Trey Pipkins Bio
James Earl “Trey” Pipkins III is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). Born on September 5, 1996, in Apple Valley, Minnesota, Pipkins has established himself as a reliable presence on the Chargers’ offensive line since being selected in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 307 pounds, he brings the size and athleticism needed to compete at the highest level of professional football. His journey from a high school prospect in Minnesota to a starting NFL tackle demonstrates his dedication to the sport and continuous development as a player.
Early Life and Background
Trey Pipkins grew up in Apple Valley, Minnesota, where he attended Apple Valley High School. During his high school years, Pipkins developed his skills as an offensive lineman, catching the attention of college scouts with his impressive physical attributes and technique. His performance at the high school level laid the foundation for his future football career, providing him with the competitive experience needed to transition to the next stage. Minnesota has produced numerous NFL talents, and Pipkins emerged as one of the state’s promising prospects in the 2010s.
After completing high school, Pipkins chose to continue his football career at the collegiate level. He accepted a scholarship to play for the University of Sioux Falls Cougars, where he spent five seasons developing his craft from 2014 through 2018. The Sioux Falls Cougars compete in the Northern State Intercollegiate Conference and have a strong tradition of developing players who advance to professional football. This college experience proved instrumental in preparing Pipkins for the physical and mental demands of the NFL.
Path to the NFL
During his time at Sioux Falls, Pipkins honed his skills as an offensive tackle, becoming a standout performer for the Cougars. His consistent development season after season caught the attention of NFL scouts who were evaluating prospects for the 2019 NFL Draft. His combination of size, footwork, and football intelligence made him an attractive candidate for professional teams seeking offensive line depth. The University of Sioux Falls provided Pipkins with the coaching and competitive environment necessary to refine his technique and prepare him for the next level.
His dedication and performance during his senior season paid off when NFL teams recognized his potential. The Los Angeles Chargers selected Pipkins in the third round with the 91st overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Being chosen in the third round represented a significant achievement for the Minnesota native, confirming that his development at Sioux Falls had prepared him for professional competition. The Chargers saw potential in Pipkins and selected him to join their offensive line rotation, providing him with the opportunity to learn behind experienced NFL veterans while contributing on special teams and in short-yardage situations.
Trey Pipkins Career
Rookie Season and Early Development (2019–2021)
Upon joining the Chargers in 2019, Pipkins entered the NFL as a developmental prospect behind established offensive tackles on the roster. His rookie season involved adjusting to the speed and complexity of professional football while learning the intricacies of the Chargers’ offensive scheme. The transition from the college game to the NFL presented challenges common to young offensive linemen, including the need to improve hand placement, hip flexibility, and run-blocking techniques. However, Pipkins demonstrated the work ethic and football IQ needed to make steady progress.
The 2020 season brought unique circumstances as Pipkins navigated the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the Chargers on October 30, 2020, and was activated the following day. He was placed on the list again on December 8 and activated once more on December 21. These interruptions tested his ability to maintain conditioning and readiness while adhering to league protocols. Despite these obstacles, Pipkins continued to work toward a larger role within the organization.
Breakthrough Season (2022)
The 2022 season marked a significant turning point in Pipkins’ career. Named the Chargers’ starting right tackle, he embraced the increased responsibility that comes with an everyday role on the offensive line. Starting 14 games that season, Pipkins demonstrated the consistency and reliability that the coaching staff had been seeking from him since his arrival in 2019. His performance helped stabilize the right side of the Chargers’ offensive line and provided quarterback Justin Herbert with better protection in the pocket.
One of the most memorable moments of the 2022 season occurred during a Week 2 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. In a unique play, Pipkins was declared an eligible receiver and caught a pass that he converted into a successful two-point conversion. This highlight showcased his versatility and athleticism beyond traditional offensive line duties, making him a matchup problem for opposing defensive coordinators. The play demonstrated the coaching staff’s trust in Pipkins’ ability to contribute in unexpected ways.
