Zach Davidson Bio
Zach Davidson (born July 15, 1998) is an American professional football tight end who played for the New York Giants during the 2025 season. He previously spent time with the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills after entering the NFL as a fifth-round draft pick in 2021. Davidson played college football for the Central Missouri Mules, where he uniquely served as both a tight end and punter, earning recognition as a first-team Division II All-American in 2019. His professional career has been characterized by versatility and persistence, working his way through multiple NFL organizations while contributing primarily on special teams and as a situational tight end.
Early Life and Background
Davidson grew up in Webb City, Missouri, and attended Webb City High School. During his high school career, he initially served as a backup tight end on the junior varsity team. His path to special teams began unexpectedly when the varsity team’s regular punter was suspended, prompting Davidson to step into that role. He responded by earning All-State honors as a punter during both his junior and senior seasons, demonstrating the exceptional leg strength that would define his collegiate career. This early experience as both a skill-position player and a specialist would become a defining characteristic of his football identity.
After graduating from Webb City High School, Davidson enrolled at the University of Central Missouri, where he began his collegiate career with high expectations as a punter. His combination of size, athleticism, and dual-position capability made him an intriguing prospect for the next level, setting the stage for a standout college career that would catch the attention of NFL scouts.
Path to Professional Football
Davidson arrived at Central Missouri in 2016 and redshirted his true freshman season while developing his skills. As a redshirt freshman in 2017, he immediately made an impact by setting a school record and finishing second nationally with 44.3 yards per punt on 47 attempts. His exceptional performance earned him second-team All-Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) honors. The following season, Davidson received honorable mention All-MIAA recognition as a punter while also serving as the Mules’ second tight end, catching 11 passes for 239 yards and three touchdowns. This dual contribution demonstrated his unique ability to impact games in multiple phases.
His redshirt junior season in 2019 represented his most productive campaign. Davidson posted 40 receptions for 894 yards and 15 touchdowns while continuing his punting duties. His remarkable versatility earned him first-team All-MIAA honors at both punter and tight end, as well as first-team Division II All-American recognition. Facing a decision due to the COVID-19 pandemic affecting his redshirt senior season, Davidson opted to enter the 2021 NFL Draft rather than play the spring campaign, concluding his collegiate career as one of the most decorated dual-position players in Division II history.
Zach Davidson Career
Minnesota Vikings (2021)
The Minnesota Vikings selected Davidson in the fifth round with the 168th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract on May 13, 2021, officially beginning his professional career. However, his rookie season was primarily spent on the practice squad as he adjusted to the speed and complexity of NFL competition. On August 31, 2021, the Vikings waived Davidson during final roster cuts before re-signing him to the practice squad the following day. He earned a promotion to the active roster on January 8, 2022, providing him valuable experience in the Vikings’ system and terminology that would serve him in subsequent seasons.
Buffalo Bills (2022–2024)
On August 30, 2022, the Buffalo Bills waived Davidson as part of their final roster cuts. He quickly found a new opportunity when the Bills signed him to their practice squad on September 1, 2022. Davidson signed a reserve/future contract with the Bills on January 23, 2023, securing his place on the roster for the 2023 season. His tenure with Buffalo was interrupted by injury when he was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury on June 15, 2023, ending his second season prematurely. The following year brought more roster movement, as he was released on August 27, 2024, during final cuts before re-joining the practice squad the next day.
During the 2024 season, Davidson received opportunities to contribute on the active roster. In Week 11, he was elevated from the practice squad to fill in for Dalton Kincaid, who was sidelined due to a knee injury, against the Kansas City Chiefs. This game resulted in his first regular-season NFL reception. He was elevated again for Weeks 13 and 14 against the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams, respectively, seeing action on both offensive and special teams snaps. After the season, Davidson signed another reserve/futures contract with the Bills on January 29, 2025, but was released during final roster cuts on August 26, 2025.
