Anthony Firkser Bio
Anthony Paul Firkser is an American professional football tight end in the National Football League (NFL). Born on February 19, 1995, in Manalapan Township, New Jersey, he has built a career as a journeyman pass catcher who has appeared for several NFL franchises. A graduate of Harvard University, Firkser entered the league in 2017 as an undrafted free agent and earned recognition as a reliable receiving tight end during his four seasons with the Tennessee Titans.
Across his career, Firkser has suited up for the New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, Tennessee Titans, Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots, Detroit Lions, and Washington Commanders. He is listed at 6 feet 2 inches tall and around 241 pounds, and is known for his intelligent route running, dependable hands, and the perseverance required to remain active in the NFL for nearly a decade.
Early Life and Background
Anthony Paul Firkser was born on February 19, 1995, in Manalapan Township, New Jersey, to his parents, Alex Firkser and Donna Firkser. He grew up in nearby Englishtown and was raised in a Jewish household, attending Temple Shaari Emeth in Manalapan, where he later celebrated his bar mitzvah. His older brother, Josh Firkser, played football at Wagner College, which helped shape Anthony’s interest in the sport.
At Manalapan High School, Firkser was a multi-sport athlete who starred on the basketball court as a point guard. He averaged 21.3 points and 7.6 assists per game, finishing his career second in school history with 1,362 points. As a senior, he was named the Shore Conference Co-Player of the Year, the Shore Conference ‘A’ North Division Offensive Player of the Year, and earned all-state honors. In 2013, he represented the United States as a guard on the 18-and-under gold medal-winning basketball team at the Maccabiah Games in Israel, playing alongside Spencer Weisz.
Firkser did not begin playing football until his sophomore year of high school, but he quickly developed into a top receiver. Over three varsity seasons, the Manalapan football team went 30–6 and captured three consecutive ‘A’ North Division titles, including an 18-game divisional winning streak. He set school records with 110 receptions, 2,118 receiving yards, and 19 touchdown catches. As a senior wide receiver, he was honored as the All-Shore Offensive Player of the Year and was a two-time All-Shore first-team selection.
Path to American Football
Coming out of Manalapan High School, Firkser was recruited by Harvard University along with four other schools. Citing Harvard’s academic reputation and its willingness to let him play both basketball and football, he committed to the Crimson on October 17, 2012, choosing the program over other suitors.
At Harvard, Firkser played under head coach Tim Murphy and gradually became one of the top tight ends in the Ivy League. He made his collegiate debut in 2014, and over his four years he was twice named second-team All-Ivy League in 2014 and 2015 before earning first-team All-Ivy honors in 2016. He graduated in 2017 with a degree in applied mathematics.
At the conclusion of his Harvard career, Firkser ranked 12th in school history in receptions, ninth in receiving yards, and sixth in touchdown catches. During the 2018 offseason, he pursued actuarial credential exams, reflecting a long-term plan for a post-football career as an actuary.
Anthony Firkser Career
Early Career (2017)
Firkser participated in the Harvard Pro Day on March 19, 2017, where he showcased his skills in front of nearly half of the NFL’s teams. Scouting reports praised his intelligence, toughness, quick release into routes, and ability to adjust to off-target throws, though evaluators questioned his size and blocking strength, projecting him as a fullback-tight end hybrid.
He signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent on May 5, 2017, and was waived on September 2, 2017. On November 29, 2017, the Kansas City Chiefs added him to their practice squad, and he signed a reserve/future contract on January 8, 2018, before being waived on April 30, 2018.
Tennessee Titans Breakthrough (2018–2021)
On May 14, 2018, Firkser signed with the Tennessee Titans, who were impressed by his preseason production that ranked second on the team with 10 receptions for 108 yards. He made the initial 53-man roster, was briefly waived, and was promoted to the active roster on October 8. He recorded his first career reception in a Week 6 game against the Baltimore Ravens and scored his first NFL touchdown on a 12-yard pass from Marcus Mariota in a 26–22 victory over the Jets, finishing 2018 with 19 receptions for 225 yards and a touchdown.
In 2019, Firkser served as a depth tight end behind Delanie Walker, Jonnu Smith, and MyCole Pruitt before injuries elevated his role. He caught a Week 10 touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in a 35–32 win and finished the regular season with 14 receptions for 204 yards and a touchdown. In the playoffs, he became the first Harvard player to score a postseason NFL touchdown, catching two passes for 23 yards and a score in a 20–13 Wild Card upset of the New England Patriots. He also caught a 22-yard fourth-quarter touchdown in the AFC Championship against the Chiefs, the final touchdown of Tennessee’s 2019 season.
