Gregory Paul Dulcich Bio
Gregory Paul Dulcich is an American professional football tight end who currently plays for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. Born on March 26, 2000, in Glendale, California, Dulcich emerged as a notable tight end after a standout college career at UCLA. He was selected by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 80th overall pick. Throughout his professional career, Dulcich has been recognized for his speed, route-running ability, and playmaking skills at the tight end position. He has also spent time with the New York Giants before joining the Dolphins organization.
Early Life and Background
Gregory Paul Dulcich was born on March 26, 2000, in Glendale, California, where he grew up. He attended Saint Francis High School in La Cañada Flintridge, California. During his junior year, Dulcich recorded 30 receptions for 406 yards and four touchdowns, showing promise as a developing talent. His senior season proved to be his breakthrough, as he helped lead the Golden Knights to the 2017 CIF Southern Section Division III championship game.
In that championship game, Saint Francis fell to Rancho Verde High School by a margin of 44-42 on a last-second field goal. For the season, Dulcich caught 50 passes for 1,168 yards and 12 touchdowns while adding three rushing touchdowns. He also contributed defensively with 21 tackles. His performance earned him recognition as a three-star recruit by ESPN, and he was ranked as the No. 78 recruit in California. Initially recruited by Derek Sage, who was the receivers coach for Washington State, Dulcich followed Sage when he moved to UCLA and committed to play for the Bruins.
Path to the NFL
Dulcich began his college career at the University of California, Los Angeles, as a walk-on player. He appeared in just three games as a true freshman in 2018, seeing limited action on special teams and as a reserve receiver. The following year, he played in 11 games, continuing to develop his skills on special teams while also contributing as a receiver. His first collegiate touchdown came against San Diego State on September 7, 2019, when he recorded three receptions for 37 yards in a home game at the Rose Bowl, approximately three miles from his high school.
The 2020 season marked a turning point in Dulcich’s college career. On his 20th birthday, he was informed by UCLA that he had been placed on scholarship. That year, despite a season shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, Dulcich experienced a breakout campaign. He finished with 26 receptions for 517 yards and five touchdowns, leading the team in both receiving yards and touchdowns. His impressive averages of 19.88 yards per catch and 73.9 receiving yards per game both ranked second nationally among tight ends. He was named second-team All-Pac-12 for his efforts.
In 2021, Dulcich built upon his success and solidified his status as one of the top tight ends in the country. He was named to the preseason watch list for the Mackey Award, given annually to the best tight end in the nation. He had several standout performances, including a three-catch, 117-yard game against No. 16 LSU that featured a 75-yard touchdown reception. He logged a career-high nine catches for 136 yards against Arizona State, marking his third career game with 100 or more receiving yards. Dulcich earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors and finished fifth in the conference in receiving yards per game with 60.4. His average of 17.3 yards per catch ranked second among tight ends nationwide, and his 725 receiving yards ranked second on the team. Following the season, he declared for the 2022 NFL Draft.
Gregory Paul Dulcich Career
Denver Broncos (2022-2024)
Dulcich was selected by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 80th overall pick. He was the third tight end chosen in that draft class. His rookie training camp was hindered by a hamstring injury, which ultimately placed him on injured reserve on August 31, 2022. He was activated in Week 6 and made his NFL debut on Monday Night Football against the Los Angeles Chargers. In that game, he caught a 39-yard touchdown pass from Russell Wilson in his first career game. Dulcich finished his rookie season with 33 receptions for 411 yards and two touchdowns in ten games, starting six of them.
The 2023 season proved frustrating due to injuries. On September 16, 2023, Dulcich was placed on injured reserve after suffering a hamstring injury in Week 1. He was activated on October 12 but was placed back on injured reserve just nine days later due to another hamstring injury. His availability was limited throughout the season, affecting his ability to build consistency with the team. In 2024, Dulcich saw limited playing time and was a healthy scratch for eight consecutive games. On November 25, 2024, he was waived by the Broncos after being a healthy scratch for eight straight games.
New York Giants (2024)
On November 26, 2024, Dulcich was claimed off waivers by the New York Giants. He joined the team looking to revitalize his career with a new organization. However, his tenure with the Giants was brief. On August 26, 2025, Dulcich was waived by the Giants as part of final roster cuts, ending his time with the team.
Miami Dolphins (2025-Present)
Following his release from the Giants, Dulcich signed with the Miami Dolphins practice squad on August 28, 2025. He worked to earn a spot on the active roster during the early portion of the season. On October 22, 2025, Dulcich was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster, giving him an opportunity to contribute on the field for the Dolphins. His addition brought depth to the tight end position and provided another weapon for the offense.
