Tyler Conklin Bio
Tyler Conklin (born July 30, 1995) is an American professional football tight end for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). He played one season of college basketball at Northwood before transferring to Central Michigan to play college football. He was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL draft and has since developed into a reliable pass-catching tight end at the professional level.
Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing around 250 pounds, Conklin is known for his athleticism, dependable hands, and ability to contribute as both a receiver and blocker. Over the course of his NFL career, he has played for the Minnesota Vikings and the New York Jets before joining the Los Angeles Chargers.
Early Life and Background
Tyler Conklin was born on July 30, 1995, in Chesterfield, Michigan, in the United States. He grew up in the Macomb Township area of Michigan, where he attended L’Anse Creuse High School – North. At L’Anse Creuse North, Conklin was a standout two-sport athlete, competing as a wide receiver on the football team and as a combo guard on the basketball team.
As a junior, Conklin led his basketball team to the Class A Final Four, scoring 22 points in a 59–46 semifinal loss to eventual state champion Saginaw High. His success across multiple sports during high school helped shape the competitive mindset that has carried into his professional career.
Path to American Football
After graduating from high school, Conklin accepted a full-ride basketball scholarship to Division II Northwood University. He stayed for one semester and played in seven games, averaging 2.6 rebounds, 1.9 points and 1.4 assists per game. Following the fall 2013 semester, however, Conklin realized he was unhappy with basketball and wanted to pursue football, which led him to transfer to Central Michigan University.
At Central Michigan, Conklin walked on to the football team in the spring of 2014. The coaching staff initially wanted him to play defensive end, but he had his sights set on tight end. After briefly considering another transfer to NAIA Siena Heights University, he was convinced to stay at Central Michigan and was given the opportunity to compete at tight end.
Tyler Conklin Career
Early Career (2014–2017)
Arriving at Central Michigan at 195 pounds, Conklin redshirted his first season while playing on the scout team and adding weight. After gaining 25 pounds during the offseason, he earned a scholarship and a role as a backup tight end in 2015, appearing in all 13 games and catching six passes for 95 yards.
He became a starter as a redshirt sophomore in 2016 and recorded 42 receptions for 560 yards and six touchdowns across 13 games. In August 2017, a Jones Fracture in his left foot forced him to miss time, but he returned in October and set career highs with 10 catches for 136 yards and two scores against Ohio. He finished his college career with 83 catches for 1,159 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Minnesota Vikings (2018–2021)
Following a strong showing at the 2018 NFL Combine, where he ranked second among tight ends in the vertical jump, fourth in the broad jump, fifth in the three-cone drill, and ninth in the 40-yard dash, Conklin was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round (157th overall) of the 2018 NFL draft. He signed a four-year contract worth $2.741 million and made his NFL debut in the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers.
Conklin spent his first three NFL seasons in Minnesota primarily as a blocker and special teams contributor. In Week 15 of the 2020 season against the Chicago Bears, he recorded three catches for 57 yards and his first career receiving touchdown. He continued developing his role within the Vikings offense through the 2021 season before becoming a free agent.
New York Jets (2022–2024)
On March 18, 2022, Conklin signed a three-year, $21 million contract with the New York Jets. With the Jets, he became a more featured piece of the passing attack, lining up across multiple positions within offensive formations.
During his time in New York, Conklin established himself as a dependable chain-mover and reliable target for his quarterbacks. His three-year stint with the Jets came to an end after the 2024 season, and he once again entered free agency.
Los Angeles Chargers Era (2025–Present)
On March 21, 2025, Conklin signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers. The move brought him to an offense known for utilizing tight ends in varied roles.
With the Chargers, Conklin is expected to serve as a complementary tight end who can stretch the middle of the field and contribute as a blocker in the run game. His familiarity with multiple schemes should help him fit quickly into the team’s plans.
Driving Style and Strengths
Conklin is recognized for his athleticism, reliable hands, and willingness as a blocker. He has shown the ability to align in-line, in the slot, and out wide, and his combination of size and movement skills allows him to win against both linebackers and safeties.
Notable Events and Milestones
Conklin earned Third-team All-MAC honors in 2017 at Central Michigan. At the 2018 Senior Bowl, he caught a 16-yard over-the-shoulder touchdown pass from Josh Allen. He also scored his first career NFL receiving touchdown against the Chicago Bears in 2020.
Tyler Conklin Career Wins
Tyler Conklin has notched consistent production across his NFL career as a tight end. While he has not been recognized as a top individual award winner, his value as a reliable target and blocker has been a steady contribution for each team he has joined.
League Highlights
Conklin’s career milestones include his first NFL touchdown against the Chicago Bears in 2020 and a productive three-year run with the New York Jets that resulted in a lucrative free-agent contract with the Chargers. He has appeared in regular-season games every year since 2018 and has continued to expand his role as a pass catcher.
Tyler Conklin Family
Personal Life
Public details about Tyler Conklin’s personal life remain limited. He graduated from Central Michigan University with a major in communications and continues to live in the United States while pursuing his NFL career.
2025 Season Performance
In the 2025 season, Tyler Conklin joined the Los Angeles Chargers on a one-year, $3 million contract. The move placed him in an offense that has historically valued athletic tight ends.
Conklin’s role with the Chargers is expected to be that of a complementary tight end who can contribute in both the passing game and as a run blocker. His experience across multiple schemes gives the coaching staff flexibility in how he is deployed.
Looking ahead, Conklin is positioned to be a steady contributor for the Chargers as they evaluate the tight end position. His contract runs through the end of the 2025 season, after which he is scheduled to become a free agent again.