The rare tight end who rewrote the record books with 114 receptions
In short: In an era of specialized roles, one player redefined the limits of the tight end position. From a first-round draft pick to a historic single-season performance, Evan Engram’s career is a study in explosive athleticism and unprecedented volume.
Evan Engram entered the NFL in 2017 as a highly touted prospect. After a standout collegiate career at Ole Miss, where he earned first-team All-American honors in 2016 and won the Conerly Trophy, he was selected 23rd overall by the New York Giants. His physical profile was immediately notable, highlighted by a remarkably fast 4.42-second 40-yard dash.
His rookie season in New York was prolific, as he recorded 64 receptions for 722 yards and six touchdowns, earning a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team. However, his tenure with the Giants was marked by both highs and lows. While he achieved significant milestones, such as a 113-yard, 75-yard touchdown performance against the Buccaneers, he also faced criticism for 11 drops during a Pro Bowl season that led to several costly turnovers.
The most significant chapter of Engram's career arrived in Jacksonville. After signing a massive three-year, $41.25 million contract in 2023, he achieved something nearly unprecedented in the Super Bowl era. In a single season, he recorded 114 receptions for 963 yards and four touchdowns, making him only the eighth tight end in NFL history to surpass 100 receptions in one season.
Despite the historic production, his time in Jacksonville ended following a season-ending torn labrum in late 2024. In March 2025, the Jaguars released him, leading to a move to the Denver Broncos. There, he made history by choosing to wear the number 1, the first tight end to do so since the NFL numbering rules changed prior to the 1973 season.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Evan Engram
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