John Shenker Bio
John Samuel Shenker is an American professional football tight end who currently plays for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League. Born on September 2, 1998, in Albany, Georgia, Shenker played college football for the Auburn Tigers from 2017 to 2022. During his collegiate career, he established himself as one of the most productive tight ends in Auburn history, setting multiple school records for receptions and receiving yards. Despite going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, Shenker signed with the Las Vegas Raiders and has continued to develop his professional career with the organization.
Early Life and Background
John Shenker grew up in Albany, Georgia, where he began his football journey at Deerfield-Windsor School before advancing to Colquitt County High School in Norman Park, Georgia. His athletic abilities extended beyond football during his high school years. Shenker also excelled as a baseball player, earning a spot in the national Under-17 training program. His dual-sport talent demonstrated the versatility that would later define his football career.
As a high school football prospect, Shenker received a rating of two out of five stars, indicating he was considered a low-to-middle recruit. Despite this modest ranking, his performance at Colquitt County High School caught the attention of college programs, and he ultimately committed to continue his football career at Auburn University.
Path to American Football
Shenker arrived at Auburn University in 2017 with the goal of making an impact at the collegiate level. He redshirted during his first season, using that year to train with the team and adapt to the college football environment. The following season in 2018, he joined the active roster and played in all of Auburn’s games as a backup player, gaining valuable experience while contributing on special teams and in limited offensive snaps.
His role expanded in the 2019 season when he appeared in games with five starts. By the 2020 season, Shenker had earned the starting tight end position, a role he would maintain for the remainder of his college career. The 2021 season marked his breakthrough year, as he put together a record-setting campaign that would define his Auburn legacy.
John Shenker Career
College Career at Auburn (2017-2022)
Shenker’s 2021 season stands as the highlight of his collegiate career. He recorded 33 receptions for 413 receiving yards, setting the Auburn single-season records for a tight end in both categories. Remarkably, he became the first tight end in college football history to achieve at least 30 receptions and 400 receiving yards in a single season. This historic performance solidified his reputation as one of the most dynamic pass-catching tight ends in the country.
Beyond his 2021 accomplishments, Shenker also contributed to the Auburn baseball team during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, showcasing his multi-sport athletic ability. He took advantage of the NCAA’s additional year of eligibility granted to athletes affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, returning for a final season in 2022. That year, he was elected team captain and set the Auburn career record for receptions by a tight end with 68 catches while appearing in 62 games total, both records for the position at the school.
Following his collegiate career, Shenker participated in the Tropical Bowl, an all-star game that allows top prospects to display their skills for NFL scouts. At Auburn’s Pro Day, he performed impressively in the bench press with 27 repetitions and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.53 seconds, numbers that demonstrated his athletic ability for the professional level.
Las Vegas Raiders (2023)
After going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, Shenker signed as an undrafted free agent with the Las Vegas Raiders on May 12, 2023. His transition to the professional level began with the Raiders’ offseason program and training camp. As the team prepared for the regular season, Shenker was released on August 29, 2023, but was added to the practice squad the following day, giving him the opportunity to continue developing with the organization.
His time on the practice squad during his first year with the Raiders was marked by roster fluctuations. He was released from the practice squad on October 5, 2023, re-signed on October 18, and then released again later that month. These transactions reflected the competitive nature of the roster as the team evaluated its options at the tight end position.
Las Vegas Raiders (2024-Present)
Shenker’s persistence paid off when he signed with the Raiders’ practice squad for the fourth time during the 2023 season on December 29. This continued involvement with the organization demonstrated his value as a developmental player. On January 8, 2024, he signed a reserve/future contract, securing his place with the team heading into the 2024 season.
During the 2024 season, Shenker continued to work toward a permanent spot on the active roster. He was waived on August 27, 2024, and re-signed to the practice squad. His dedication was rewarded when he was promoted to the active roster on September 28, 2024, a significant milestone in his professional career. He was later waived on November 1, 2024, and re-signed to the practice squad, continuing his journey with the organization as he sought more consistent opportunities at the professional level.
Playing Style and Strengths
Shenker’s game is characterized by reliable hands and consistent route-running ability. His 6-foot-3 frame and 249-pound build make him a viable option in the passing game and a capable blocker in running situations. His collegiate production at Auburn, particularly his ability to create mismatches in the passing game, showcased his potential as a move tight end who can stretch the field from the slot or inline position.
Notable Events and Milestones
The defining achievement of Shenker’s career remains his record-setting 2021 season at Auburn, where he became the first tight end in college football history to post 30-plus receptions and 400-plus receiving yards in a single season. His subsequent rise to team captain in 2022 and his establishment as Auburn’s all-time leading receiver at the tight end position further cemented his legacy. His promotion to the Las Vegas Raiders active roster on September 28, 2024, marked his most significant professional milestone to date.
John Shenker Career Highlights
Shenker’s collegiate career produced impressive statistics and accomplishments. He holds Auburn’s single-season records for tight end receptions and receiving yards, both set during his standout 2021 campaign. His career totals include 68 receptions as an Auburn tight end, making him the most prolific pass-catcher at his position in school history.
Auburn Tigers Highlights
During his five seasons of game action at Auburn, Shenker appeared in 62 games, setting the school record for games played by a tight end. His 33 receptions in 2021 remained a single-season high for the position when he departed. The 413 receiving yards he compiled that year also stood as the standard for Auburn tight ends. His consistency and durability throughout his college career demonstrated the reliability that NFL teams look for in professional players.
Professional Career Summary
Since joining the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2023, Shenker has worked to establish himself at the professional level. His journey through the Raiders’ practice squad and multiple roster transactions in 2023 and 2024 highlighted the challenges faced by undrafted players striving to earn consistent opportunities. His eventual promotion to the active roster in September 2024 represented a breakthrough in his professional development.
John Shenker Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public records do not provide detailed information about John Shenker’s family background or racing lineage. No verified information about his parents, siblings, or family connections to athletics is available in publicly accessible sources.
Personal Life
Shenker maintains an active public presence on social media platforms including Instagram and X, where he connects with fans and shares updates about his football career. Beyond his athletic pursuits, he demonstrated his multi-sport versatility by playing baseball at Auburn during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Details about his personal relationships or family life are not publicly available, as he maintains privacy in those areas.
2025 Season Performance
As Shenker enters the 2025 season with the Las Vegas Raiders organization, he continues to work toward securing a more permanent role on the active roster. His experience gained through the 2023 and 2024 seasons, including his September 2024 promotion, has provided him with valuable professional experience. The trajectory of his career suggests a player who has demonstrated resilience and dedication despite the challenges of breaking into the NFL as an undrafted free agent.
Shenker’s path reflects the journey many undrafted players face in the NFL, requiring patience, persistence, and continuous development to earn opportunities. His collegiate achievements at Auburn provided a strong foundation, and his professional experience has allowed him to adapt to the speed and complexity of the NFL game. As he competes for playing time in the Raiders’ tight end room, his combination of size, athleticism, and collegiate production remains his calling card for earning a larger role in the offense.