Brenden Bates

Brenden Bates Bio

Brenden Bates is an American professional football tight end for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Kentucky Wildcats from 2018 to 2023 and entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Chicago Bears in 2024. Bates has appeared on rosters for multiple NFL teams during his young professional career, including the New York Jets and Houston Texans before returning to the Cleveland Browns, where he currently serves as a tight end.

Early Life and Background

Brenden Bates was born on October 17, 1999, in Cincinnati, Ohio. His family has a strong athletic background, as both of his parents, his two siblings, and his grandfather each competed in collegiate sports. This multi-generational commitment to athletics shaped Bates into a versatile athlete from an early age.

Bates attended Moeller High School in Cincinnati, where he excelled in three sports: football, basketball, and track and field. On the football field, he established himself as a dominant tight end, earning first-team All-Greater Catholic League honors twice. As a senior, he recorded 17 receptions for 305 yards and 11 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to contribute significantly as a pass-catcher at the high school level.

Beyond his receiving skills, Bates also distinguished himself as a top blocker, a quality that would define his playing style throughout his career. He was selected to represent his country on the national team at the International Bowl and earned a four-star recruiting rating, positioning him among the top tight end prospects nationally. His blocking prowess was evident when he told the Lexington Herald-Leader, “I take pride in blocking. I just love moving people against their will.” He ultimately chose to continue his football career at the University of Kentucky.

Path to the NFL

After completing his high school career at Moeller High School as a highly decorated prospect, Bates enrolled at the University of Kentucky in 2018. He redshirted as a true freshman that season, appearing in only two games while adapting to the college-level competition and playbook. The following year, he appeared in 13 games primarily on the special teams unit, gaining valuable experience and building his understanding of the Wildcats’ system.

Bates faced challenges during the 2020 season when injuries limited him to just six games. Despite the setback, he managed to record his first career reception during that campaign, marking his initial contribution as a receiving threat at the collegiate level. His persistence through adversity demonstrated his resilience and dedication to improving his craft.

Brenden Bates Career

College Career at Kentucky (2018–2023)

Bates steadily developed his role within the Kentucky offense over his five seasons with the program. In 2021, he became a starter in six games and posted his best statistical season to that point, recording 11 catches for 70 yards and scoring his first collegiate touchdown. The following year, he continued his progress with 10 receptions for 99 yards and one touchdown.

Following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, all college athletes were granted an additional year of eligibility. Bates took advantage of this opportunity, returning for a final season in 2023. During his senior year, he caught four passes for 89 yards, demonstrating his continued contribution to the team despite a reduced role in the passing game.

Over his collegiate career spanning 58 games with 25 starts, Bates accumulated 26 receptions for 272 yards and two touchdowns. His durability and consistency were evident in his ability to remain active throughout his college tenure. His performance earned him an invitation to the 2024 Hula Bowl all-star game, providing him with additional exposure heading into the NFL draft process.

Chicago Bears (2024)

After going unselected in the 2024 NFL Draft, Bates signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent on May 9, 2024. He quickly made an impression during the preseason, delivering a standout performance that showcased his dual-threat ability as both a receiver and blocker. He caught six passes for 100 yards during exhibition games, demonstrating his capacity to make an impact in the passing game at the professional level.

However, the Bears waived Bates on August 27, 2024, as part of their final roster reductions. His brief time in Chicago ended with high expectations unfulfilled at the roster stage, though his preseason performance had certainly turned heads around the league.

New York Jets (2024)

One day after being released by the Bears, Bates was claimed off waivers by the New York Jets on August 28, 2024. This move provided him with an opportunity to continue his professional development with a new organization. He spent time on the Jets’ active roster before being released on October 17, 2024. The team subsequently re-signed him to their practice squad two days later, allowing him to remain within the franchise and continue honing his skills.

Cleveland Browns (2024–2025)

Bates joined the Cleveland Browns on December 18, 2024, when the team signed him off the Jets’ practice squad. His arrival came at a critical juncture, as the Browns needed to bolster their tight end corps after Nick Chubb was placed on injured reserve. This mid-season addition provided Bates with an immediate opportunity to contribute at the NFL level.

During the 2025 season, Bates initially made the Browns’ initial 53-man roster following training camp. However, he was waived on August 26, 2025, and re-signed to the practice squad the following day. This roster fluctuation demonstrated the competitive nature of the tight end position and the challenges young players face in securing permanent spots on NFL rosters.

Houston Texans (2025)

On September 17, 2025, Bates signed with the Houston Texans, joining the team off the Browns’ practice squad. This move gave him another opportunity to prove his value as an NFL player. During his time with Houston, Bates appeared in three games and recorded two receptions for 23 yards. On October 25, 2025, the Texans waived Bates, ending his brief tenure with the franchise.

Cleveland Browns (Second Stint, 2025–Present)

Bates returned to the Cleveland Browns on October 27, 2025, when he was claimed off waivers. This marked his return to the organization where he had spent part of the previous season. On April 6, 2026, Bates re-signed with the Browns, indicating the team’s continued interest in his services and his desire to establish himself within the franchise.

Playing Style and Strengths

Bates is known for his versatility as a tight end, excelling in both the passing and running game. His primary strength lies in his blocking ability, which he considers a point of pride throughout his career. His 6-foot-5, 255-pound frame provides him with the size needed to match up against defensive ends and linebackers in the running game while also giving him the length to be a factor in the passing game. His collegiate background at Kentucky, a program known for developing NFL talent, helped prepare him for the physical demands of professional football.

Notable Career Milestones

Among his most significant career moments, Bates delivered a strong preseason performance with the Chicago Bears in 2024, catching six passes for 100 yards. His journey through four NFL organizations in just two seasons demonstrates his persistence and ability to catch the attention of scouts and coaches despite going undrafted. His signing to the Browns’ active roster in December 2024 after Nick Chubb’s injury provided him with his first extended opportunity on an NFL active roster.

Brenden Bates Career Statistics

Across his first two NFL seasons with the Chicago Bears, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, and Houston Texans, Bates has appeared in multiple games while contributing primarily on special teams and as a depth tight end. His limited offensive statistics reflect his role as a blocking tight end who contributes in situational packages.

NFL Career Highlights

Bates recorded his first NFL receptions during his time with the Houston Texans in 2025. His standout preseason performance with the Bears in 2024, where he accumulated 100 receiving yards on six catches, remains one of the most productive stretches of his professional career. His ability to contribute on special teams has been instrumental in his efforts to remain on NFL rosters despite roster turnover.

College Career Summary

At Kentucky, Bates developed into a reliable two-way tight end over five seasons. He appeared in 58 games with 25 starts, accumulating 26 receptions for 272 yards and two touchdowns. His best statistical season came in 2021 when he started six games and scored his first collegiate touchdown. His durability and consistency made him a valuable member of the Wildcats program.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season proved to be a transitional year for Bates as he navigated through multiple organizations. He began the season with the Cleveland Browns but was waived during initial roster reductions before being added back to the practice squad. His mid-season move to the Houston Texans in September provided him with a fresh start, and he contributed two receptions for 23 yards across three appearances with the franchise.

Following his release from the Texans in late October, Bates found his way back to the Cleveland Browns via waivers. This second stint with the Browns represented an opportunity to establish himself within a familiar system while continuing to develop his skills at the professional level. The experience of playing for multiple organizations has given Bates valuable exposure to different coaching styles and offensive schemes, which could benefit his long-term development as he seeks a more permanent role in the NFL.