CO #85

Chig Okonkwo

Tight End · Maryland

A fourth-round pick who overcame a COVID-related heart condition at Maryland, Chig Okonkwo developed into one of Tennessee's most reliable pass-catching tight ends.

Chig Okonkwo built his NFL career around explosive, run-after-catch ability at tight end, growing from an All-Rookie honoree into a consistent 50-plus-catch producer for four straight seasons. His combination of athleticism and toughness, forged after missing a season to myocarditis in college, has made him a steady weapon in the passing game.

★ PFWA All-Rookie Team, 2022

★ 50-plus receptions in four straight seasons (2022-2025)

★ Career-high 56 catches for 560 yards in 2025

Path to the league

Okonkwo played for Maryland from 2018 to 2021, missing the 2020 season due to myocarditis stemming from COVID-19. As a senior in 2021 he started all 13 games and posted career highs of 52 catches for 447 yards and a team-leading five touchdowns. Tennessee drafted him in the fourth round, 143rd overall, in 2022.

Career highlights

Okonkwo earned Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie honors in 2022 after catching 32 passes for 450 yards and three touchdowns. He caught at least 50 passes in each season from 2023 through 2025, establishing himself as a core part of the Titans' passing offense with eight career touchdown catches through his fourth season.

2025 season recap

Okonkwo posted career highs across the board in 2025, hauling in 56 receptions for 560 yards and two touchdowns on 79 targets over 17 games for Tennessee, cementing his status as one of the more productive tight ends in that offense.