Chris Manhertz Bio
Chris Manhertz is an American professional football tight end for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). Born on April 10, 1992, in The Bronx, New York, he transitioned from a successful college basketball career at Canisius College to professional football. After being signed as an undrafted free agent by the Buffalo Bills in 2015, he navigated his way through multiple teams, showcasing his talent on various platforms, including the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers, before joining the Giants. His unique path from the basketball court to the football field exemplifies his adaptability and determination as an athlete.
Early Life and Background
Chris Manhertz was born and raised in The Bronx, New York. He attended Cardinal Spellman High School in The Bronx, where he developed his athletic skills before advancing to higher education. His athletic journey began on the basketball court rather than the football field, setting the stage for his unconventional path to professional football.
Manhertz continued his basketball career at Canisius College, a Buffalo, New York-based Catholic institution. He played for the Canisius Golden Griffins men’s basketball squad from 2010 to 2014, establishing himself as a standout player. His leadership qualities were evident, as he served as team captain for three consecutive years during his collegiate career.
Path to American Football
Upon graduating from Canisius College in 2014, Manhertz faced a pivotal career decision. Notably, Canisius had abolished its football program in 2003, making it impossible for him to play football at the collegiate level at his own school. With no football experience and his only exposure to the sport coming from the Madden NFL video game series, Manhertz made a bold choice to pursue professional football.
Manhertz dedicated himself to training for a sport he had never played competitively. His athleticism and basketball background caught the attention of NFL scouts. He was offered a tryout from the Buffalo Bills and signed a future/reserve contract in May 2015. Despite coach Rex Ryan acknowledging that his chances of making the roster were a longshot, Manhertz embraced the opportunity to prove himself.
Chris Manhertz Career
Buffalo Bills (2015)
Manhertz signed with the Buffalo Bills in May 2015 as an undrafted free agent following his college basketball career. He participated in training camp and the preseason with the Bills, working to convert his raw athleticism into football skills. Despite his best efforts, he did not make the Bills’ final roster after training camp and was released during roster cuts.
New Orleans Saints (2015–2016)
After being released by the Bills, Manhertz joined the New Orleans Saints practice squad, where he continued to develop his football abilities. His dedication paid off when he earned a spot on the Saints’ active roster to start the 2016 season. Manhertz made his NFL debut on September 18, 2016, taking the field for the first time in a regular-season game. However, his time with the Saints was brief, as he was released on October 16, 2016.
Carolina Panthers (2016–2020)
Manhertz was claimed off waivers by the Carolina Panthers on October 17, 2016, marking the beginning of his most extended tenure with a single team. In 2017, he played in 16 games with four starts, filling in for the injured Greg Olsen. He recorded two catches for 17 yards during that season, demonstrating his ability to contribute on offense when called upon. He suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 17 and was placed on injured reserve to finish the season.
A memorable moment came in Week 15 of the 2018 season when Manhertz caught his first career touchdown on a trick play, a 50-yard pass from running back Christian McCaffrey. This play highlighted his versatility and ability to make an impact in unexpected ways. On January 29, 2019, Manhertz signed a two-year contract extension with the Panthers. He was named the starter for the 2020 season, cementing his role as a key component of the team’s tight end rotation.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2021–2022)
On March 17, 2021, Manhertz signed a two-year, $6.65 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, reflecting his established value in the league. During a Week 1 game against the Houston Texans, he caught a 22-yard touchdown pass from rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence. This reception was particularly significant as it marked the first career touchdown pass for Lawrence, connecting the veteran tight end to the beginning of the quarterback’s professional career.
Denver Broncos (2023)
On March 15, 2023, Manhertz signed a two-year contract with the Denver Broncos, joining another storied NFL franchise. He spent the 2023 season with the Broncos before being released on March 8, 2024, making him available for free agency.
