In the 2025 NFL season, tight end Colby Parkinson reached new milestones by setting personal bests in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. The Los Angeles Rams’ strategic shift toward using more 13 personnel formations, featuring three tight ends, created opportunities that Parkinson maximized, highlighting his importance in the team’s offense.
Parkinson scored eight receiving touchdowns, surpassing the previous total of five he had amassed over five prior seasons. Beyond on-field success, he also gained wider recognition by appearing in a Super Bowl commercial, marking a pivotal year both professionally and personally.
Career-High Statistics and Efficiency in Scoring Zone
Data from Pro Football Reference confirms Parkinson’s career highs across multiple categories. Notably, his contribution in the red zone was exceptional—he led the Rams with 15 catches and 118 receiving yards inside the 20-yard line. While wide receiver Davante Adams had more touchdowns (six) and targets (22) near the goal line, Parkinson consistently converted critical plays and extended drives.
After wide receiver Puka Nacua’s Week 7 injury, the Rams increased usage of 13 personnel sets, boosting Parkinson’s playing time significantly. He ran the fourth-most routes on the team with 235 and was targeted 56 times, a personal best confirmed by Next Gen Stats. His catch rate of 76.8% was also the highest of his career, discounting his rookie year where he had minimal targets.
Growth Amidst Competition and Team Dynamics
Parkinson did not anticipate such a breakout season, especially after the Rams drafted tight end Terrance Ferguson in the second round of the 2025 draft. Nevertheless, the team’s cohesion and mutual support fueled greater production among the tight ends, taking advantage of their increased prominence in the offense.
I think getting different personnel groups out there definitely helps,
Parkinson said.
I mean, Sean (McVay) and the offensive staff do such a great job just scheming up different looks. There’ll be plays that they’ll install during meetings and say, ‘Hey, we’re looking at it for this look,’ and they’ll line up and be like, ‘Oh, this is exactly what we designed it for.’
— Colby Parkinson, Tight End
Looking Ahead: Potential for Continued Success in 2026
At just 27 years old, Parkinson’s sixth professional season demonstrated his growing impact on the Rams’ offense. The increased focus on 13 personnel formations has enabled him to showcase his skills fully, suggesting that a full season heavily reliant on this strategy in 2026 could elevate his performance even further.
Parkinson’s ability to excel within the team’s evolving system underscores his value in critical scoring situations and cements his role as a reliable red zone target moving forward.
