four touchdowns over 12 games, of which he started five. As a junior in 2013, he started 12 of 13 games, recording 34 receptions for 454 yards and two touchdowns.[7] Walford returned as a starter his senior season.[8][9]
The Oakland Raiders selected Walford in the third round (68th overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft.[23] He was the second tight end selected in the draft behind Maxx Williams (second round, 55th overall). The Raiders also selected his Miami Hurricanes' teammate Jon Feliciano in the fourth round (128th overall).[24]
On June 16, 2015, the Raiders signed Walford to a four-year, $3.34 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $795,504.[25]
Walford made his NFL debut in the season-opener against the Cincinnati Bengals and caught his first NFL reception on a one-yard pass from Derek Carr during the 33–13 loss.[31] During Week 5 against the Denver Broncos, Walford caught a 33-yard pass in a 16–10 loss. The 33-yard reception was the longest of his rookie season. On October 25, 2015, Walford earned his first NFL start and made two receptions for 42 yards as the Raiders defeated the San Diego Chargers by a score 37–29. He also scored his first NFL touchdown while being covered by Chargers' cornerback Jimmy Wilson, catching a 23-yard pass from Carr in the second quarter.[32] On December 6, 2015, he caught a season-high five passes for a season-high 53 receiving yards during a 34–20 loss to the Chiefs.
Walford finished his rookie season with a total of 28 receptions for 329 yards and three touchdowns in 16 games and two starts.[33] Walford played 702 offensive snaps and was targeted 52 times, catching 63% of them in 2016.[34]
2016 season
Entering training camp, Walford was expected to be the starting tight end. Although he surpassed Rivera on the depth chart, he was named the backup to Smith.[35] Smith remained the starting tight end due to his superior blocking ability.
On September 18, 2016, Walford caught a season-high six passes for 58 yards and scored a 31-yard touchdown during a 35–28 loss to the Falcons. During a Week 4 matchup at the Baltimore Ravens, he made his first start of the season and caught two receptions for 23 yards in a narrow 28–27 victory. Unfortunately, Walford left the game after suffering a knee injury and missed the Raiders' Week 5 matchup against the Chargers.[36] During the game, Smith suffered a fracture to his lower leg and was placed on injured reserve for the rest of the season on October 5, 2016, which expanded Walford's role.[37] On November 27, 2016, Walford caught three passes for 43 yards and a touchdown as the Raiders defeated the Carolina Panthers 35–32. His touchdown reception was on a 12-yard pass from Carr to tie the game in the fourth quarter.[38]
Walford finished the 2016 season with 33 receptions for 359 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns in eight starts and 15 games.[39]
2017 season
During the offseason, the Raiders and offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave mutually parted ways and he was replaced by Todd Downing. Walford competed with Jared Cook, Smith, Holmes, Ryan O'Malley, Cooper Helfet, and Pharaoh Brown throughout training camp for a job as the starting tight end.[40] Del Rio named Walford the Raiders' third tight end behind Cook and Smith to start the regular season.
Through the first 12 games, Walford was limited to three receptions for 10 yards. On December 3, 2017, he caught four passes for 57 receiving yards during the Raiders' 24–17 win over the New York Giants.[41] He suffered a concussion in Week 14 and was placed on injured reserve on December 23, 2017.[42] Walford completed the 2017 season with nine receptions for 80 yards and no touchdowns.[43]
On March 27, 2018, Walford was released by the Raiders.[44]
New York Jets (first stint)
On April 2, 2018, the New York Jets claimed Walford off waivers.[45] On September 1, 2018, the Jets released Walford.[46]
Indianapolis Colts
On November 28, 2018, Walford was signed by the Indianapolis Colts.[47] On December 7, the Colts released Walford.[48]
New York Jets (second stint)
On December 27, 2018, Walford was signed by the Jets.[49] He appeared in one game for the Jets in the 2018 season.[50]
Miami Dolphins
On March 13, 2019, Walford signed a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins.[51] He was released on August 27, 2019.[52] He was re-signed on October 30, 2019.[53] He appeared in seven games and started three for the Dolphins in the 2019 season. He totaled four receptions for 57 yards.[54]
On May 3, 2016, it was reported that Walford suffered a knee injury in an ATV accident. He was unable to participate in spring practices and rejoined the team during the start of training camp.[55]