New York Giants (2024–Present)
On March 16, 2024, Manhertz signed with the New York Giants, returning to his home state of New York. He played in all 17 games during the 2024 season, including 11 starts, serving as the primary blocking tight end for the Giants’ offense. His size at 6 feet 6 inches and his physicality made him a valuable asset in both the running and passing games.
On March 8, 2025, Manhertz signed a one-year contract extension with the Giants, securing his place with the team for the 2025 season. He played in all 17 games during the 2025 season, starting three, and recorded one reception for seven yards. On March 9, 2026, Manhertz re-signed with the Giants for a third season with the team.
Playing Style and Strengths
Manhertz is recognized for his imposing size at 6 feet 6 inches and 235 pounds, which makes him an effective blocking tight end in the NFL. His primary role has been as a lead blocker in running situations and as a protective asset for quarterbacks in passing scenarios. His transition from basketball to football required him to develop fundamental football skills, and his athleticism from his basketball background has translated into useful qualities for the tight end position, including body control, hand-eye coordination, and spatial awareness.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Manhertz has been involved in several notable plays and milestones. His first career NFL touchdown came on a 50-yard pass from Christian McCaffrey during his time with the Panthers, a memorable moment that showcased his ability to contribute as a receiver despite his reputation as a blocking tight end. During his tenure with the Jacksonville Jaguars, he caught Trevor Lawrence’s first career touchdown pass in the season opener against the Houston Texans, connecting him to a significant moment in the rookie quarterback’s development.
Chris Manhertz Career Wins
Across his NFL career spanning from 2015 to the present, Chris Manhertz has contributed to his teams’ offenses while primarily serving in a blocking role. His career statistics include 30 receptions for 308 yards and 3 touchdowns. His most productive seasons came during his time with the Carolina Panthers from 2016 to 2020, where he saw increased playing time and opportunities.
NFL Highlights
Manhertz’s NFL career statistics as of the 2025 season include 30 receptions for 308 yards and 3 receiving touchdowns. His first career reception and touchdown came during the 2018 season with the Panthers on a pass from Christian McCaffrey. His most recent touchdown reception came during the 2021 season with the Jacksonville Jaguars on a pass from Trevor Lawrence in Week 1 against the Texans. Throughout his career, he has been valued more for his blocking ability and veteran presence than for his receiving statistics.
College Basketball Career
Prior to his NFL career, Manhertz had an impressive basketball career at Canisius College. He played for the Golden Griffins from 2010 to 2014, serving as team captain for three years. His leadership and performance on the basketball court helped prepare him for the mental toughness required to transition to professional football at the highest level.
Chris Manhertz Family
Family Background and Early Influences
While detailed information about Chris Manhertz’s family background is not extensively available in public sources, his upbringing in The Bronx, New York, provided the foundation for his athletic development. His path from basketball at Cardinal Spellman High School to Canisius College demonstrates a commitment to higher education and athletics that guided his early career.
Personal Life
Manhertz maintains an active presence on social media, with accounts on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). He continues to reside with his football career, having relocated to play for various teams throughout the NFL. His journey from a basketball player with no football experience to a veteran NFL tight end demonstrates his adaptability and dedication to his craft.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season saw Chris Manhertz enter his second year with the New York Giants. He signed a one-year contract extension with the team in March 2025, which indicated the Giants’ continued confidence in his abilities. Throughout the season, he maintained his role as a key member of the tight end rotation, providing blocking ability and veteran experience to the Giants’ offense.
Manhertz appeared in all 17 games during the 2025 season, starting three of them. His contributions remained consistent with his career profile, as he recorded one reception for seven yards. His primary value continued to come from his blocking ability, where his size and strength helped create running lanes for the Giants’ ball carriers and provided pass protection for the quarterback.
The Giants’ offense showed signs of growth and development throughout the 2025 season. Manhertz’s presence in the locker room and on the field provided stability and experience for a team working to establish its identity. His ability to stay healthy and consistently contribute in his role exemplified the reliability that teams value in role players. His contract extension and continued playing time reflect his standing as a respected professional in the NFL.