Firkser signed a one-year extension on February 13, 2020, and in Week 6 of the 2020 season, he posted his first 100-yard receiving game with eight catches for 113 yards and a touchdown in a 42–36 overtime win over the Houston Texans. He finished 2020 with 39 receptions for 387 yards and a touchdown, then caught two passes for 44 yards in a Wild Card loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Returning on a one-year deal in 2021, he added 34 receptions for 291 yards and two touchdowns, including scoring plays against the Houston Texans and Miami Dolphins.
Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots (2022–2023)
On April 12, 2022, Firkser signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons. After being released during final cuts, he was re-signed to the practice squad and promoted to the active roster on September 13, 2022. He appeared in 11 games with one start, recording nine receptions for 100 yards during the 2022 season.
On May 25, 2023, Firkser signed with the New England Patriots but was released on August 29, 2023, as part of roster trimming. He later joined the Detroit Lions’ practice squad on October 10, 2023, was promoted on December 30, briefly released, and returned again on January 13 to close the 2023 season.
Journeyman Years (2024–2025)
On July 30, 2024, Firkser returned to the New York Jets, where he was released, re-signed to the practice squad, promoted, and released again during the season. On November 2, 2024, he joined the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad, signed a reserve/future contract on February 12, 2025, and was released on May 1, 2025.
On November 11, 2025, Firkser signed with the Detroit Lions’ practice squad and was promoted to the active roster on November 26, finishing the 2025 season with eight receptions for 53 yards in seven games.
Washington Commanders Era (2026–Present)
On June 2, 2026, Firkser signed with the Washington Commanders, returning to the active roster and continuing a long NFL career built on persistence, special-teams value, and reliable tight end play. He joined the Commanders aiming to contribute as a veteran presence in the tight end room and on special teams.
Driving Style and Strengths
Firkser is recognized as an intelligent, assignment-sound tight end who excels in pass-catching situations rather than as a traditional in-line blocker. He releases quickly into routes, shows strong hands adjusting to off-target throws, and is praised for his football IQ and toughness. His ability to contribute on special teams has been a key factor in remaining on NFL rosters throughout his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of Firkser’s signature accomplishments was becoming the first player from Harvard to score a touchdown in an NFL postseason game, which he did in the 2019 Wild Card victory over the New England Patriots. He also earned a roster spot on a Tennessee Titans team that reached the AFC Championship Game and posted a 100-yard receiving performance against the Houston Texans in 2020.
Anthony Firkser Career Wins
While statistics for individual career victories are not formally tracked for tight ends, Firkser has been part of several winning teams and has collected key contributions across his stops. He played a role in Tennessee Titans playoff runs, including the 2019 Wild Card upset of the New England Patriots and the run to the AFC Championship, and contributed during the Atlanta Falcons’ 2022 season and the Detroit Lions’ recent stretch of competitive play.
Tennessee Titans Highlights
Firkser spent his most productive years in Tennessee from 2018 through 2021, posting career highs of 39 receptions for 387 yards in 2020 and 34 receptions for 291 yards with two touchdowns in 2021. He was on the active roster for the Titans’ 2019 AFC Championship run, the deepest postseason push of his career.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond Tennessee, Firkser has added reliable depth with the Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions, and Washington Commanders. His 2022 season with Atlanta produced nine receptions for 100 yards, and his 2025 return to Detroit included eight catches for 53 yards, underscoring his continued value as a trusted depth tight end.
Anthony Firkser Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Anthony Paul Firkser is the son of Alex Firkser and Donna Firkser, and grew up in Manalapan Township, New Jersey. His older brother, Josh Firkser, played college football at Wagner, helping introduce Anthony to the sport. The family has been active in the local Jewish community, and Firkser remains connected to his Manalapan roots.
Personal Life
Outside of football, Firkser pursued actuarial credential exams during the 2018 offseason, reflecting a long-term plan for a post-playing career as an actuary. He graduated from Harvard in 2017 with a degree in applied mathematics, highlighting his commitment to academics alongside athletics.
2025 Season Performance
Firkser began 2025 out of football after being released by the Kansas City Chiefs on May 1. He waited until November 11, 2025, to sign with the Detroit Lions’ practice squad before being promoted to the active roster on November 26, where he finished the season appearing in seven games. He closed the year with eight receptions for 53 yards, offering the Lions a reliable veteran presence at tight end and on special teams.
Detroit’s 2025 campaign rewarded the role players who stabilized the tight end room through the second half of the schedule. Firkser’s return to the active roster came during a stretch when the Lions relied on depth pieces to manage injuries and maintain offensive rhythm. His experience with multiple quarterbacks and offensive systems helped him integrate quickly into game plans.
Following the 2025 season, Firkser signed with the Washington Commanders on June 2, 2026, beginning a new chapter in his career. The move gives him an opportunity to compete for a roster spot in a fresh environment, with his 2025 performance serving as a reminder of his ability to contribute when called upon.
