Nate T. Adkins is an American professional football tight end for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the East Tennessee State Buccaneers and South Carolina Gamecocks before signing with the Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2023. Adkins made Denver’s final roster as a rookie and has developed into a reliable offensive weapon for the franchise.
Nate T. Adkins Bio
Nate T. Adkins was born on July 9, 1999, in Knoxville, Tennessee. He is the son of Greg Adkins, who worked as a football coach. Adkins attended Bearden High School in Knoxville, where he played both football and baseball. In football, he lined up primarily as an offensive tackle and recorded 76 tackles and six sacks during his senior season. His athletic versatility was evident on the baseball diamond as well, where he served as the third baseman and posted a career batting average of .354. After graduating from Bearden High School, Adkins committed to play college football at East Tennessee State University.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Knoxville, Nate T. Adkins was immersed in football through his father’s coaching career. This early exposure shaped his understanding of the game and his development as a player. His time at Bearden High School showcased his dual-sport talent, excelling on the gridiron and the baseball field simultaneously. The decision to focus on football at the collegiate level came after a successful high school career that demonstrated his physical tools and football intelligence.
Path to American Football
Adkins enrolled at East Tennessee State University in 2018, initially playing offensive tackle. However, the coaching staff made a strategic position change, transitioning him to tight end despite Adkins having no prior experience at the position. This move proved transformative for his career trajectory. After serving as a backup during his true freshman season in 2018, Adkins earned a starting role in 2019 and immediately made an impact, earning first-team all-conference honors. He repeated this achievement during the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, catching 10 passes for 101 yards while starting four of six games.
During his final season at East Tennessee State in 2021, Adkins recorded 33 receptions for 357 yards and was named second-team all-conference. Across his four seasons with the Buccaneers, he accumulated 73 catches for 749 yards and four touchdowns. Following the 2021 season, Adkins entered the transfer portal and joined the South Carolina Gamecocks for his final year of college eligibility.
Nate T. Adkins Career
College Career at South Carolina (2022)
Adkins played one season with the South Carolina Gamecocks in 2022. He appeared in all 13 games, earning nine starts, and caught 13 passes for 168 yards. This transition to the Southeastern Conference represented a significant step up in competition, and Adkins demonstrated his ability to contribute at the highest level of college football. His experience playing meaningful snaps against elite conference opponents would serve him well in his professional career.
Professional Career (2023–Present)
Despite generating interest from multiple NFL teams, Nate T. Adkins went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft. He quickly signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent, joining the organization that saw potential in his versatile skill set. Adkins impressed coaches during training camp and the preseason, ultimately making Denver’s 53-man roster as a rookie. His ability to play both tight end and fullback made him a valuable asset in the Broncos’ offensive schemes.
During his second season with the team in 2024, Adkins scored his first professional touchdown in a 28–14 victory against the Carolina Panthers on October 27, 2024. This milestone marked his emergence as a reliable receiving target in the red zone. As of the 2025 season, Adkins has recorded 24 career receptions for 185 receiving yards and four touchdowns in NFL competition.
On March 8, 2026, the Broncos demonstrated their confidence in Adkins by signing him to a one-year contract extension. This deal reflected his consistent contributions to the team and his importance within the offensive unit. Adkins continues to serve as a versatile piece in Denver’s attack, capable of lining up at multiple positions along the offensive line and contributing as a receiver and blocker.
Playing Style and Strengths
Nate T. Adkins brings positional versatility to the Broncos offense, capable of playing both tight end and fullback at the professional level. His transition from offensive tackle to tight end during college demonstrates his adaptability and football intelligence. Adkins excels as a blocker in both the running and passing game, while also possessing reliable hands for catching passes. His experience playing multiple positions throughout his career makes him a valuable chess piece for offensive coordinators seeking matchup advantages.
Notable Events and Milestones
Adkins’ first professional touchdown against the Carolina Panthers on October 27, 2024, stands as a significant milestone in his young career. The achievement came in his second NFL season and validated the Broncos’ decision to invest in an undrafted free agent. His continued roster spot and eventual contract extension highlight his ability to exceed expectations and carve out a meaningful NFL career despite not being selected in the draft.
Nate T. Adkins Career Statistics
Across his collegiate and professional career, Nate T. Adkins has demonstrated consistent production at each level of competition. His transition from East Tennessee State to the SEC with South Carolina, and subsequently to the NFL with Denver, showcases his ability to adapt and succeed against increasingly difficult competition.
College Statistics Highlights
During his time at East Tennessee State from 2018 to 2021, Adkins recorded 73 receptions for 749 yards and four touchdowns. His back-to-back first-team All-SoCon selections in 2019 and 2020 established him as one of the top tight ends in the Southern Conference. At South Carolina in 2022, he added 13 receptions for 168 yards while competing in the Southeastern Conference against some of the nation’s top defensive talent.
Professional Statistics
Through the 2025 NFL season, Adkins has appeared in multiple games for the Broncos, accumulating 24 receptions for 185 receiving yards and four touchdowns. His four touchdowns indicate efficiency in the red zone, where his size and catching ability make him a trusted target near the end zone.
| Competition Level | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Tennessee State (2018–2021) | 73 | 749 | 4 |
| South Carolina (2022) | 13 | 168 | 0 |
| NFL (2023–2025) | 24 | 185 | 4 |
Nate T. Adkins Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Nate T. Adkins is the son of Greg Adkins, who worked as a football coach during his son’s formative years. Growing up with a father in the coaching profession provided Adkins with unique insights into the sport from an early age. This football-centric household helped nurture his passion for the game and contributed to his technical understanding of the sport.
Personal Life
Adkins continues to pursue his professional football career with the Denver Broncos. Information regarding his marital status, spouse, or children has not been made publicly available. He remains focused on his development as a professional athlete while maintaining connections to his Tennessee roots.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season marks Nate T. Adkins’ third year with the Denver Broncos organization. Coming off his first professional touchdown in 2024, Adkins entered the season with increased confidence and a larger role in the offensive playbook. The Broncos coaching staff has continued to utilize his versatility, deploying him at multiple positions to create mismatches against opposing defenses. His blocking ability remains a core component of his value to the team, while his receiving skills continue to develop with each season. The one-year extension signed in March 2026 demonstrates the organization’s belief in his long-term potential and his fit within the franchise’s plans moving forward.