Chris Manhertz Bio
Chris Manhertz is an American professional football tight end for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). Born on April 10, 1992, in The Bronx, New York, he transitioned from a successful college basketball career at Canisius College to professional football. Standing 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighing around 107 kilograms, he brings rare athleticism to the tight end position. After being signed as an undrafted free agent by the Buffalo Bills in 2015, he navigated his way through multiple teams, showcasing his talent on various platforms, including the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers, before joining the Giants.
Early Life and Background
Chris Manhertz was born and raised in The Bronx, New York, where he grew up surrounded by a vibrant urban sports culture. He attended Cardinal Spellman High School, a Catholic institution in his home borough, where he developed his physical gifts and competitive instincts. Following high school, he enrolled at Canisius College, a Catholic university based in Buffalo, New York, that had discontinued its football program in 2003, leaving basketball as the school’s primary sport.
At Canisius, Manhertz committed himself fully to basketball, joining the Canisius Golden Griffins men’s basketball team. From 2010 to 2014, he competed for the Golden Griffins and emerged as a standout performer, eventually earning the responsibility of three-year team captain. His leadership and athletic profile on the hardwood caught the attention of professional scouts, although not for the sport he would ultimately play.
Path to Professional Football
Manhertz’s path to the NFL was unconventional, since Canisius had no football program during his years on campus. His only familiarity with the game came from playing the Madden NFL video game series, and he had never strapped on pads competitively before pursuing the sport professionally. After exhausting his basketball eligibility, he committed to a late-career switch, training rigorously to translate his basketball conditioning and frame into football skills.
His hard work earned him an opportunity with the Buffalo Bills, who offered him a tryout and signed him to a future/reserve contract in May 2015. Although Bills head coach Rex Ryan publicly characterized Manhertz’s chances of making the roster as a long shot, the signing validated his decision to pivot sports. He ultimately did not survive the Bills’ final roster cuts, but his professional football journey had officially begun.
Chris Manhertz Career
Early Career (2015–2016)
Following his release from the Buffalo Bills, Chris Manhertz quickly caught on with the New Orleans Saints, who added him to their practice squad for the remainder of the 2015 season. His perseverance paid off when he made the Saints’ active roster to open the 2016 campaign, and on September 18, 2016, he made his NFL debut. Although his time in New Orleans was brief, the stint confirmed that his unusual route to professional football could translate into regular-season action.
On October 16, 2016, the Saints released Manhertz, and just one day later, on October 17, 2016, he was claimed off waivers by the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers initially deployed him in a limited role as he continued adjusting to the speed and physicality of the NFL game.
Carolina Panthers Breakthrough (2016–2020)
Chris Manhertz spent four seasons with the Carolina Panthers, where he carved out a meaningful role as a blocking tight end. In 2017, he appeared in 16 games with four starts while filling in for the injured Greg Olsen, recording two receptions for 17 yards. He suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 17 of that season and was placed on injured reserve, but he returned healthy the following year.
The defining moment of his Panthers tenure came in Week 15 of the 2018 season, when Manhertz caught his first career touchdown on a 50-yard trick pass from running back Christian McCaffrey. On January 29, 2019, Carolina rewarded his development with a two-year contract extension, and he was named the starter heading into the 2020 season. His growth in Carolina demonstrated the value of patience for a player who had only recently learned the game.
Jacksonville Jaguars Era (2021–2022)
On March 17, 2021, Chris Manhertz signed a two-year, $6.65 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, a deal that reflected his growing reputation as a dependable tight end. During a Week 1 game against the Houston Texans, he hauled in a 22-yard touchdown pass from rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the first career touchdown pass Lawrence threw in the NFL. The play instantly linked Manhertz to a notable moment in Jaguars history and reinforced his value as a red-zone target.
Denver Broncos Era (2023–2024)
On March 15, 2023, Manhertz signed a two-year contract with the Denver Broncos, bringing his blocking prowess and veteran presence to the AFC West. He appeared in games for Denver through the 2023 season before being released on March 8, 2024, as the team reshaped its roster.
New York Giants Era (2024–Present)
On March 16, 2024, Chris Manhertz signed with the New York Giants, where he was slotted in as the primary blocking tight end. He played in all 17 games that season, starting 11 of them, and quickly became a key contributor in the team’s run-blocking schemes. On March 8, 2025, the Giants signed him to a one-year contract extension, signaling their confidence in his continued role within the offense.
Driving Style and Strengths
Chris Manhertz’s basketball background shows up most clearly in his balance, body control, and ability to win leverage at the line of scrimmage. At 6 feet 6 inches tall, he presents a sizable target in the passing game while also serving as a physical edge blocker in the run game. Coaches have praised his football IQ and willingness to embrace the unglamorous assignments that often define tight end play.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his signature moments, Manhertz’s 50-yard touchdown catch from Christian McCaffrey in 2018 stands as his first career score. His Week 1 touchdown from Trevor Lawrence in 2021 marked the first NFL touchdown pass of Lawrence’s career, a memorable footnote in a shared milestone. Surviving multiple rosters as an undrafted convert from basketball also ranks among his most impressive achievements.
Chris Manhertz Career Wins
Chris Manhertz has built a steady professional career defined more by reliability and blocking than by statistical headlines. Across stints with the Buffalo Bills, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Denver Broncos, and New York Giants, he has established himself as a trusted tight end on every roster he has joined.
Carolina Panthers Highlights
During his four seasons in Carolina, Manhertz appeared in 16 games with four starts in 2017 as a replacement for the injured Greg Olsen. He caught his first career touchdown in 2018 on a trick play against the Panthers’ divisional opponents and was rewarded with a two-year extension in January 2019. He was named the starting tight end entering the 2020 season, the high-water mark of his Panthers tenure.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond Carolina, Manhertz posted a 22-yard touchdown catch in his Jacksonville debut in 2021 and played in all 17 games for the Giants in 2024, starting 11. Each stop along the way added to his reputation as a durable and coachable veteran tight end.
Chris Manhertz Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Chris Manhertz was raised in The Bronx, New York, and attended Cardinal Spellman High School, where he first sharpened his competitive edge. Public details about his parents and broader family have not been widely reported, and he has kept most of his personal life away from the spotlight. He maintains an active presence on social media, including verified accounts on X and Instagram under the handle c_manhertz.
2025 Season Performance
Chris Manhertz enters the 2025 season on a one-year contract extension with the New York Giants signed on March 8, 2025. After playing all 17 games with 11 starts in 2024 as the primary blocking tight end, he remains a key piece of the team’s offensive line scheme. His ability to contribute in both pass protection and short-yardage receiving situations keeps him firmly in the rotation.
The Giants’ tight end room will continue to lean on Manhertz’s experience as they develop younger options behind him. With a full offseason in the system and familiarity with the coaching staff, his role as a steadying veteran presence is expected to continue through 2025. Should he stay healthy, another 17-game season with significant starting duties appears well within reach.