Donald Parham Bio
Donald Durand Parham Jr. is an American professional football tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). Standing at 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighing roughly 240 pounds, he is one of the taller pass-catching options at his position. He played college football for the Stetson Hatters and signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2019. After stops with several teams, Parham earned a starting role with the Los Angeles Chargers and became a recognizable red-zone target.
Over the course of his career, Parham has suited up for the Detroit Lions, Washington Redskins, Arlington Renegades, Los Angeles Chargers, Denver Broncos, and Pittsburgh Steelers. He was recognized as a First-team FCS All-American in 2018 and earned Mid-Season All-XFL honors during his brief time in the spring league.
Early Life and Background
Donald Durand Parham Jr. was born on August 16, 1997, in Lakeland, Florida. He grew up in the same central Florida city and attended Lake Gibson High School. Despite coming from a family with a strong football background, Parham did not play the sport until his senior year of high school. His father and four uncles all played college football, creating a clear athletic lineage.
At Lake Gibson, Parham initially focused on basketball before finally taking the field for his senior season. He lined up at wide receiver and defensive end, showing the combination of size and athleticism that would later define his professional career. His late start in football did not stop him from earning a scholarship to play at the college level.
Path to American Football
Parham committed to Stetson University, a small FCS program in DeLand, Florida, to continue his football career. After limited action in four games as a freshman, he transitioned to tight end and took on a much larger role as a sophomore. That move positioned him as a primary receiving threat in the Hatters offense.
Across his college career, Parham compiled 180 receptions for 2,591 yards and 20 touchdowns, finishing as Stetson’s all-time leading receiver. He earned First-team All-PFL honors and First-team FCS All-American recognition in 2018 after posting 85 catches for 1,319 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior. He was later invited to the NFLPA Bowl and the Senior Bowl, which helped introduce him to NFL scouts despite going undrafted.
Donald Parham Career
Early Career (2019)
Parham signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent on May 10, 2019, but was waived just two days later. On June 7, 2019, he joined the Washington Redskins following a minicamp tryout, where he spent the remainder of the offseason. He was released on August 31, 2019, re-signed to the practice squad on September 12, and was released again on September 17, 2019.
Looking for another opportunity, Parham was selected by the Arlington Renegades in the ninth round of the 2020 XFL Draft. In his second game with the Renegades against the Los Angeles Wildcats, he caught five passes for 76 yards and a touchdown. The XFL suspended operations on April 10, 2020, ending his spring league stint.
Los Angeles Chargers Breakthrough (2020-2024)
Parham signed with the Los Angeles Chargers on April 14, 2020, beginning the most productive stretch of his career. In Week 4 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he recorded his first NFL reception, a 19-yard touchdown pass from rookie quarterback Justin Herbert. That season established him as a vertical, red-zone option in the Chargers offense.
During a Week 15 game against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021, Parham suffered a frightening head injury after landing awkwardly in the end zone. He was placed on injured reserve on December 25, 2021, and worked his way back to contribute to the team in subsequent seasons. On March 17, 2023, Parham signed a two-year contract extension worth $2.535 million, confirming his value to the Chargers. He was released as part of final roster cuts on August 27, 2024.
Denver Broncos Era (2024)
Parham signed with the Denver Broncos practice squad on August 28, 2024, reuniting with several veteran pass catchers on the roster. His time in Denver was short, and he was released before the regular season progressed. The brief stop in Denver kept him active in the league while he waited for another opportunity.
Pittsburgh Steelers Era (2025-Present)
On February 21, 2025, Parham signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was expected to compete for a role in the Steelers tight end room and provide a tall target in the passing game. On June 3, 2025, Parham tore his Achilles during organized team activities, prematurely ending his 2025 season.
Driving Style and Strengths
Parham’s size makes him a natural matchup problem near the goal line, where he can use his frame to box out smaller defensive backs. He is at his best on shorter and intermediate routes that allow him to gain yards after the catch. His combination of length and soft hands gives him the profile of a chain-moving tight end when healthy.
Notable Events and Milestones
His first career touchdown from Justin Herbert in 2020 marked his arrival as an NFL receiving threat. The scary injury against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021 became a defining moment, but he returned to play and earned a multi-year extension with the Chargers in 2023. Signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025 marked another fresh start late in his career.
Donald Parham Career Wins
Donald Parham has accumulated several career milestones across multiple professional leagues since 2019. Although individual win totals at the NFL level are limited, his touchdown receptions and red-zone production stand out as highlights of his career arc.
Los Angeles Chargers Highlights
During his Chargers tenure, Parham became a reliable target for Justin Herbert, particularly in the red zone. He posted his first NFL touchdown in 2020 and added to that total across multiple seasons, including scoring in his second XFL game before joining the team. His 2023 two-year extension reflected the organization’s confidence in his production.
Other Wins and Performances
In the XFL with the Arlington Renegades, Parham’s five-catch, 76-yard, one-touchdown performance against the Los Angeles Wildcats was the standout moment of his brief spring league career. His career path, from undrafted free agent to multi-year NFL contract, remains a defining personal achievement.
Donald Parham Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Parham comes from a family with deep football roots. His father and four uncles all played college football, providing an athletic foundation even though Donald did not take up the sport until late in high school. That background helped shape his eventual path to the NFL despite his unconventional start.
Personal Life
Born and raised in Lakeland, Florida, Parham has spent much of his professional life in that same region of the country, with stints in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Denver, and Pittsburgh. Public details about his personal relationships remain limited.
2025 Season Performance
Parham entered the 2025 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-year deal, looking to carve out a role in the tight end rotation. He was expected to provide size and a red-zone presence for the Steelers offense during organized team activities and training camp.
On June 3, 2025, Parham tore his Achilles during OTAs, prematurely ending his 2025 campaign before the regular season began. The injury was a setback for both player and team as Pittsburgh recalibrated its tight end plans for the year.
Looking ahead, Parham will focus on recovery and rehabilitation, with the goal of returning to full strength for future opportunities. His experience as a proven NFL pass-catcher should keep him on team radars once he is medically cleared.