Nick Vannett

Nick Vannett Bio

Nicholas Vannett (born March 6, 1993) is an American professional football tight end for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes and was a member of the Buckeyes team that won the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship. Vannett was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft with the 94th overall pick. He has played for a record nine NFL teams during his career, the most in league history for a tight end. His career has been defined by versatility, reliable hands, and strong blocking ability at the tight end position.

Early Life and Background

Nick Vannett was born on March 6, 1993, in Westerville, Ohio, United States. He attended Westerville Central High School, where he graduated in 2011. During his senior season with the Warhawks football team, Vannett recorded 47 receptions for 606 yards and eight touchdowns. His outstanding performance earned him all-metro, all-OCC, and all-district selections. Beyond football, Vannett also played baseball during his youth, though he did not pursue the sport at the collegiate level.

Vannett demonstrated his athletic potential early, establishing himself as one of the top high school prospects in Ohio. His combination of size, soft hands, and physicality made him an attractive college target. He selected Ohio State over several other Division I programs, committing to the Buckeyes on June 30, 2010, and officially signing his letter of intent on February 2, 2011.

Path to the NFL

Vannett redshirted his freshman season at Ohio State in 2011 before playing in the subsequent four seasons. He appeared in 53 games for the Buckeyes, recording 55 receptions for 585 yards and six touchdowns. His consistent production and blocking ability made him a valuable two-way tight end in Ohio State’s offense.

His most significant collegiate moment came during the 2015 season when Ohio State competed for the College Football Playoff National Championship. Vannett played a key role in the Buckeyes’ run to their first national title since 2002. In the championship game against the Oregon Ducks, he caught a one-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter, helping the Buckeyes build a 14-7 lead en route to a 42-20 victory. Prior to his senior season, NFL draft analyst Todd McShay ranked Vannett as the best tight end prospect in the country.

To prepare for the NFL, Vannett accepted an invitation to the 2016 Senior Bowl, where he impressed scouts with his blocking skills and receiving ability. A back injury prevented him from completing all drills at the NFL Combine, but he performed well at Ohio State’s Pro Day on March 11, 2016. NFL draft experts projected him as a third or fourth round selection, with Sports Illustrated ranking him as the second-best tight end prospect and NFL analyst Mike Mayock ranking him fourth among tight ends in the draft class.

Nick Vannett Career

Seattle Seahawks Era (2016-2019)

On April 29, 2016, the Seattle Seahawks selected Nick Vannett in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft with the 94th overall pick. Head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider stated they originally envisioned Vannett as a traditional Y tight end focused primarily on blocking. He signed a four-year, $3.05 million contract on May 6, 2016, that included a $656,880 signing bonus. Vannett entered training camp competing against Luke Willson, Cooper Helfet, and others for the second tight end position. Carroll named him the third tight end on the depth chart to begin the regular season behind veterans Jimmy Graham and Luke Willson.

During the Seahawks’ second preseason game against the Vikings, Vannett suffered a high ankle sprain that caused him to miss the final two preseason games and the first four regular season games. He made his professional debut on October 16, 2016, during a 26-24 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, playing three offensive snaps and two on special teams. After Luke Willson sustained a knee injury requiring surgery, Vannett moved up the depth chart. He recorded his first career reception during a 25-20 loss to the New Orleans Saints, catching a seven-yard pass from Russell Wilson. His first career start came in a Week 10 victory over the New England Patriots. Vannett completed his rookie season with three receptions for 32 yards in nine games with two starts.

The 2017 season saw Vannett emerge as a more complete tight end. He recorded his first career touchdown on November 26, 2017, catching a 27-yard pass from Russell Wilson in a 24-13 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. He finished the season with 12 receptions for 124 yards and one touchdown. In 2018, Vannett set career highs with 29 receptions for 269 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games with nine starts.

Pittsburgh Steelers (2019)

On September 24, 2019, the Pittsburgh Steelers acquired Vannett in a trade for a 2020 fifth-round draft pick. He appeared in 16 games with seven starts for the Steelers, finishing the 2019 season with 17 receptions for 166 yards. The trade provided Vannett an opportunity to play alongside quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and contribute to an offense featuring JuJu Smith-Schuster and James Conner.

Denver Broncos (2020)

On April 2, 2020, Vannett signed a two-year, $5.7 million contract with the Denver Broncos. He served as a reliable target in the Broncos’ offense, recording 14 receptions for 95 yards and one touchdown in 15 games with 11 starts during the 2020 season. The Broncos released Vannett on March 23, 2021.

New Orleans Saints (2021-2022)

Vannett signed a three-year contract with the New Orleans Saints on March 29, 2021. He was placed on injured reserve before the season began and was activated on November 11. He appeared in seven games with two starts, recording nine receptions for 133 yards and a touchdown. The Saints released Vannett on November 19, 2022.

