Tanner Conner Bio
Tanner Conner is an American professional football tight end for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Idaho State Bengals from 2016 to 2021. Conner went undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft but signed with the Miami Dolphins as a free agent and ultimately earned a spot on their 53-man roster. After three seasons with Miami, he joined the New York Giants organization in December 2025.
Early Life and Background
Tanner Conner was born on March 20, 1998, in Kent, Washington. He attended Kentridge High School in Kent, where he excelled in multiple sports. Conner played basketball and football while also competing as a hurdler on the track team. As a senior at Kentridge, he demonstrated his athletic versatility by winning the state championship in the 300-meter hurdles.
Conner was not originally recruited to play college football. He initially committed to Idaho State University to run track before receiving an offer to also join the football program. This dual-sport commitment would define his collegiate career and contribute to his development as an athlete.
Path to the NFL
Conner redshirted his freshman football season at Idaho State while continuing to compete in track and field. He emerged as a significant contributor during his redshirt sophomore year, recording 47 receptions for 792 yards and eight touchdowns. His performance earned him honorable mention All-Big Sky Conference honors. During his redshirt junior season, he caught 34 passes for 685 yards and three touchdowns, earning first-team All-Big Sky recognition.
Entering his redshirt senior season, Conner was recognized as the 12th-most athletic player in college football on sportswriter Bruce Feldman’s annual “Freaks List.” He finished that season with 42 receptions for 735 yards and four touchdowns, earning second-team All-Big Sky honors. Beyond football, Conner was a multi-event competitor on Idaho State’s track and field team. Outdoors, he competed in the 110-meter hurdles, 100 meters, and the 4×100-meter relay. Indoors, he ran the 60-meter hurdles and 60 meters.
Tanner Conner Career
College Football at Idaho State (2016–2021)
Conner developed steadily over his five seasons with the Idaho State Bengals. His journey began as a track athlete who received an unexpected opportunity to play football, and he transformed into one of the most athletic tight ends in the Big Sky Conference. His combination of size, speed, and catching ability made him a matchup problem for opposing defenses.
Following his redshirt senior season, Conner was invited to play in the 2022 East–West Shrine Bowl, a premier all-star game featuring top NFL draft prospects. His performance in that showcase helped solidify his standing as a potential professional player despite not being selected in the draft.
Miami Dolphins (2022–2025)
Conner was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent on April 30, 2022, shortly after the conclusion of the 2022 NFL Draft. Despite entering the league without draft status, he made the Dolphins’ initial 53-man roster out of training camp—a significant achievement that demonstrated his readiness for professional competition.
On August 29, 2023, Conner was waived by the Dolphins and re-signed to the practice squad. He ultimately signed a reserve/future contract with Miami on January 15, 2024, securing his place on the roster for the following season. Throughout his time with Miami, Conner appeared in 12 career games, recording 12 receptions for 107 receiving yards.
On November 6, 2025, Conner was waived by the Dolphins and re-signed to the practice squad. He was released on December 17, 2025, concluding his tenure with the organization that gave him his first NFL opportunity.
New York Giants (2025–Present)
On December 18, 2025, Conner was signed to the New York Giants’ practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract with New York on January 5, 2026, officially joining the Giants for the 2026 season. This move represented a fresh start with a new organization and an opportunity to continue his NFL career with the Giants.
Playing Style and Strengths
Conner brings a unique athletic profile to the tight end position. Listed at 6 feet 3 inches and 232 pounds, he combines good size with the speed and explosiveness developed through his track and field background. His experience as a multi-sport athlete at Kentridge High School and Idaho State translated into sure hands, crisp route-running, and the ability to create mismatches against both linebackers and defensive backs. His background in hurdles suggests lower-body explosiveness and body control that serve him well in contested-catch situations.
Notable Events and Milestones
Conner’s most significant career milestone remains earning a roster spot with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2022. Making an NFL roster requires exceptional preparation and performance, and Conner’s ability to do so despite not being drafted highlighted his work ethic and determination. His career statistics of 12 receptions for 107 yards across 12 games represent meaningful contribution as a depth player in a professional offense.
Tanner Conner Career Statistics
Through his first four NFL seasons, Conner appeared in 12 games with the Miami Dolphins, establishing himself as a reliable depth option at tight end. He totaled 12 receptions for 107 receiving yards during his time with Miami.
NFL Regular Season Statistics
Conner’s NFL career began with limited opportunities as an undrafted rookie finding his footing in a professional offense. His 12 receptions over 12 games showed consistency in his availability and occasional contributions in the passing game.
College Achievements
Conner finished his Idaho State career with three All-Big Sky Conference honors across four seasons of meaningful play. His most productive season came as a redshirt sophomore with 47 receptions for 792 yards and eight touchdowns, while his first-team All-Big Sky selection as a redshirt junior came on just 34 receptions—indicating his big-play ability with an average of over 20 yards per catch that season.
| Competition Level | Games Played | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Regular Season | 12 | 12 | 107 | 0 |
Family
Family Background
Conner comes from an athletic family with football tradition. His father, Andy Conner, played college football at the University of Oregon. This family legacy in football provided Tanner with an early appreciation for the sport and likely contributed to his development as an athlete. Growing up in Kent, Washington, Conner had access to strong athletic programs that helped him develop his multi-sport capabilities.
Personal Life
Conner continues to maintain a connection to his track and field roots, using the speed and explosiveness he developed in hurdles to enhance his football performance. His journey from a track athlete who unexpectedly received a football opportunity to an NFL player demonstrates his adaptability and willingness to pursue unconventional paths to success. He remains active in his career as a professional athlete with the New York Giants organization.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season represented a transitional year for Conner. He began the season with the Miami Dolphins but was waived in November and re-signed to the practice squad before being released in December. This series of roster moves reflected the challenging nature of maintaining a roster spot as a depth player in the NFL.
Conner’s signing to the New York Giants’ practice squad on December 18, 2025, provided an opportunity for a fresh start with a new organization. His subsequent signing of a reserve/future contract on January 5, 2026, secured his place with the Giants heading into the 2026 offseason. With a new team and new coaching staff, Conner will have the opportunity to demonstrate his abilities and compete for a more prominent role in the Giants’ offense during the 2026 season.