Jake Tonges Bio
Jacob Tonges is an American professional football tight end for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). Born on July 8, 1999, in Cincinnati, Ohio, he played college football for the California Golden Bears. After going undrafted in 2022, he signed with the Chicago Bears, where he made an initial impression by securing his spot on the roster. Following a stint with the Bears, he continued his career with the San Francisco 49ers, achieving recognition for his performance.
Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing approximately 240 pounds, Tonges has built his reputation as a reliable pass catcher and blocker at the tight end position. He wears jersey number 88 for San Francisco and remains an active member of the team’s roster.
Early Life and Background
Jacob Tonges was born on July 8, 1999, in Cincinnati, Ohio. When he was five years old, his family relocated to Los Gatos, California, where he spent the remainder of his childhood. Growing up in the Bay Area set the foundation for his future connection to the region, both personally and athletically.
He attended Los Gatos High School, where he originally played quarterback during his freshman and sophomore seasons. He later transitioned into a two-way role, lining up as both a tight end and a defensive back. The versatility he developed at Los Gatos helped shape the all-around skill set that would later earn him opportunities at the collegiate level.
Although Tonges drew recruiting interest from several programs, including Sacramento State and Columbia, he chose to walk on at the University of California, Berkeley. That decision allowed him to remain close to home while competing at a high level within the Pac-12 Conference.
Path to American Football
Tonges’s road to the NFL began at the University of California, Berkeley, where he joined the California Golden Bears as a walk-on. He spent five seasons with the program and redshirted his true freshman year, using that period to develop physically and adjust to the speed of the college game.
As he progressed through the depth chart, Tonges became a consistent contributor in the passing game. During his redshirt senior season, he recorded 22 receptions for 278 yards and two touchdowns, demonstrating the reliability that coaches valued in their tight end rotation.
He wrapped up his college career with totals of 47 receptions for 620 yards and four touchdowns. Although those numbers were not eye-popping, they were enough to attract NFL scouts, and he signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent on April 30, 2022.
Jake Tonges Career
Early Career (2022)
Tonges began his professional career with the Chicago Bears in 2022 after going undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft. He impressed the coaching staff during training camp and earned a spot on the team’s initial 53-man roster, a notable achievement for an undrafted rookie.
His first season in Chicago was brief but instructive. Tonges was waived on November 10 before being re-signed to the practice squad. He later signed a reserve and future contract with Chicago on January 9, 2023, indicating that the organization still saw long-term potential in the young tight end.
Chicago Bears Era (2022-2023)
During his time with the Bears, Tonges continued to refine his craft as a depth tight end and practice squad contributor. His familiarity with the Bears’ offensive system gave him a strong foundation, even as the team evaluated its long-term plans at the position.
On August 8, 2023, Tonges was placed on injured reserve after clearing waivers. He was waived nine days later, ending his second stint with Chicago. That release opened the door for a fresh opportunity on the West Coast.
San Francisco 49ers Era (2023-Present)
On September 27, 2023, Tonges signed with the San Francisco 49ers’ practice squad, bringing him back to Northern California. He signed a reserve and future contract with the team on February 13, 2024, locking in his place with the organization for the following season.
On April 17, 2025, Tonges re-signed with the 49ers. His 2025 season marked a true breakthrough, as injuries to star tight end George Kittle opened up an expanded role within San Francisco’s offense. On September 7, he recorded his first career reception and first career touchdown, the game-winning score in a 17-13 road victory over the Seattle Seahawks.
Tonges finished his breakout 2025 campaign with 34 receptions for 293 yards and five touchdowns. In addition to his receiving production, his run-blocking grade of 74.4 ranked fifth-highest in the NFL among tight ends, according to Pro Football Focus. On March 12, 2026, he re-signed with San Francisco on a two-year, 8 million dollar contract that included 3.5 million dollars in guaranteed money.
Driving Style and Strengths
At 6 feet 4 inches and roughly 240 pounds, Tonges blends the size of an in-line tight end with the mobility of a receiver. He excels as a run blocker, evidenced by his top-five Pro Football Focus grade in 2025, and has shown dependable hands in the red zone, where all five of his touchdowns were scored.
Notable Events and Milestones
His game-winning touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks on September 7, 2025, stands as the signature moment of his young career. The performance signaled his emergence as a reliable target within the 49ers’ offense and helped cement his long-term future with the franchise.
Jake Tonges Career Wins
While tight ends are typically not measured by traditional win totals, Tonges’s contributions have translated into team success. His game-winning touchdown catch against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1 of the 2025 season is the most memorable individual milestone of his career to date.
NFL Highlights
Tonges has appeared in regular-season games for both the Chicago Bears and the San Francisco 49ers. Through the 2025 season, his NFL totals stand at 34 receptions for 293 yards and five receiving touchdowns, all accumulated during his breakout year in San Francisco.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his NFL stats, Tonges produced steadily during his time at the University of California, Berkeley, finishing with 47 receptions for 620 yards and four touchdowns across five seasons with the Golden Bears.
Jake Tonges Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Jacob Tonges was raised in a family that relocated from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Los Gatos, California, when he was five years old. The Bay Area community shaped much of his early athletic development and ultimately influenced his decision to attend the University of California, Berkeley.
Personal Life
Outside of football, Tonges maintains a presence on social media, where fans can follow his updates. Public details about his parents, marital status, and personal relationships remain limited, as he tends to keep his private life away from the spotlight.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented the arrival of Jake Tonges as a legitimate contributor for the San Francisco 49ers. Stepping into a larger role following injuries to George Kittle, he delivered one of the most memorable debuts of the year, hauling in the game-winning touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1.
Across the full season, he posted 34 receptions for 293 yards and five touchdowns, while grading out as one of the league’s elite run-blocking tight ends. His all-around play earned him recognition and laid the groundwork for a new contract.
Following the campaign, the 49ers rewarded Tonges with a two-year, 8 million dollar extension that included 3.5 million dollars in guaranteed money. With his role secure and his confidence high, Tonges is positioned as a key piece of San Francisco’s tight end room heading into the next chapter of his career.