New York Giants (2022)

On November 22, 2022, the New York Giants signed Vannett to their practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster on December 3, providing depth at tight end for the Giants’ offense during their playoff push.

Houston Texans and Los Angeles Chargers (2023)

Vannett signed with the Houston Texans on August 2, 2023, but was released before the regular season. He joined the Los Angeles Chargers practice squad on August 31, 2023, and was promoted to the active roster on November 1. He played eight games during the 2023 season, contributing as a blocking tight end and occasional receiving target.

Tennessee Titans (2024)

On May 13, 2024, Vannett signed with the Tennessee Titans, reuniting him with quarterback Mason Rudolph, who had been his teammate with the Steelers in 2019. He played all 17 games with 10 starts during the 2024 season, finishing with 17 receptions for 135 yards and a career-high three touchdowns. His performance demonstrated his continued reliability as both a blocker and receiver in the NFL.

Minnesota Vikings (2025)

Vannett signed with the Minnesota Vikings on August 4, 2025. He was released during final roster cuts on August 26 and signed to the practice squad the following day. The Vikings promoted him to the active roster on September 11. He was released on October 6 and re-signed to the practice squad three days later, continuing his journeyman career in the NFL.

Los Angeles Rams (2025-Present)

On November 26, 2025, the Los Angeles Rams signed Vannett to their active roster off of the Vikings’ practice squad. He played in six regular season games and one playoff game as the Rams advanced to the NFC Championship Game. His addition provided valuable depth at tight end during the Rams’ playoff run, and his experience in multiple offensive systems made him a valuable asset for the team’s postseason push.

Tight End Skills and Strengths

Vannett has built his NFL career on versatility and reliability. His 6-foot-6 frame and strong hands make him a reliable target for contested catches and red zone situations. Originally drafted as a blocking-focused tight end, he has developed into a complete player capable of contributing both as a receiver and inline blocker. His experience across nine NFL franchises demonstrates his ability to adapt quickly to different offensive systems and team cultures.

Notable Career Milestones

Throughout his career, Vannett has been known for consistency and durability. His touchdown reception in the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship game remains one of his most memorable moments. The 2024 season saw him set a career high with three touchdowns, proving his continued effectiveness as a receiving threat. His longevity in the NFL, spanning nine teams, is unprecedented for a tight end and speaks to his value as a dependable player who can contribute immediately when called upon.

Nick Vannett Career Statistics

Across his NFL career spanning nine teams, Vannett has established himself as a reliable NFL player with consistent production. His career totals reflect his contributions as both a receiver and blocker at the tight end position.

Career Highlights

Vannett’s most productive seasons came with the Seattle Seahawks, where he developed into a consistent contributor. His 2018 season with Seattle marked his career best with 29 receptions for 269 yards and three touchdowns. The 2024 season with Tennessee saw him match his career high of three touchdowns while appearing in all 17 games. His ability to find the end zone despite moving between teams demonstrates his reliability as a scoring threat.

NFL Career Totals

Through the 2025 season, Vannett has recorded 108 career receptions for 1,012 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. His receiving yardage total represents solid production for a player whose value extends beyond statistics to his blocking ability and locker room presence. His nine touchdowns reflect his consistent ability to contribute in scoring situations throughout his career.

Nick Vannett Family

Family Background and Racing Lineage

Specific details about Vannett’s family background, including information about his parents, siblings, or extended family, are not widely available in public sources. He has maintained a relatively private personal life throughout his NFL career, focusing on his professional obligations and football performance.

Personal Life

Vannett graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in sports industry. His collegiate experience at Ohio State, including his role on the 2015 national championship team, has remained a significant part of his identity throughout his professional career. He continues to maintain connections with the Ohio State football program and draws upon his experiences there as foundation for his professional success.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season marked another chapter in Vannett’s journeyman NFL career. After beginning the year with the Minnesota Vikings, where he spent time on both the active roster and practice squad, he joined the Los Angeles Rams in late November. His addition proved timely as the Rams made a playoff push that culminated in an appearance in the NFC Championship Game.

Vannett appeared in six regular season games with the Rams and contributed in their playoff victory. His experience in multiple offensive systems and familiarity with various quarterback styles made him a valuable depth piece for the Rams during their championship run. The Rams’ decision to sign him mid-season reflected their confidence in his ability to contribute immediately.

Throughout his career, Vannett has demonstrated an remarkable ability to adapt to new teams and systems. His 2025 season with the Rams exemplifies this trait, as he stepped into a new offense during the most critical stretch of the year and helped the team advance to the conference championship. His professionalism, work ethic, and versatility continue to make him a valuable asset in the NFL, where his record nine-team career stands as a testament to his durability and dependability.