Patrick John Freiermuth Bio
Patrick John Freiermuth is an American professional football tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). Nicknamed “Muth” by Steelers fans, Freiermuth was selected by Pittsburgh in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the 55th overall pick. He played college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions from 2018 to 2020 before beginning his professional career with the Steelers, where he has become a reliable target at the tight end position.
Early Life and Background
Freiermuth was born on October 25, 1998, in Merrimac, Massachusetts. He grew up in the Merrimac area and initially attended Pentucket Regional High School in West Newbury, Massachusetts, before transferring to Brooks School in North Andover, Massachusetts. At Brooks School, he played both tight end and outside linebacker on the football team while wearing jersey number eight. Beyond football, Freiermuth also competed in basketball as a power forward and small forward.
During his high school football career, Freiermuth recorded 1,531 total yards and 24 total touchdowns. He was recognized as a four-star recruit and received interest from multiple college programs before committing to Penn State University to continue his football career.
Path to the NFL
Freiermuth’s journey to professional football began with his standout high school career at Brooks School, where his performance as a dual-threat tight end attracted attention from major college programs. His commitment to Penn State marked the next step in his development as a tight end at the collegiate level. The coaching staff at Penn State saw potential in his versatile skill set and athletic ability, providing him with opportunities to contribute early in his college career.
His trajectory from a high school athlete in Massachusetts to a Division I player at Penn State demonstrated his dedication to the sport and his ability to compete at higher levels. The transition to Big Ten Conference competition would prove formative in his development as an NFL prospect.
Patrick John Freiermuth College Career
Freiermuth played for the Penn State Nittany Lions from 2018 to 2020. As a freshman in 2018, he made nine starts and recorded 26 receptions for 368 yards and eight touchdowns, breaking Penn State’s record for most receiving touchdowns by a freshman tight end. His immediate impact earned him a starting role that he would maintain throughout his college career.
In 2019, Freiermuth continued to develop as a reliable receiving option for the Nittany Lions. He was voted Penn State Football’s Most Valuable Offensive Player that season and received an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine. Despite rumors that he might enter the draft, he declined the opportunity and announced his return to Penn State for another season alongside head coach James Franklin.
Freiermuth played in 30 games at Penn State, starting all but four of them. He finished his collegiate career with 92 receptions for 1,185 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns, tied for eighth place overall at Penn State for career touchdowns and ranking first among tight ends in program history. His standout 2020 season earned him Big Ten Conference Kwalick-Clark Tight End of the Year honors, making him the first Penn State tight end to win this award. He was also named first-team All-Big Ten by the coaches and led the conference in receiving yards among tight ends that season.
Patrick John Freiermuth Professional Career
2021 Season: Rookie Year with Pittsburgh Steelers
Freiermuth was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the 55th overall pick. He was chosen to replace tight end Vance McDonald, who retired after the 2020 season. On May 25, 2021, Freiermuth signed his four-year rookie contract and was assigned jersey number 88, famously worn by Hall of Fame receiver Lynn Swann.
He started his first NFL game in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills and recorded his first career reception for 24 yards. Freiermuth caught his first professional touchdown pass on September 26, 2021, during a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on a 4-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger. On November 8, he had one of his best games of the season, catching five passes on six targets for 43 yards and scoring two touchdowns in a 29-27 victory over the Chicago Bears.
During his rookie season, Freiermuth sustained two concussions, one in Week 12 against the Bengals and another in Week 15 against the Tennessee Titans. He finished the regular season with 60 receptions for 497 yards and seven touchdowns. In the playoffs, he made his postseason debut on January 16, 2022, against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Wild Card Round, catching four passes for 25 yards. Steelers fans began chanting “Muth” when he gained yardage or scored, drawing comparisons to former Steelers tight end Heath Miller.
2022 Season
The 2022 season saw Freiermuth appear in 16 regular season games, starting eight of them. He finished the season with 63 receptions on 98 targets for 732 yards, the most receiving yards in his professional career as of 2024. He scored two touchdowns across all 16 games that season, showing consistency in his role within the Steelers offense.
2023 Season
On October 21, 2023, Freiermuth was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury and was activated on November 18. He returned to action against the Cleveland Browns on November 19. His statistically best game of the season came on November 26 against the Cincinnati Bengals, where he caught nine passes on 11 targets for 120 yards, the only game that season in which he eclipsed 100 receiving yards.
He finished the 2023 regular season with 32 catches on 47 targets for 308 yards and two touchdowns, playing in 12 games and starting nine. In the playoffs, Freiermuth appeared in his second postseason game against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Wild Card Round, catching five passes for 76 yards. The Steelers lost 31-17 to end their season.