The 2025 season represented a fresh start for Dulcich with the Dolphins organization. He competed for playing time in a tight end room that featured several players at the position. His promotion from the practice squad demonstrated his ability to earn opportunities through strong performance in practice. On March 11, 2026, Dulcich officially re-signed with the Dolphins on a one-year deal worth up to $3.25 million, securing his place with the team for the 2026 season.
Playing Style and Strengths
Dulcich is known for his speed and ability to stretch the field from the tight end position. His 6-foot-4 frame combined with his deceptive quickness makes him a matchup problem for opposing defenses. He demonstrates strong hands and the ability to win contested catches, particularly on intermediate and deep routes. His collegiate statistics, including averages of nearly 20 yards per catch at UCLA, highlight his big-play ability. Dulcich also shows competence as a blocker, though his greatest value comes as a receiving threat. His route-running skills allow him to find soft spots in zone coverage and create separation against man defenders.
Notable Events and Milestones
Several moments stand out in Dulcich’s career trajectory. His NFL debut against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football resulted in an immediate impact with a 39-yard touchdown reception. His breakout 2020 season at UCLA, where he led the team in receiving yards and touchdowns despite the shortened schedule, established him as a legitimate NFL prospect. The emotional moment of receiving his college scholarship on his 20th birthday marked a significant milestone in his development. His game-winning or highlight performances against ranked opponents like LSU demonstrated his ability to rise to the occasion against quality competition.
Gregory Paul Dulcich Career Statistics
Throughout his professional career spanning from 2022 to 2025, Dulcich has accumulated modest but notable statistics across his time with three NFL franchises. His ability to contribute in the passing game has been evident when healthy, though injuries have limited his availability at various points. His collegiate career at UCLA provided a strong foundation, with All-Pac-12 honors in both 2020 and 2021 highlighting his development into a professional-caliber talent.
NFL Statistics Highlights
In his NFL career through 2025, Dulcich has recorded 67 receptions for 799 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns. His rookie season with the Broncos represented his most productive NFL campaign to that point, with 33 catches for 411 yards and two touchdowns in ten games. His rookie debut featured an immediate impact play with a 39-yard touchdown reception, showing the big-play ability that made him an intriguing draft prospect.
College Statistics and Achievements
At UCLA, Dulcich developed into one of the premier tight ends in the Pac-12 Conference. His 2020 season saw him total 26 receptions for 517 yards and five touchdowns, leading the team in both categories. His 2021 campaign was equally impressive with 725 receiving yards, earning him first-team All-Pac-12 recognition. He was twice named an all-conference selection, including first-team honors in 2021 and second-team recognition in 2020. His averages of nearly 20 yards per catch throughout his college career demonstrated his ability to stretch the field and create explosive plays.
Gregory Paul Dulcich Family
Family Background and Heritage
Dulcich comes from a family with strong Croatian heritage. He is of Croatian descent through all four of his grandparents, connecting him to a rich cultural background. This family heritage has been a source of pride for the Dulcich family and represents an important part of his identity. His path from a walk-on at UCLA to an NFL player required dedication and perseverance, qualities that have been evident throughout his journey.
Personal Life
Born and raised in Glendale, California, Dulcich has maintained connections to his home state throughout his football career. After attending Saint Francis High School in La Cañada Flintridge, he chose to stay close to home for college, playing for UCLA just miles from where he grew up. His decision to follow his initial recruiter Derek Sage to UCLA proved instrumental in his development as a player. The support system from his family and his strong Croatian heritage have contributed to his grounded approach to football and life.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a pivotal year in Dulcich’s professional career. After being waived by the New York Giants in late August as part of final roster cuts, he quickly found a new opportunity with the Miami Dolphins. Signing to the practice squad on August 28, 2025, Dulcich worked diligently to prove he belonged on an active roster. His persistence paid off when he was promoted to the Dolphins active roster on October 22, 2025, giving him a chance to contribute during the regular season.
This mid-season promotion required Dulcich to quickly learn a new offensive system and build chemistry with Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The Dolphins coaching staff saw enough in practice to believe Dulcich could contribute as a receiving tight end. His opportunity came at a point in the season when the team was looking for additional weapons in their passing offense. The Dolphins tight end room provided competition for playing time, and Dulcich’s ability to create mismatches with his size and speed gave the coaching staff flexibility in their game planning.
Following the 2025 season, Dulcich’s performance and potential earned him a new contract. On March 11, 2026, he re-signed with the Dolphins on a one-year deal worth up to $3.25 million. This contract represented a vote of confidence from the organization in his ability to be part of their plans going forward. For Dulcich, the 2025 season was about proving he could stay healthy and contribute consistently at the NFL level. The new deal set the stage for him to compete for a more significant role in the Dolphins offense during the 2026 season.