Thomas Yassmin Bio
Thomas Yassmin is an Australian professional American football tight end who currently plays for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League. Born in Sydney, Australia, Yassmin transitioned from rugby to American football, playing college football for the Utah Utes before entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2024. His unique path from Australian rugby to Division I college football and eventually the NFL has made him a notable figure among international players in the league.
Early Life and Background
Thomas Yassmin was born on 21 October 1999 in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. He grew up playing rugby at Scots College in Sydney, where his athletic abilities quickly set him apart from his peers. During his time at Scots College, Yassmin was selected on the wing for the Australian Schoolboys rugby side, representing his country at the schoolboy level and showcasing his talent on the international stage.
Standing at 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 meters) and weighing 251 pounds (114 kilograms), Yassmin possessed the physical stature that would later serve him well in American football. His combination of size, speed, and athletic prowess made him an attractive prospect for college football programs in the United States.
Path to American Football
After completing his rugby career at Scots College, Yassmin made the significant decision to pursue American football in the United States. He chose to continue his athletic and academic career at the University of Utah, joining the Utah Utes football program. This transition required him to learn the intricacies of gridiron football, including mastering new techniques, plays, and terminology while adapting to a different style of play.
Yassmin’s journey represented a challenging but increasingly common pathway for Australian athletes seeking opportunities in the NFL. The International Player Pathway Program has helped facilitate such transitions, providing support and resources for international athletes looking to break into American football at the professional level.
Thomas Yassmin Career
College Career (2018–2023)
Thomas Yassmin joined the Utah Utes in 2018 but redshirted during his first season, using that year to develop his skills and learn the college football system. In the following two seasons (2019 and 2020), he appeared in 16 games, primarily contributing on special teams where he recorded two tackles. His role was primarily as a special teams player during these formative years.
During the 2021 season, Yassmin’s role in the offense began to expand. He recorded one reception for six yards that year. The 2022 season marked a breakthrough for Yassmin as he became a more significant contributor to Utah’s passing attack. In the regular-season finale against rival Colorado, he caught a 41-yard touchdown pass that helped secure the victory. He continued his strong play into the Pac-12 Championship Game, where he caught a 60-yard touchdown pass in a win over USC.
For the 2022 season overall, Yassmin hauled in 13 receptions for 301 yards and six touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to be a dynamic weapon in the red zone and down the field. However, the 2023 season was cut short when he suffered a season-ending injury in week seven. He finished the 2023 campaign with eight receptions for 89 yards and one touchdown before his injury.
Denver Broncos (2024)
Despite not being drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, Thomas Yassmin earned an opportunity with the Denver Broncos, who signed him as an undrafted free agent. His impressive college career and physical tools made him an attractive prospect for NFL teams looking to develop international talent. Two days after signing with the Broncos, Yassmin was selected in the second round (14th overall) in the 2024 CFL Global Draft by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He was assigned to the Broncos’ exempt/international roster spot as part of the International Player Pathway Program.
On 27 August 2024, Yassmin was waived by the Broncos during roster reductions but was re-signed to the practice squad the following day. He continued to develop within the Broncos organization throughout the remainder of the 2024 season, eventually signing a reserve/future contract with Denver on 13 January 2025.
Los Angeles Chargers (2025–Present)
On 12 May 2025, Yassmin was once again waived by the Broncos, creating an opportunity with another NFL team. Less than three months later, on 7 August 2025, he signed with the Los Angeles Chargers. However, his tenure with the Chargers’ initial roster was brief, as he was waived on 26 August as part of the team’s final roster cuts before the regular season.
Yassmin was re-signed to the Chargers’ practice squad the following day, where he continued to work on his craft and wait for another opportunity. His persistence paid off when he signed a reserve/futures contract with the Los Angeles Chargers on 13 January 2026, securing his place with the organization heading into the 2026 season.
Playing Style and Strengths
Thomas Yassmin brings a unique set of skills to the tight end position, forged from his rugby background. His experience as a wing in rugby developed his speed, agility, and ball-carrying abilities that translate well to the passing game. Standing 6 feet 5 inches with a 251-pound frame, he possesses the size to be a factor in the red zone and the speed to stretch the field. His background in rugby also provided him with tackle-breaking ability and spatial awareness that can be valuable after the catch.
Notable College Performances
Yassmin’s 2022 season remains the highlight of his collegiate career, particularly his two signature performances against rival Colorado and in the Pac-12 Championship against USC. The 41-yard touchdown reception against Colorado showcased his ability to make plays in crucial moments, while his 60-yard touchdown catch in the conference championship demonstrated his big-play potential against quality competition. His six touchdown receptions that season illustrated his value as a scoring threat.
Thomas Yassmin Career Highlights
Throughout his football career spanning college and professional levels, Thomas Yassmin has accumulated notable achievements that underscore his development as a player. His transition from rugby to American football represents a unique journey that few athletes attempt, let alone complete successfully.
Utah Utes Highlights
During his five seasons at Utah (2018–2023), Yassmin appeared in numerous games and developed into a reliable receiving option by his senior years. His most productive season came in 2022 when he recorded 13 receptions for 301 yards and six touchdowns. The highlight of his college career was his performance in the 2022 Pac-12 Championship Game, where his 60-yard touchdown reception helped secure Utah’s conference title victory over USC. He finished his collegiate career with 22 receptions for 396 yards and seven touchdowns despite his 2023 season being cut short by injury.
Professional Career
Yassmin’s professional career began with the Denver Broncos in 2024 as an undrafted free agent. Being selected in the 2024 CFL Global Draft by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the second round (14th overall) validated his draftable talent despite going undrafted in the NFL Draft. His ability to remain in the NFL system through practice squad assignments and futures contracts demonstrates his continued development and value to organizations.
Thomas Yassmin Family
Family Background and International Heritage
Thomas Yassmin was born and raised in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. His Australian nationality and background have played a significant role in shaping his athletic journey. Growing up in Australia provided him with the foundation in rugby that would later serve as the foundation for his American football career. The physical attributes and skills developed through rugby, including his size, speed, and competitive nature, have contributed to his success in transitioning to the NFL.
Personal Life
Yassmin’s decision to leave Australia and pursue American football at the University of Utah represented a significant life change, requiring him to adapt to a new country, culture, and sport simultaneously. His journey from Australian rugby to college football in Utah and eventually to the NFL exemplifies the growing trend of international athletes finding success in American football through dedication and adaptability.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a significant chapter in Thomas Yassmin’s professional career. After beginning the year with the Denver Broncos organization, he was waived in May before signing with the Los Angeles Chargers in August. Despite being waived during the Chargers’ final roster cuts, Yassmin’s re-signing to the practice squad demonstrated the organization’s continued interest in his development.
Throughout the 2025 season, Yassmin worked to refine his skills at the tight end position while adapting to the Chargers’ offensive schemes and terminology. The transition to a new team required him to build relationships with new coaches, quarterbacks, and teammates while continuing to prove his value as a practice squad player.
Looking ahead, Yassmin’s signing of a reserve/futures contract with the Los Angeles Chargers in January 2026 secured his place with the organization for the upcoming season. His journey from undrafted free agent to securing a futures contract reflects his resilience and continued commitment to earning a spot on an NFL roster. As he enters the 2026 season, Yassmin aims to transition from the practice squad to the active roster and contribute to the Chargers’ success at the professional level.