Oronde Gadsden wasn't even a tight end when he arrived at Syracuse University.
Now, he's a record-setting rookie tight end for the Los Angeles Chargers.
Gadsden was a wide receiver when he showed up at SU. Shoot, he was pretty much a wide receiver in his last year with the Orange, even though he was huge and listed as a tight end.
He's just so athletic, and moves so well, that it sells Gadsden a little short to call him a tight end.
But that's his official position, and in Week 7 of the 2025 season, Gadsden had seven catches for 164 yards. It was the most receiving yards in a game by a rookie tight end since 2000, and it broke Antonio Gates' rookie record for a Chargers TE in receiving.
Not bad for a guy that lasted longer than Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft.
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When was Oronde Gadsden drafted?
Oronde Gadsden went with the No. 165 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
That's in the fifth round, and 21 spots behind Shedeur Sanders, for those who kept score of proceedings like that.
The Chargers made a small trade up with the Philadelphia Eagles to get to 165 and snag Gadsden.
It looks like a brilliant move so far. Any concerns about Gadsden's ability translating to the NFL have already been pushed aside.
Oronde Gadsden's dad
Technically, this Chargers tight end is Oronde Gadsden II.
His father of the same name played in the NFL. The original Oronde Gadsden was a wide receiver who made 227 career catches and won a Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys.
His son certainly wouldn't mind matching the ring part of that resume.
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