New York Giants (2025)
On November 11, 2025, the New York Giants signed Davidson to their practice squad, providing him with another opportunity to continue his NFL career. During the 2025 season, Davidson was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster for Week 17 against the Las Vegas Raiders. His journey through multiple organizations demonstrates the perseverance required to maintain an NFL career, particularly for players who contribute primarily on special teams and in situational offensive roles. Davidson’s ability to bounce back after releases and continue earning opportunities speaks to his value as a reliable, versatile player who can fill various roles when called upon.
Playing Style and Strengths
Davidson’s collegiate tape showcased a unique combination of size and special teams expertise that translated to the professional level. At 6 feet 7 inches and 245 pounds, he possesses the frame to contribute as a tight end in red zone situations and on running downs. His experience as a punter developed exceptional leg strength and kicking motion understanding, skills that contribute to his value on special teams coverage units. As a receiver, Davidson showed reliable hands and the ability to make contested catches in tight windows, though his limited NFL opportunities have prevented him from fully showcasing these abilities at the highest level.
Notable Moments
Among Davidson’s most significant professional moments was recording his first regular-season NFL reception during his elevation in Week 11 of the 2024 season against the Kansas City Chiefs. This milestone represented the culmination of years of persistence through practice squad assignments and roster transactions. Additionally, during a 2025 preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers while with the Bills, Davidson became involved in a notable incident when Shilo Sanders struck him in the helmet after being blocked during a play, resulting in Sanders’ ejection from the game.
Zach Davidson Career Statistics
Across his four seasons in the NFL through the 2024 season, Davidson appeared in limited games with the Vikings, Bills, and Giants organizations, primarily contributing on special teams and as a reserve tight end. His collegiate career at Central Missouri represented his most prolific statistical output, with his 2019 season standing out as his most productive year as a receiver.
College Highlights (Central Missouri)
During his five seasons with the Central Missouri Mules from 2016 to 2020, Davidson established himself as one of the most versatile players in Division II football. His most impressive campaign came in 2019 when he recorded 40 receptions for 894 yards and 15 touchdowns while simultaneously serving as the team’s primary punter. His 44.3 yards per punt average during his redshirt freshman season ranked second nationally and set a school record, demonstrating the exceptional leg strength that made him a valuable draft prospect. Over his career, Davidson earned first-team Division II All-American honors, first-team All-MIAA recognition twice, and second-team All-MIAA honors, establishing a legacy as one of the top dual-position players in conference history.
Professional Career Summary
Through the 2024 NFL season, Davidson recorded 1 reception for 5 receiving yards across his professional career. While his statistical output has been limited, his value has come from his special teams contributions and his ability to serve as a swing player between offensive and special teams roles. His journey through four NFL organizations in five seasons demonstrates the competitive nature of maintaining a professional football career and the importance of versatility in earning opportunities at the highest level.
Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Publicly available information regarding Zach Davidson’s family background, including his parents, siblings, or any family connections to professional football, remains limited. He has not publicly discussed his family life in detail through media interviews or social media platforms. Any specific details about family lineage or relationships would require additional verified sources not currently available in the public domain.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a transitional year for Davidson as he joined the New York Giants organization midway through the campaign. Signed to the practice squad on November 11, 2025, he worked to establish himself within the Giants’ system and demonstrate his value as a practice squad-level player capable of contributing when needed. His elevation to the active roster for the Week 17 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders provided him with game experience in a Giants uniform as the regular season drew to a close.
Throughout the 2025 season, Davidson continued to demonstrate the characteristics that have defined his professional journey: reliability, versatility, and persistence. His ability to remain in the NFL despite multiple roster moves reflects his understanding of his role as a depth player who can step in on special teams and provide offensive support when called upon. The Giants’ decision to add him to their practice squad mid-season indicated their recognition of his experience and capability as a situational player who understands NFL terminology and schemes.
Looking ahead, Davidson’s career trajectory will likely continue to involve competition for roster spots and practice squad positions as he works to extend his professional football career. His experience at multiple organizations has provided him with a broad understanding of different coaching philosophies and organizational cultures, assets that could prove valuable as he pursues future opportunities in the league.