Stephen Carlson Bio
Stephen Carlson (born December 12, 1996) is an American professional football tight end for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Princeton Tigers before beginning his NFL career as an undrafted free agent. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 250 pounds, Carlson has built his professional resume on perseverance, special teams play, and a willingness to move between the active roster and practice squad.
Early Life and Background
Stephen Carlson was born on December 12, 1996, in Jamestown, New York. He grew up in the same community where he first developed his love for the game, eventually becoming a standout multi-sport athlete at Jamestown High School. His early football experiences came on both sides of the ball, an unusual versatility for a player who would later be defined as a tight end.
As a Jamestown Red Raider, Carlson established himself as one of the most productive receivers in the region. He amassed 2,411 receiving yards on 134 receptions and scored 22 touchdowns, demonstrating the kind of consistent production that college scouts look for in pass-catching tight ends. He was also a stalwart on defense, recording more than 250 tackles, a remarkable number for a player who spent so much time on offense.
His high school performance made him a top player in western New York and earned him one of the most prestigious local awards in the state. In 2014, Carlson received the Connolly Cup, an honor given annually to the top high school football player in the Western New York region. That recognition helped set the stage for his recruitment to the Ivy League.
Path to American Football
Carlson’s path to the NFL ran through Princeton University, where he joined the Princeton Tigers football program. Competing in the Ivy League required him to balance a demanding academic schedule with a Division I athletic commitment, and his development at Princeton helped refine the receiving and blocking skills that would later earn him a professional opportunity.
After his college career concluded, Carlson entered the 2019 NFL Draft as a prospect but went undrafted. Rather than ending his pursuit of a professional career, the outcome simply redirected it. He signed with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in May 2019, beginning a multi-year journey that has included roster moves, practice squad stints, and special teams contributions at the highest level of American football.
Stephen Carlson Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
Stephen Carlson signed with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in May 2019. He was waived during final roster cuts that summer, then re-signed to the Browns’ practice squad. The Browns promoted Carlson to their active roster on November 1, 2019, less than two weeks before one of the most memorable moments of his young career.
On November 14, 2019, Carlson recorded his first NFL reception, a touchdown catch from quarterback Baker Mayfield, in a 21–7 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The play instantly gave him a place in Cleveland’s season highlights and announced his arrival as a passing target at the professional level. The following year, on October 4, 2020, Carlson scored a two-point conversion against the Dallas Cowboys after chasing down a blocked kick that Dallas had fumbled toward the end zone, a hustle play that showed his value on special teams.
Cleveland Browns Tenure (2019–2021)
Carlson’s role with the Cleveland Browns expanded beyond spot duty as he developed into a reliable depth tight end and special teams contributor. He spent the 2019 and 2020 seasons moving between the active roster and practice squad while continuing to refine his craft as a blocker and underneath receiver. His willingness to do the dirty work on coverage units helped him remain a trusted part of Cleveland’s roster.
On March 5, 2021, the Browns tendered Carlson as an exclusive-rights free agent, and he signed the one-year contract on April 14. His 2021 season, however, was cut short. The Browns placed him on injured reserve on August 16, 2021, and he did not return to game action for the rest of that year. He was not retained by Cleveland after the 2021 season.
Chicago Bears Era (2023–Present)
After a period away from an NFL roster, Stephen Carlson joined the Chicago Bears on May 6, 2023, signing a one-year deal after a rookie minicamp workout. He was waived on August 29, 2023, during final roster cuts and quickly re-signed to the practice squad, allowing him to remain within the organization. On January 8, 2024, Carlson signed a reserve/future contract, securing his place in the Bears’ plans for the following season.
Carlson was waived by the Bears on August 27, 2024, and re-signed to the practice squad once again. He was promoted to the active roster on September 24, 2024, returning to game action in the middle of the season. On March 13, 2025, Carlson re-signed with the Bears, continuing his career in Chicago. He was released on August 26 as part of final roster cuts and re-signed to the practice squad the next day, a familiar sequence for a player who has built his NFL career on perseverance and readiness.
Driving Style and Strengths
Stephen Carlson has built his professional reputation on versatility, dependable blocking, and consistent special teams play. His 6-foot-4 frame and aggressive approach at the point of attack make him a useful asset in run support, while his reliable hands and football IQ allow him to contribute as a short-area receiver. Carlson’s willingness to embrace the unglamorous work of practice squad life and coverage teams has been a defining feature of his career path.
Notable Events and Milestones
Carlson’s first NFL catch, a touchdown from Baker Mayfield against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019, stands as the most celebrated milestone of his career. His two-point conversion against the Dallas Cowboys in 2020 and the 2014 Connolly Cup from his high school days in Jamestown round out the highlights that have shaped his football journey.
Stephen Carlson Career Wins
Stephen Carlson’s career has not been defined by championship trophies or postseason awards at the professional level, but rather by resilience and the steady accumulation of opportunities. His most notable victories are individual milestones and team wins tied to his contributions, including a 21–7 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019 and the daily battles to remain on an NFL roster year after year.
Princeton and High School Highlights
At Jamestown High School, Carlson set himself apart as a two-way player, finishing with 2,411 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns on offense while recording more than 250 tackles on defense. His 2014 Connolly Cup victory confirmed his status as one of the top high school players in Western New York. At Princeton, he continued his development in the Ivy League, competing at a level that prepared him for the rigors of professional football.
Other Wins and Performances
Carlson’s professional career includes several key performances, including his first NFL touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers and his two-point conversion against the Dallas Cowboys. While he has not posted gaudy receiving totals in the NFL, his steady contributions on special teams and as a blocking tight end have helped him carve out a long professional career.
Stephen Carlson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Stephen Carlson’s immediate family is limited. He was raised in Jamestown, New York, and his upbringing in that community played a central role in shaping his early football development.
Personal Life
Stephen Carlson keeps his personal life largely private. He maintains a public presence on social media, where he is known as Steve O’Carlson, and continues to build his professional football career while based with the Chicago Bears organization.
2025 Season Performance
Stephen Carlson entered the 2025 NFL season with the Chicago Bears after re-signing with the team on March 13, 2025. His continued presence in the organization reflects the trust the Bears have placed in his versatility and special teams ability. As a depth tight end, Carlson is expected to contribute on coverage units and provide support in the run game.
On August 26, 2025, Carlson was released as part of final roster cuts, and he re-signed to the Bears’ practice squad the following day. That familiar sequence of being waived and quickly brought back has become a hallmark of his professional journey, allowing him to remain on standby for promotion throughout the year. The Bears’ decision to retain him on the practice squad signals their interest in keeping his experience within the building.
Looking ahead to the rest of the 2025 season, Carlson’s path back to the active roster will likely depend on injuries, scheme needs, and his continued development as a blocking tight end. His longevity, despite going undrafted in 2019, remains one of the most notable aspects of his career, and another promotion to the active roster would extend that story even further.