Oronde Gadsden II is a Chargers tight end whose record-setting rookie year made him one of 2025's breakout pass catchers.
Oronde Gadsden II arrived in Los Angeles as a fifth-round flier and quickly became one of the most productive rookie tight ends in the NFL. The former Syracuse standout, son of ex-Dolphins receiver Oronde Gadsden, made an immediate impact in the Chargers' passing game. His size and receiving polish drew comparisons to a wideout playing tight end.
Path to the league
Gadsden played college football for the Syracuse Orange, where he set a school single-season record with 73 receptions for 934 yards and seven touchdowns as a redshirt junior in 2024. The Los Angeles Chargers selected him in the fifth round, 165th overall, of the 2025 NFL Draft. He earned a roster role and steady targets as a rookie.
Career highlights
In a 2025 game against the Indianapolis Colts, Gadsden caught seven passes for 164 yards and a touchdown, breaking the Chargers' single-game receiving yards record for a rookie tight end. That mark surpassed Hall of Famer Antonio Gates' 117-yard day from 2003, per the Daily Orange. He was also named NFL Rookie of the Week in Week 8.
2025 season
Gadsden finished his rookie season with 49 receptions for 664 yards and three touchdowns. He emerged as a reliable target for the Chargers' offense and one of the more productive first-year tight ends in the league.
Sources
- Daily Orange: Keeping up with Oronde Gadsden II's historic NFL rookie season
- ESPN: Oronde Gadsden II player page
Statistics
2025 season and career2025 Season · Receiving
15 games played▶Receiving · career
| Year | Team | GP | REC | YDS | AVG | TD | LNG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | chargers | 15 | 49 | 664 | 13.6 | 3 | 53 |
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Tight End
- Group
- offense
- College
- Syracuse
- Hometown
- Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
- Age
- 23
- Status
- active
