Chris Manhertz Bio
Chris Manhertz is an American professional football tight end who plays for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). Born on April 10, 1992, in The Bronx, New York, he stands 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighs about 235 pounds. He wears jersey number 85 for the Giants. Manhertz is recognized across the league as a former basketball player who successfully transitioned into the NFL after never playing organized football in college.
After years on various practice squads and active rosters, Manhertz has built a reputation as a reliable blocking tight end. His career has included stops with the Buffalo Bills, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Denver Broncos. He joined the New York Giants in 2024 and has since re-signed twice to remain with the franchise.
Early Life and Background
Chris Manhertz was born and raised in The Bronx, New York. He grew up in a New York City environment that exposed him to a wide range of sports from an early age. As a young athlete, he developed his athletic foundation in the city before moving on to high school competition.
Manhertz attended Cardinal Spellman High School in The Bronx, where he continued to develop as an athlete. After graduating, he enrolled at Canisius College, a Catholic institution in Buffalo, New York, that had discontinued its football program back in 2003. With no football program available at his school, Manhertz focused entirely on basketball during his college years.
At Canisius, he joined the Canisius Golden Griffins men’s basketball team, where he competed from 2010 through 2014. He became a standout player for the program and was eventually named a three-year captain of the squad. His basketball career at Canisius prepared him physically and competitively for a future professional sports opportunity.
Path to American Football
Coming out of college, Manhertz had never played a down of organized football. His only real familiarity with the sport came from playing the Madden NFL video game series. Despite this unconventional background, he decided to chase a career in professional football after graduating from Canisius.
Manhertz spent time training and teaching himself the fundamentals of the tight end position. He received an opportunity to try out for the Buffalo Bills and signed a future or reserve contract with the team in May 2015. Even the Bills’ head coach at the time, Rex Ryan, openly acknowledged that Manhertz’s chances of making the final roster were a long shot.
Although Manhertz did not make the Bills’ final roster, the tryout launched his professional football career. From that point forward, he continued to pursue roster spots across the league, gradually transitioning from a raw athlete into a reliable NFL tight end.
Chris Manhertz Career
Early Career (2015–2016)
After being released by the Buffalo Bills in 2015, Manhertz was picked up by the New Orleans Saints and spent most of his first professional season on the Saints’ practice squad. The time in New Orleans allowed him to continue learning the tight end position at a professional level.
In 2016, Manhertz made the Saints’ active roster at the start of the season and made his official NFL debut on September 18, 2016. He was later released by New Orleans on October 16, 2016, clearing the way for the next chapter of his career.
Carolina Panthers Breakthrough (2016–2020)
Manhertz was claimed off waivers by the Carolina Panthers on October 17, 2016, just one day after his release from New Orleans. He quickly found a home in Carolina, where he became a dependable member of the tight end group. In 2017, he played in 16 games with four starts in place of the injured Greg Olsen, finishing with two catches for 17 yards. A high ankle sprain in Week 17 ended his season and sent him to injured reserve.
In Week 15 of the 2018 season, Manhertz caught his first career touchdown on a 50-yard trick play pass from running back Christian McCaffrey. The play highlighted his athleticism and his ability to make the most of scoring opportunities. On January 29, 2019, the Panthers signed him to a two-year contract extension, and he was later named the starting tight end for the 2020 season.
Jacksonville Jaguars Era (2021–2022)
On March 17, 2021, Manhertz signed a two-year, $6.65 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The deal represented one of the most significant financial commitments of his career and reflected his growing value as a blocking tight end. He joined a Jaguars offense that featured rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
During a Week 1 game against the Houston Texans, Manhertz caught a 22-yard touchdown pass from Trevor Lawrence. That reception marked the first career touchdown pass for Lawrence in the NFL, making it a memorable early moment for both players. Manhertz spent two seasons in Jacksonville before moving on.
Denver Broncos Era (2023)
On March 15, 2023, Manhertz signed a two-year contract with the Denver Broncos. He joined the team in the hope of contributing as a veteran blocking tight end. His time in Denver, however, proved short.
On March 8, 2024, the Broncos released Manhertz, opening the door for his next opportunity in free agency.
New York Giants Era (2024–Present)
On March 16, 2024, Manhertz signed with the New York Giants. He played in all 17 games during the 2024 season, including 11 starts, serving as the primary blocking tight end for the offense. On March 8, 2025, he signed a one-year contract extension to remain in New York, and he appeared in all 17 games while starting three, finishing the year with one reception for seven scoreless yards.
On March 9, 2026, Manhertz re-signed with the Giants for a third season with the franchise, continuing his role as a steady veteran presence.
Driving Style and Strengths
Manhertz is valued primarily for his blocking ability, size, and toughness at the tight end position. At 6 feet 6 inches tall, he presents a difficult matchup near the line of scrimmage, and his basketball background gives him strong hand-eye coordination and body control. Coaches have consistently praised his willingness to do the unglamorous work required of an in-line tight end.
Notable Events and Milestones
One signature moment came in 2018 when Manhertz caught his first career touchdown on a 50-yard trick play pass from Christian McCaffrey while with the Carolina Panthers. Another memorable moment came during his time in Jacksonville, when he caught a touchdown pass from rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence in Week 1, marking the first career touchdown throw of Lawrence’s NFL career.
Chris Manhertz Career Statistics
Through his NFL career as of 2025, Chris Manhertz has recorded 30 receptions for 308 receiving yards and 3 receiving touchdowns. His statistical totals reflect his primary role as a blocking tight end who contributes in limited but meaningful ways in the passing game.
Chris Manhertz Personal Life
Chris Manhertz continues to be known off the field for his remarkable athletic journey from college basketball captain to NFL tight end. His background as a self-taught football player makes him a unique figure among active NFL players at his position.
2025 Season Performance
During the 2025 season, Manhertz served in his role as the primary blocking tight end for the New York Giants. He appeared in all 17 games, starting three of them, and recorded one reception for seven yards. He did not record any receiving touchdowns during the season, reflecting his role as a blocker and situational contributor rather than a primary receiving threat.
On March 8, 2025, Manhertz signed a one-year contract extension with the Giants, showing continued mutual confidence between the player and the organization. His ability to remain healthy and contribute on special teams and as an in-line blocker helped stabilize the tight end room throughout the year.
Heading into the 2026 season, Manhertz re-signed with the Giants on March 9, 2026, for a third season with the team, further cementing his role as a veteran leader in the locker room.