Extension and Current Era (2023–Present)
On March 14, 2023, the Chargers demonstrated their confidence in Pipkins by signing him to a three-year contract extension. This deal recognized his emergence as a starter and locked him into the team’s long-term plans along the offensive line. The extension provided Pipkins with financial security while giving the Chargers continuity at the right tackle position as they built their roster around quarterback Justin Herbert.
Throughout the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Pipkins continued to anchor the right tackle position for the Chargers. His consistency week in and week out allowed the coaching staff to rely on him in various game situations, from short-yardage runs to pass-heavy packages. The partnership between Pipkins and the Chargers’ coaching staff has yielded positive results for the team’s offensive efficiency. On March 11, 2026, Pipkins re-signed with the Chargers on a two-year, $10 million contract, further cementing his status as a core member of the franchise’s future plans.
Playing Style and Strengths
Pipkins brings a combination of size, length, and athleticism to the offensive tackle position. At 6 feet 6 inches with a wingspan that disrupts edge rushers, he possesses the physical tools necessary to handle the league’s top pass rushers. His footwork allows him to mirror speed rushers on the outside, while his bulk enables him to generate push in the running game. The Chargers have relied on his steady presence to protect their quarterback’s blindside on obvious passing downs and establish the edge in outside running plays.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Pipkins’ career highlights, his two-point conversion reception against the Tennessee Titans stands out as a unique achievement for an offensive lineman. Such plays are rare in professional football and demonstrate the trust the coaching staff places in his versatility. His journey from third-round draft pick to starting tackle represents a successful developmental arc that many young offensive linemen aspire to achieve.
Trey Pipkins Career Statistics
Throughout his tenure with the Los Angeles Chargers, Pipkins has accumulated significant playing time and experience at the professional level. His progression from a depth player to a full-time starter reflects his dedication to improving his craft and earning the coaching staff’s confidence.
NFL Career Highlights
Through the 2025 season, Pipkins has appeared in 97 games with 66 starts for the Chargers. His durability and availability have been key assets for an offensive line that has dealt with injuries throughout his tenure. The 2022 season marked his first as the primary starter at right tackle, a role he has maintained consistently. His ability to stay on the field and perform at a high level has made him one of the Chargers’ most reliable offensive linemen.
Durability and Availability
Playing the demanding offensive tackle position in the NFL requires exceptional conditioning and durability. Pipkins has demonstrated both qualities throughout his career, appearing in the vast majority of the Chargers’ games since becoming a starter. His consistent availability has allowed the coaching staff to maintain continuity along the offensive line, which is essential for developing chemistry and communication among the unit.
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 97 |
| Games Started | 66 |
| Position | Offensive Tackle |
| Current Team | Los Angeles Chargers |
Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Detailed information about Trey Pipkins’ family background is not extensively available in public sources. As a private individual, Pipkins has chosen to keep his family life separate from his professional career. This approach is common among professional athletes who prefer to maintain boundaries between their performance on the field and their personal relationships.
Personal Life
Trey Pipkins maintains a professional focus on his football career while residing in Southern California with the Chargers. His upbringing in Minnesota provided him with the Midwestern values of hard work and humility that have characterized his professional approach. Pipkins’ journey from Apple Valley to the NFL serves as an inspiration to young football players in his home state who dream of playing at the highest level of the sport.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents another chapter in Pipkins’ ongoing development as a professional offensive tackle. Entering his seventh season with the Chargers organization, Pipkins brings a wealth of experience to an offensive line that has undergone changes in recent years. His familiarity with the team’s offensive system and his established relationship with quarterback Justin Herbert make him a valuable component of the team’s success.
Throughout the 2025 season, Pipkins has continued to demonstrate the consistency and reliability that have defined his career. His performance has helped the Chargers maintain a productive running game while providing adequate pass protection in critical situations. The coaching staff has relied on his veteran presence to help guide younger players along the offensive line and maintain the unit’s overall cohesion.
Looking ahead, Pipkins’ future with the Chargers appears secure following his contract extension through 2028. His combination of proven performance, durability, and experience makes him an important piece of the team’s long-term plans. As the Chargers continue to build around their core talent, Pipkins’ contributions at the tackle position will remain essential to the team’s competitive aspirations.