Charlie Kolar Bio
Charlie Kolar (born February 10, 1999) is an American professional football tight end currently playing in the National Football League (NFL). After beginning his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens, he now plays for the Los Angeles Chargers. Kolar first gained recognition as a standout at Norman North High School in Oklahoma and later at Iowa State University, where he earned one of college football’s most prestigious academic honors.
Standing 6 feet 6 inches tall and listed at 250 pounds, Kolar is a tall, reliable target in the passing game. Beyond his work on the field, he is recognized for his academic achievements, having graduated from Iowa State with a near-perfect grade point average in mechanical engineering. His combination of size, intelligence, and consistency has shaped his path from a decorated high school athlete to a respected NFL tight end.
Early Life and Background
Charlie Kolar grew up in Norman, Oklahoma, where he attended Norman North High School. At Norman North, he played both football and basketball, developing the athletic foundation that would later support his football career. His basketball teammate during his high school years was Trae Young, who would go on to become an NBA All-Star, giving Kolar an early window into high-level competition and dedication.
As a junior at Norman North, Kolar caught 52 passes for 920 yards and 13 touchdowns, establishing himself as a promising receiving threat. In his senior season, he elevated his production even further, recording 66 receptions for 1,240 yards and 12 touchdowns, a performance that earned him first-team All-State honors. His high school success attracted attention from several college programs, including Air Force, Army, Stephen F. Austin, and Oklahoma State.
Despite a late recruiting push from Oklahoma State, Kolar chose to commit to Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, ahead of his senior year. The decision set the stage for one of the most accomplished careers in Cyclones history.
Path to American Football
Kolar’s path to professional football began in earnest at Norman North, where his receiving numbers drew the attention of college scouts across the country. His ability to combine size with reliable hands made him an appealing target for programs seeking a pass-catching tight end.
At Iowa State, Kolar redshirted his true freshman year, preserving a season of eligibility while adjusting to the college game. When he took the field as a redshirt freshman, he played in all 13 games, finishing with 11 receptions for 137 yards and three touchdowns, enough to earn second-team All-Big 12 Conference recognition from the league’s coaches.
As a redshirt sophomore, Kolar broke out with 51 catches for 697 yards and seven touchdowns, earning first-team All-Big 12 honors. He briefly considered entering the 2020 NFL Draft before deciding to return for his redshirt junior season, a choice that allowed him to further refine his game and add to his academic accomplishments.
Charlie Kolar Career
Early Career (2018–2021)
Kolar’s early college career was defined by steady progression and immediate impact. After redshirting, he debuted with a productive redshirt freshman season that earned him second-team All-Big 12 honors in 2018. His combination of dependable hands and red-zone size made him a consistent target in the Cyclones offense.
His second and third seasons at Iowa State saw him named first-team All-Big 12 in both 2019 and 2020, cementing his status as one of the top tight ends in the conference. Beyond his athletic success, Kolar graduated from Iowa State in the fall of 2020 with a 3.99 cumulative grade point average in mechanical engineering, an academic achievement that reflected his discipline and work ethic.
Big 12 Breakthrough (2019–2021)
Kolar’s redshirt sophomore season in 2019 served as his true breakthrough at the Big 12 level, with 51 receptions for 697 yards and seven touchdowns. The performance earned him first-team All-Big 12 recognition and signaled his emergence as a complete tight end capable of stretching the field.
In his redshirt junior year, he again earned first-team All-Big 12 honors, finishing with 44 receptions for 591 yards and a team-high seven touchdown receptions. His consistent production across multiple seasons placed him among the most respected tight ends in Iowa State history.
His senior campaign brought his most prestigious individual recognition. In 2021, Kolar was awarded the William V. Campbell Trophy, widely known as the “academic Heisman,” honoring the nation’s best football student-athlete. He was also named first-team All-Big 12 for a third straight year, completing one of the most decorated careers in Cyclones history.
Charlie Kolar Career Wins
Charlie Kolar’s career highlights include three consecutive first-team All-Big 12 selections (2019, 2020, 2021), a second-team All-Big 12 nod in 2018, and the 2021 William V. Campbell Trophy. While tight ends are not typically measured by win totals in the same way as quarterbacks, his on-field accomplishments and postseason contributions have made him a reliable contributor at every level.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond his conference honors, Kolar’s senior-season campaign with the Cyclones and his subsequent selection in the 2022 NFL Draft stand as defining achievements. His ability to contribute in both the passing game and on special teams has marked him as a versatile professional.
Charlie Kolar Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Personal Life
Kolar’s older brother, John, played quarterback at Oklahoma State and later transferred to Iowa State as a graduate for the 2019 season, where the two brothers shared the same program. His younger sister, Katie, has played volleyball for West Virginia University in Morgantown, giving the family a strong multi-sport athletic tradition.
2025 Season Performance
Kolar’s 2025 season with the Baltimore Ravens included an early setback, as he broke an arm during a Week 12 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers and was ruled out for at least four weeks. He was activated from injured reserve on January 3, 2025, in time for the team’s season finale against the Cleveland Browns.
Earlier in the season, Kolar scored touchdowns in back-to-back weeks against the Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins, a stretch that highlighted his role as a red-zone target. He finished the 2025 regular season with 10 receptions for 142 yards and two touchdowns, contributing as a depth tight end and special teams player.
On March 10, 2026, Kolar signed a three-year, $24.3 million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers, opening a new chapter in his professional career and signaling a larger offensive role ahead.
