Zackary Patrick Kuntz Bio
Zackary Patrick Kuntz is an American professional football tight end who currently plays in the National Football League. Born on June 4, 1999, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Kuntz stands at 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighs 251 pounds. He played college football at Penn State University and Old Dominion University before being selected by the New York Jets in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Kuntz earned first-team All-Conference USA honors during his lone season with Old Dominion in 2021.
Early Life and Background
Kuntz grew up in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, and attended Camp Hill High School. He was a multi-sport athlete, competing in basketball, football, and track and field during his high school years. On the football field, Kuntz emerged as a highly productive receiver. As a sophomore, he recorded 49 receptions for 793 yards and 11 touchdowns. He followed that performance with a senior season of 40 catches for 1,060 yards and nine touchdowns.
Kuntz also excelled in track and field, winning the Pennsylvania Class AA Championship in the 110-meter hurdles as a junior. His athletic ability and size made him a highly regarded prospect. Rated as a four-star recruit, Kuntz received scholarship offers from several major college football programs including Alabama, Michigan, and Ohio State before choosing to attend Penn State University.
Path to Professional Football
Kuntz enrolled at Penn State University in January 2018, joining the Nittany Lions as an early enrollee. He saw limited action during his true freshman season, appearing in just one game and catching one pass for eight yards before redshirting. Kuntz continued to develop over the following seasons, playing in all 13 of Penn State’s games during his redshirt sophomore season, primarily contributing on special teams while recording two receptions for 18 yards on offense.
Seeking a greater role in the offense, Kuntz transferred to Old Dominion University for the 2021 season. The move proved beneficial as he immediately became a primary target for the Monarchs passing attack. Kuntz caught 73 passes for 692 yards and five touchdowns, earning first-team All-Conference USA recognition. His performance established him as one of the top tight ends in the Group of Five conferences and improved his NFL draft prospects heading into his senior season.
Zackary Patrick Kuntz Career
College Career (2018–2022)
Kuntz’s college career spanned five seasons across two programs. At Penn State, he served primarily as a special teams contributor while developing as an offensive player. The transition to Old Dominion in 2021 marked a turning point in his collegiate career, as he embraced a featured role in the Monarchs offense and delivered his most productive statistical season.
His 2021 campaign at Old Dominion showcased his ability to create mismatches against defensive backs and linebackers due to his exceptional size. The first-team All-Conference USA selection validated his decision to transfer and demonstrated his readiness for the next level. Kuntz declared for the 2023 NFL Draft following his standout season with the Monarchs.
New York Jets (2023–2025)
The New York Jets selected Kuntz in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 220th overall pick. He began his professional career with the Jets but was waived during final roster cuts in August 2023. Kuntz was re-signed to the practice squad, where he spent the early portion of his rookie season developing. He was promoted to the active roster in late December 2023.
Kuntz returned to the Jets for the 2024 season. He was again waived during final roster cuts in August 2024 but re-signed to the practice squad shortly after. In January 2025, Kuntz signed a reserve/future contract with the Jets, securing his place on the roster for the 2025 season. The contract indicated the team’s continued interest in his development as a tight end prospect.
Physical Tools and Playing Style
Kuntz possesses exceptional length at 6 feet 7 inches, making him a difficult matchup for smaller defensive backs and slower linebackers. His size allows him to be an effective red-zone target and provides his quarterbacks with a large catching radius. Kuntz’s background as a multi-sport athlete in high school contributed to his overall body control and coordination. He lined up in multiple positions, including inline tight end and split wide, showcasing positional versatility.
Notable Events and Milestones
Kuntz’s journey to the NFL required patience and persistence. Going undrafted in the sense that he was selected in the seventh round, he faced an uphill battle to make an NFL roster. His ability to bounce between the active roster and practice squad during his first two seasons demonstrated his resilience. The multi-year contract he signed in January 2025 represented a significant milestone, indicating the Jets viewed him as part of their long-term plans at the tight end position.
Zackary Patrick Kuntz Career Statistics
Kuntz’s most productive statistical season came during his single year at Old Dominion University in 2021. His NFL career has featured limited offensive opportunities, with his primary contributions coming on special teams units.
College Statistics Highlights
During his lone season at Old Dominion, Kuntz recorded 73 receptions for 692 yards and five touchdowns. He earned first-team All-Conference USA recognition for his performance. At Penn State over three seasons, Kuntz appeared in 27 games with minimal offensive production, recording three receptions for 26 yards while making his biggest impact on special teams.
Other Athletic Achievements
Beyond football, Kuntz achieved success in track and field at the high school level. His Pennsylvania Class AA Championship in the 110-meter hurdles as a junior demonstrated his athleticism and speed. In high school football, he was recognized as a four-star recruit, placing him among the top prospects nationally at his position.
Zackary Patrick Kuntz Family
Family Background
Limited verified information is available regarding Kuntz’s family background. He is from the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania metropolitan area, where he attended Camp Hill High School. His upbringing in the region provided him access to competitive high school football programs that helped prepare him for the collegiate level.
Personal Life
Kuntz maintains an active presence on social media, connecting with fans through his verified accounts on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). He continues to pursue his NFL career with determination following his time with the New York Jets organization. Kuntz’s background as a multi-sport athlete continues to influence his approach to football, as he works to refine his skills as a professional tight end.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks an important chapter in Kuntz’s professional career. After signing a reserve/future contract with the New York Jets in January 2025, he entered training camp with an opportunity to compete for a more significant role on the roster. The Jets tight end room featured several players vying for playing time, and Kuntz’s size and athleticism gave him a chance to stand out during offseason workouts and the preseason.
Kuntz’s familiarity with the Jets organization after two seasons provided him with a comfort level in the playbook and terminology. His experience on special teams increased his value to the coaching staff, as NFL teams prioritize players who can contribute in multiple phases of the game. The 2025 season offered Kuntz the opportunity to build on his development and potentially earn more offensive snaps as the year progressed.