2024 Season
On September 6, 2024, Freiermuth signed a four-year, $48.4 million contract extension with the Steelers, keeping him with the team through the 2028 season. He caught his first touchdown of the season on an 8-yard pass from Justin Fields during Week 4’s 27-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. The Steelers finished the regular season with a 10-7 record, earning Freiermuth his third playoff berth. He appeared in all 17 games, making 65 receptions for 653 yards and seven touchdowns. In the AFC Wild Card playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens, Freiermuth made three catches for 15 yards as the Steelers lost 28-14 to end their season.
Pittsburgh Steelers Era (2021-Present)
Entering the 2025 season, Freiermuth continues as a key component of the Steelers offense. Following the acquisition of veteran tight end Jonnu Smith from the Miami Dolphins in June 2025, Freiermuth shared the tight end position on the official depth chart. He made his first start of the season in Week 1’s 34-32 victory over the New York Jets, catching three passes on three targets for 23 yards.
On October 16, 2025, during a Thursday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium, Freiermuth caught his first touchdown pass of the season on a 19-yard reception from quarterback Aaron Rodgers. He finished that prime time game as Pittsburgh’s leading receiver with four catches for 106 yards and two touchdowns. This performance marked his first multi-touchdown game since November 8, 2021.
Driving Style and Strengths
Freiermuth has established himself as a reliable possession tight end with strong hands and the ability to make contested catches. His route-running precision allows him to find soft spots in opposing defenses, particularly in the middle of the field. He has shown the capacity to be a red-zone target, converting scoring opportunities into touchdowns throughout his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his notable achievements, Freiermuth became the first tight end in Penn State history to win Big Ten Tight End of the Year honors in 2020. In the NFL, his rookie season included a memorable two-touchdown performance against the Chicago Bears and drew fan support with the “Muth” chant echoing through Heinz Field. His 2025 Thursday Night Football performance against Cincinnati showcased his ability to be a primary receiving option when needed.
Patrick John Freiermuth Career Statistics
Across his NFL career through the 2025 season, Freiermuth has established himself as a productive starting tight end. His career totals include 261 receptions for 2,676 receiving yards and 22 receiving touchdowns. He has appeared in multiple playoff games and continues to be a reliable contributor for the Steelers offense.
NFL Career Highlights
Freiermuth’s best statistical season came in 2022 when he recorded 732 receiving yards. His 2024 season saw him score seven touchdowns while appearing in all 17 games. His most recent milestone includes his 2025 Thursday Night Football performance with 106 receiving yards and two touchdowns against Cincinnati.
College Career Achievements
At Penn State, Freiermuth left as the program’s all-time leader in career touchdowns by a tight end with 16 scores. His freshman record of eight receiving touchdowns by a tight end stood as a program milestone. His 2020 season earned him Big Ten Tight End of the Year and first-team All-Big Ten recognition.
| Competition Level | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL (2021-2025) | 261 | 2,676 | 22 |
| College (2018-2020) | 92 | 1,185 | 16 |
Patrick John Freiermuth Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Freiermuth comes from a family with strong athletic and coaching connections. His uncle, Michael Foley, was a longtime college football coach, most recently serving as the offensive line coach for the University of Massachusetts. His father, John Freiermuth, played basketball at St. Anselm College in New Hampshire and was named New Hampshire’s “Mr. Basketball” in 1988.
His mother worked as a history teacher and served as the head coach for North Andover High School field hockey for fifteen seasons. She retired from coaching in 2007 after leading her team to two North sectional titles and a 147-85-66 record. She also held the position of president of the Penn State Football Parents Association during her son’s college career.
Personal Life
Freiermuth’s brother, Tim, played offensive line at Springfield College and currently serves as a high school football coach. The Freiermuth family has maintained connections to Massachusetts, where Patrick attended high school, and to Pennsylvania through his professional career with the Steelers. His athletic family background has influenced his development as a professional athlete.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks Freiermuth’s fifth year with the Pittsburgh Steelers. After signing a lucrative contract extension through 2028, he entered the season as part of a two-tight end rotation with Jonnu Smith following the latter’s acquisition from Miami. His early-season production remained steady, with his Week 1 start against the Jets resulting in three catches for 23 yards.
His breakthrough performance came in Week 6 against the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football. Playing with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Freiermuth recorded his first 100-yard receiving game since 2023 and scored two touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to be a featured receiving option when opportunities arise. The performance suggested potential for increased production as the season progresses.
The Steelers’ offensive scheme appears to be incorporating Freiermuth in multiple roles, utilizing his size and catching ability in both short-yardage situations and downfield passing plays. With Rodgers at quarterback, Freiermuth has shown chemistry on key drives, including his first touchdown of the season on a 19-yard reception. As the season continues, his partnership with the Steelers offense and his role within the rotation at tight end remain areas to monitor for both fantasy football stakeholders and Steelers fans.