Tip Reiman Jr. Bio
Tip Reiman Jr. is an American professional football tight end who currently plays for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. Born on September 17, 2001, in Rapid City, South Dakota, Reiman developed into a reliable NFL player after walking on to the University of Illinois football program. The Cardinals selected him in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the 82nd overall pick. Reiman has built his reputation as a strong blocker while contributing as a receiver in his early professional career.
Early Life and Background
Reiman grew up in Rapid City, South Dakota, where he attended St. Thomas More High School before transferring as a junior to O’Gorman Catholic High School in Sioux Falls. At O’Gorman, he played football as a tight end and saw action at several positions on the field. His senior year proved memorable as he helped lead the school to a state championship victory. Beyond football, Reiman also participated in track and field during his high school years, showcasing his athletic versatility.
Despite receiving scholarship offers from the South Dakota Coyotes and South Dakota State Jackrabbits, Reiman chose a different path. He decided to walk on to play for the Illinois Fighting Illini, betting on himself to earn a roster spot and prove his worth through hard work rather than accepting an immediate scholarship elsewhere.
Path to American Football
Reiman arrived at the University of Illinois as a preferred walk-on in 2020. He made an immediate impact on special teams, playing in all eight games as a true freshman during the pandemic-shortened season. His dedication and performance paid off when he received a scholarship from the school in 2021, validating his decision to pursue the harder path.
His role expanded significantly over the following two seasons. In 2022, he became a full-time starter, recording 19 receptions for 174 yards and one touchdown across 13 games. He returned for his senior season in 2023 and was named team captain, demonstrating the leadership qualities that coaches valued. That year, he caught 19 passes for 203 yards and three scores while starting all 12 games. Reiman also excelled academically, earning Academic All-Big Ten Conference honors each year from 2021 through 2023.
Tip Reiman Jr. Career
Illinois Fighting Illini (2020–2023)
Reiman’s four-year career at Illinois showed consistent growth both on and off the field. After spending his freshman year primarily on special teams, he transitioned into a receiving role while maintaining his blocking responsibilities. His progression from walk-on to scholarship player to team captain exemplified his work ethic and football IQ.
His most productive statistical season came in 2022 when he posted 19 receptions for 174 yards and his first collegiate touchdown. He followed that with another solid season in 2023, nearly matching his reception total while increasing his touchdown production to three scores. His ability to contribute in multiple facets made him a valuable asset in the Illinois offense.
Arizona Cardinals Breakthrough (2024 Season)
The Arizona Cardinals selected Reiman in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the 82nd overall pick, recognizing his potential as both a blocker and receiver at the professional level. He entered training camp battling for playing time behind established tight end Trey McBride and second-stringer Elijah Higgins.
Reiman made his NFL debut in Week 1 of the 2024 season against the Buffalo Bills, playing 31 total snaps with 20 on offense and 11 on special teams. He recorded his first professional reception in Week 5 against the San Francisco 49ers, a five-yard catch that helped the Cardinals secure a 24-23 upset victory.
Throughout his rookie campaign, Reiman proved valuable as a blocker in both pass protection and run support. He played 450 offensive snaps and 189 special teams snaps, seeing extensive usage in an inline role. He aligned as an inline blocker for 395 snaps while also contributing 20 snaps in the backfield, 23 in the slot, and 23 out wide. By season’s end, he had appeared in 17 games with nine starts, recording six receptions on seven targets for 37 yards.
Arizona Cardinals Era (2024–Present)
Heading into the 2025 season, Reiman earned the designation as the Cardinals’ number two tight end behind starter Trey McBride on the official depth chart. The coaching staff clearly valued his blocking ability and versatility in the offense, giving him increased responsibilities in the rotation.
Reiman opened the 2025 season with immediate involvement, playing 34 offensive snaps and recording one reception for 10 yards in the Week 1 victory against the New Orleans Saints. After missing the following game due to injury, he returned to action in Week 3 against the San Francisco 49ers, catching two passes for eight yards in a loss.
The 2025 season took an unfortunate turn when Reiman suffered an ankle injury during Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans. The injury proved serious enough that the Cardinals placed him on season-ending injured reserve on October 6, 2025, ending his campaign prematurely.
Driving Style and Strengths
Reiman has established himself as a versatile tight end whose blocking ability stands out as his primary strength. His size at 6 feet 5 inches and 271 pounds allows him to engage defenders effectively in both pass protection and run blocking situations. The Cardinals utilized him extensively in inline alignments, where his ability to seal edges and create running lanes proved valuable to the offense’s ground game.
Notable Events and Milestones
Reiman’s professional career highlights include his first NFL reception, which came during a dramatic 24-23 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in his rookie season. That moment represented the culmination of his journey from walk-on at Illinois to draft pick in the NFL. His selection as team captain during his senior year at Illinois also marked a significant achievement that demonstrated his leadership qualities and character.
Tip Reiman Jr. Career Wins
Through his first two professional seasons, Reiman has contributed to the Cardinals’ offense while building experience in the NFL. His career statistics include nine receptions for 55 receiving yards across regular-season games.
NFL Highlights
Reiman’s most notable professional performances came during his rookie season in 2024 when he appeared in 17 games with nine starts. His standout moment came in the Cardinals’ Week 5 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, where he recorded his first career reception during a crucial game-winning drive. The 2025 season saw him active early on before his injury, playing significant snaps in Weeks 1 and 3 before being placed on injured reserve.
College Achievements
At the collegiate level, Reiman’s career statistics included 41 receptions for 420 yards and four touchdowns across his four seasons at Illinois. His senior season as team captain in 2023 represented a personal highlight, combining leadership with solid receiving production. His performance helped contribute to an Illinois program that saw increased competitiveness during his tenure.
Tip Reiman Jr. Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Specific details about Reiman’s family background and lineage are not extensively documented in public sources. He grew up in Rapid City, South Dakota, before moving to Sioux Falls for high school, suggesting strong family ties to the region.
Personal Life
Reiman maintains a presence on social media under the handle @tipreiman on Instagram. He has been open about his faith-based upbringing, having attended Catholic schools throughout his education. Beyond football, he participated in track and field during high school, indicating athletic interests beyond his primary sport.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season began with promise for Reiman as he entered the year as the Cardinals’ second tight end. He showed early chemistry with the offense, recording three receptions through the first three weeks of the season. His ability to stay on the field for offensive snaps demonstrated the coaching staff’s trust in his abilities.
The season encountered setbacks when Reiman missed games due to injury, interrupting his momentum. His ankle injury suffered in Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans ultimately ended his season, as the Cardinals placed him on injured reserve in early October. The injury cut short what had been a more involved role in the offense compared to his rookie year.
Looking ahead, Reiman’s future with the Cardinals remains tied to his recovery from the season-ending injury. His blocking ability and special teams value give him a defined role when healthy. The Cardinals’ offensive scheme has featured multiple tight ends, suggesting continued opportunities for Reiman to contribute upon his return to full health.