Zack Kuntz Bio
Zackary Patrick Kuntz (born June 4, 1999) is an American professional football tight end for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 8 inches tall, he is one of the tallest players at his position and is known for his pass-catching ability in the red zone. Kuntz played college football at Penn State before transferring to Old Dominion, where he earned first-team All-Conference USA honors.
Selected by the New York Jets in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL draft, Kuntz has spent his early professional career moving between the active roster and the practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Jets in January 2025 as he works to establish himself as a regular contributor at the tight end position.
Early Life and Background
Zack Kuntz was born on June 4, 1999, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and grew up in nearby Camp Hill. He attended Camp Hill High School, where he was a multi-sport athlete in football, basketball, and track and field. His combination of height, athleticism, and coordination made him a standout prospect from an early age.
As a sophomore at Camp Hill High School, Kuntz recorded 49 receptions for 793 yards and 11 touchdowns, immediately drawing attention from college recruiters. During his senior season, he caught 40 passes for 1,060 yards and nine touchdowns, cementing his reputation as one of the top tight end prospects in Pennsylvania. He also competed in track and field, winning the Pennsylvania Class AA Championship in the 110-meter hurdles as a junior.
Kuntz was rated a four-star recruit coming out of high school and received scholarship offers from major programs including Alabama, Michigan, and Ohio State. He ultimately chose to continue his football career at Penn State, a decision that launched his collegiate journey at one of the most competitive programs in the Big Ten Conference.
Path to American Football
Kuntz enrolled at Penn State in January 2018, joining the Nittany Lions early to participate in spring practices. As a true freshman, he appeared in one game and recorded a single reception for eight yards before redshirting the remainder of the season to preserve a year of eligibility.
During his redshirt freshman year, Kuntz played in all 13 of Penn State’s games, primarily contributing on special teams. On offense, he finished the season with two receptions for 18 yards, a modest statistical line that reflected his developmental role within a deep Nittany Lions roster.
After his redshirt sophomore season, Kuntz decided to transfer to Old Dominion to find a larger role in the passing game. The move proved transformative, as he immediately became a featured target in the Monarchs offense and earned recognition as one of the top tight ends in Conference USA.
Zack Kuntz Career
Early Career (2021)
In his first season with the Old Dominion Monarchs, Kuntz emerged as one of the most productive tight ends in Conference USA. He finished the year with 73 receptions for 692 yards and five touchdowns, numbers that placed him among the national leaders at his position. His performance earned him first-team All-Conference USA honors, validating his decision to leave Penn State.
The breakout campaign at Old Dominion established Kuntz as a legitimate NFL prospect. Scouts noted his rare frame, reliable hands, and ability to line up across the formation, traits that made him an intriguing late-round target heading into the 2023 draft cycle.
New York Jets Era (2023–Present)
The New York Jets selected Zack Kuntz in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL draft, bringing him into an organization looking to add depth and upside at the tight end position. He was waived on August 29, 2023, as part of final roster cuts but was quickly re-signed to the Jets practice squad to continue his development.
On December 27, 2023, Kuntz was promoted to the active roster, giving him his first opportunity to contribute on game day. He spent the remainder of the 2023 season with the Jets, gaining valuable experience within the organization’s offensive system.
In 2024, Kuntz continued to bounce between the practice squad and the active roster. He was waived on August 27, 2024, and re-signed to the practice squad the same day before being waived again on August 24, 2025. On January 6, 2025, he signed a reserve/future contract with New York, securing his place with the franchise beyond the current league year.
Driving Style and Strengths
Kuntz’s primary strengths are his exceptional size, catch radius, and ability to high-point the football. At 6 feet 8 inches and 251 pounds, he presents a significant mismatch for linebackers and smaller defensive backs in coverage. His track and field background shows up in his explosiveness off the line and in contested-catch situations.
Notable Events and Milestones
Kuntz’s most notable milestone to date is his selection by the New York Jets in the 2023 NFL draft after earning first-team All-Conference USA recognition at Old Dominion. He has also experienced the typical journeyman path of a late-round tight end, navigating multiple transitions between the active roster and the practice squad while continuing to develop his game.
Zack Kuntz Career Wins
As a young tight end still establishing himself in the NFL, Zack Kuntz has not yet recorded verified statistical milestones at the professional level. His on-field resume is currently built on his college production at Old Dominion, where his 73-reception season ranks among the most productive single years by a tight end in program history. Continued development in 2025 could position him for expanded responsibilities within the Jets offense.
Zack Kuntz Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Zack Kuntz’s parents and extended family has not been widely reported. He grew up in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, a small borough near Harrisburg, where his family supported his multi-sport athletic development from a young age. Specific details about siblings, parents, or family members involved in athletics are not publicly documented.
Personal Life
Kuntz is not publicly known to be married and does not have any publicly reported children. He resides in the New York metropolitan area during the NFL season as a member of the Jets organization. His social media presence reflects his focus on football training and his Pennsylvania roots.
2025 Season Performance
Zack Kuntz entered the 2025 offseason with his future tied to the New York Jets after signing a reserve/future contract on January 6, 2025. The deal gave him an opportunity to compete for a spot on the 53-man roster during training camp and the preseason, with the Jets continuing to value his upside as a pass-catching tight end.
On August 24, 2025, Kuntz was waived by the Jets as part of roster moves, but his earlier reserve/future deal underscored the organization’s interest in retaining him within the system. His role within the tight end room remained developmental, with the team focused on refining his route running, blocking, and consistency as a receiver.
Heading into the regular season, Kuntz’s outlook depends on his ability to carve out a niche on special teams and as a situational pass catcher. His combination of size and athletic traits continues to make him an intriguing project for the Jets coaching staff, and a strong showing in practice could open the door to additional game-day opportunities throughout the year.