Adam Trautman Bio
Adam Trautman (born February 5, 1997) is an American professional football tight end for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing around 253 pounds, he plays a hybrid role as both a pass catcher and a blocker. After a standout college career at the University of Dayton, he entered the league as a third-round draft pick and has since become a reliable contributor on offense and special teams.
Trautman is listed as number 82 on the Denver Broncos roster and remains active in the NFL. Through his first five professional seasons, he has recorded 115 receptions for 1,228 receiving yards and 10 receiving touchdowns. He is also recognized for his work in the blocking game, where scouting services have ranked him among the league’s best at his position.
Early Life and Background
Adam Trautman grew up in Williamsburg, Michigan, a small community in the northern part of the state. He attended Elk Rapids High School, where he competed in both basketball and football. His versatility and production earned him All-County honors in both sports during his prep career.
As a senior at Elk Rapids, Trautman set every major school passing record and was named the Lake Michigan Conference Player of the Year. Although he played quarterback in high school, his frame and athleticism soon made it clear that his future in football would likely be at a different position. That projection came true once he arrived at the college level.
Path to American Football
Trautman joined the University of Dayton Flyers in 2015 and initially continued as a quarterback. After redshirting his first year, the Dayton coaching staff made the decision to move him to tight end, a switch that ultimately launched his professional career. The change allowed him to take advantage of his size, hands, and football instincts.
As a redshirt freshman, he quickly adjusted to the new role, catching 24 passes for 238 yards and three touchdowns. Each season brought steady growth, and Trautman eventually became one of the most productive tight ends in the Pioneer Football League (PFL). His development at Dayton earned him an invitation to the 2020 Senior Bowl, where he caught two passes and showcased his skills to NFL scouts.
Adam Trautman Career
Early Career (2015–2019)
Trautman’s college development at Dayton was steady and impressive. During his sophomore season, he recorded 43 receptions for 537 yards and five touchdowns, earning second-team All-PFL honors. As a junior, he led the Flyers with 41 receptions, 604 yards, and nine touchdowns while securing another second-team All-PFL selection.
His senior year was his breakout. Trautman was named the PFL Offensive Player of the Year and first-team All-PFL after catching 70 passes for 916 yards and 14 touchdowns. He finished his collegiate career with 171 receptions for 2,295 yards and 31 touchdowns, solidifying his status as one of the most prolific tight ends in Dayton history. He also earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Dayton.
NFL Breakthrough with the New Orleans Saints (2020–2022)
Trautman was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the third round with the 105th overall pick of the 2020 NFL draft. He became the first Dayton football player to be drafted since Bill Westbeld in 1977. He made his NFL debut on September 13, 2020, in the season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, becoming the first Dayton player to appear in an NFL game in 45 years.
His first career reception came on September 21, 2020, on Monday Night Football, a 17-yard catch from Drew Brees in a 34–24 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. In Week 9 against the Buccaneers, Trautman posted three receptions for 39 yards and his first professional touchdown in a 38–3 victory. He closed his rookie year with 15 receptions for 171 yards and one touchdown, and Pro Football Focus rated him the best rookie tight end and the best run-blocking tight end in the NFL that season.
Trautman entered the 2021 season as the Saints’ starting tight end after the team released Jared Cook. A midseason injury placed him on injured reserve in late November, but he returned in December. That year, he finished with 27 receptions for 263 yards and two touchdowns. In 2022, he added 18 receptions for 207 yards and one touchdown while continuing to contribute as a blocker.
Denver Broncos Era (2023–Present)
On April 29, 2023, Trautman was traded from the Saints, along with the 257th pick of the 2023 NFL draft, to the Denver Broncos in exchange for the 195th pick. The move reunited him with former Saints head coach Sean Payton. He stepped in immediately as Denver’s starting tight end, playing all 17 games with 12 starts and recording 22 catches for 204 yards and three touchdowns.
On March 13, 2024, Trautman signed a two-year contract extension with the Broncos, confirming his long-term role within the offense. On March 8, 2026, the Broncos signed him to a three-year, $17 million extension, further cementing his value to the team. Throughout his time in Denver, he has continued to develop as a dual-threat tight end capable of contributing in both the passing and running games.
Driving Style and Strengths
Trautman is known for his strong run-blocking, reliable hands, and ability to line up in multiple formations. He excels in tight-window catches over the middle and has shown growth as a red-zone target. His basketball background has helped him track the ball in the air, while his football intelligence allows him to read defensive coverages effectively.
Notable Events and Milestones
Trautman’s career is marked by several notable moments, including his first NFL touchdown in a blowout win over the Buccaneers and a humorous incident in which Tampa Bay could not find a photo of him and accidentally used a picture of Jared Goff on the stadium scoreboard. He also holds the distinction of being the first Dayton player drafted and to play in an NFL game in nearly half a century.
Adam Trautman Career Wins
Adam Trautman’s professional résumé includes steady production as both a receiver and a blocker, though tight ends are rarely measured solely by win totals. Over his NFL career, he has accumulated 115 receptions, 1,228 receiving yards, and 10 receiving touchdowns, contributing to team efforts across multiple seasons. His most productive statistical year came in 2021, when he recorded 27 receptions for 263 yards and two touchdowns for the Saints.
NFL Highlights
Trautman’s NFL career includes a strong rookie campaign that earned top recognition from Pro Football Focus. His first touchdown came in 2020 against Tampa Bay, and he has since scored at least one touchdown in every full season he has played, including three scores in his first year with the Broncos in 2023.
Other Performances
Before the NFL, Trautman was a record-setter at Elk Rapids High School, where he earned Lake Michigan Conference Player of the Year honors. At Dayton, he left as one of the most decorated tight ends in program history, finishing with 31 career touchdowns and multiple All-PFL selections.
Adam Trautman Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Adam Trautman was raised in Williamsburg, Michigan, a close-knit community where multi-sport athletes were common. His upbringing in northern Michigan helped shape his work ethic and team-first mentality, traits that carried over into his college and professional careers.
Personal Life
Trautman earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Dayton, a notable academic achievement for a professional athlete. He remains connected to his Michigan roots and continues to be recognized for his combination of athletic and academic success.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents another chapter in Adam Trautman’s tenure with the Denver Broncos, where he remains a key piece of the tight end group. Following his two-year extension signed in 2024, he is expected to continue his role as a reliable target and blocker. His experience and familiarity with the offensive system provide consistency for a Broncos team focused on building long-term success.
Trautman’s value in 2025 lies not only in his receiving production but also in his leadership in the locker room and on the practice field. He is widely respected for his preparation, professionalism, and willingness to contribute in any role the team requires. As the Broncos continue to develop their offense, Trautman’s veteran presence is expected to play a stabilizing role.
