Nick Vannett Bio
Nicholas Vannett, known professionally as Nick Vannett, is an American professional football tight end for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). Born on March 6, 1993, in Westerville, Ohio, he rose to prominence as a member of the Ohio State Buckeyes squad that captured the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship. Selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Vannett has suited up for multiple franchises across his pro career and is recognized for the longevity he has shown at the tight end position.
Standing 6 ft 6 in and listed at 266 lb, Vannett combines prototypical size with reliable hands and sound blocking technique. He earned a degree in sports industry from Ohio State, reflecting an early interest in the business side of athletics that complements his on-field craft.
Early Life and Background
Nick Vannett grew up in Westerville, Ohio, where he attended Westerville Central High School and graduated in 2011. Playing for the Warhawks football team, he developed into a dependable two-way tight end who contributed as both a blocker and a pass catcher. His senior season featured 47 receptions for 606 yards and eight touchdowns, earning him all-metro, all-OCC, and all-district recognition from local media and coaches.
Beyond football, Vannett played baseball during his youth, though he ultimately chose to focus on football as he prepared for the next level. His combination of size, athleticism, and competitive drive drew early attention from collegiate programs, and on June 30, 2010, he committed to Ohio State. He signed his letter of intent on February 2, 2011, formally beginning his path toward Big Ten competition.
Path to Professional Football
Vannett redshirted his first year at Ohio State before breaking into the lineup, eventually appearing in 53 games over four active seasons. He finished his college career with 55 receptions for 585 yards and six touchdowns, including a memorable one-yard touchdown catch that helped the Buckeyes build an early lead in the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship, a 42–20 win over the Oregon Ducks.
Heading into his senior season, ESPN NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay ranked Vannett as the best tight end prospect in the country. He accepted an invitation to the 2016 Senior Bowl, where he impressed scouts with his blocking, hands, and ability to win contested catches. Although a back injury limited portions of his NFL Combine testing, his positional drills, Pro Day performance, and overall physical profile cemented his status as a top tight end in the 2016 draft class.
Nick Vannett Career
Seattle Seahawks Era (2016–2019)
The Seattle Seahawks selected Nick Vannett in the third round with the 94th overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft. Head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider initially projected him as a traditional blocking tight end, but Vannett quickly showed pass-catching ability during offseason workouts. He signed a four-year, $3.05 million contract and entered training camp competing for a depth role behind veterans Jimmy Graham and Luke Willson.
A high ankle sprain cost him the early portion of his rookie year, but Vannett made his regular-season debut on October 16, 2016, against the Atlanta Falcons. He recorded his first career reception two weeks later on a pass from Russell Wilson and earned his first career start during a Week 10 victory over the New England Patriots. After a quiet 2016, he caught his first career touchdown in 2017 against the San Francisco 49ers and posted 12 receptions for 124 yards that season. In 2018, Vannett set a personal best with 29 receptions for 269 yards and three touchdowns across 15 games.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2019)
On September 24, 2019, Seattle traded Vannett to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2020 fifth-round pick. He slotted into the Steelers’ tight end rotation and finished the 2019 season with 17 receptions for 166 yards in 16 games and seven starts, providing steady blocking support while contributing as a short-area receiving option.
Denver Broncos (2020)
Vannett signed a two-year, $5.7 million contract with the Denver Broncos on April 2, 2020, establishing himself as a featured tight end in the team’s offense. He played 15 games with 11 starts and recorded 14 receptions for 95 yards and one touchdown. Denver released him on March 23, 2021, opening the next chapter of his career.
New Orleans Saints (2021–2022)
On March 29, 2021, Vannett joined the New Orleans Saints on a three-year deal. A stint on injured reserve delayed his season debut, but after activation he appeared in seven games with two starts, finishing with nine receptions for 133 yards and a touchdown. The Saints released him on November 19, 2022.
New York Giants (2022)
The New York Giants signed Vannett to their practice squad on November 22, 2022, and promoted him to the active roster on December 3. He provided veteran depth at tight end during the final stretch of the regular season.
Houston Texans and Los Angeles Chargers (2023)
Vannett signed with the Houston Texans on August 2, 2023, but was released late in August. The Los Angeles Chargers added him to their practice squad on August 31 before signing him to the active roster on November 1. He appeared in eight games during the 2023 season.
Tennessee Titans (2024)
On May 13, 2024, Vannett signed with the Tennessee Titans, reuniting with quarterback Mason Rudolph from their shared time in Pittsburgh. He played all 17 games with 10 starts and posted 17 receptions for 135 yards and a career-high three touchdowns, showcasing his red-zone reliability.
Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams (2025)
Vannett signed with the Minnesota Vikings on August 4, 2025, was released during final cuts, and cycled between the practice squad and active roster during the early season. On November 26, 2025, the Los Angeles Rams signed him off the Vikings’ practice squad. He went on to appear in six regular-season games and one playoff game as the Rams reached the NFC Championship Game.
Driving Style and Strengths
Nick Vannett fits the mold of a traditional Y tight end with the versatility to align across the formation. His size and strength make him an effective in-line blocker, while his dependable hands and contested-catch ability allow him to function as a safety valve in the passing game. Teammates and coaches have consistently praised his work ethic and willingness to do the unglamorous jobs that keep an offense on schedule.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Vannett’s signature moments is his role in Ohio State’s 2014 College Football Playoff National Championship run, where his early touchdown helped set the tone against Oregon. He also recorded his first NFL touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers in 2017 and set a career high with three receiving touchdowns during the 2024 season with the Titans.
Nick Vannett Career Wins
Although tight ends are rarely measured by win totals, Nick Vannett has been part of winning environments throughout his career. He was a member of Ohio State’s 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship team and reached the NFC Championship Game with the Los Angeles Rams in the 2025 season. He has posted consistent regular-season production, accumulating 108 receptions for 1,012 yards and 9 receiving touchdowns across his NFL career.
Seattle Seahawks Highlights
During his four seasons in Seattle, Vannett appeared in the postseason and contributed on offense and special teams. His most productive Seahawks campaign came in 2018, when he recorded 29 receptions for 269 yards and three touchdowns while making nine starts.
Other Performances
Vannett has provided reliable production for multiple franchises, including 17 receptions for 166 yards with Pittsburgh in 2019 and a career-high three touchdown receptions with Tennessee in 2024. His adaptability and durability have made him a steady presence in tight end rooms across the league.
| Team | Years | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle Seahawks | 2016–2019 | 44 | 425 | 4 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 2019 | 17 | 166 | 0 |
| Denver Broncos | 2020 | 14 | 95 | 1 |
| New Orleans Saints | 2021–2022 | 9 | 133 | 1 |
| Tennessee Titans | 2024 | 17 | 135 | 3 |
Nick Vannett Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Nick Vannett was raised in Westerville, Ohio, where his family supported his athletic development from an early age. While he keeps most of his personal relationships private, his commitment to education is evident in his completion of a sports industry degree from Ohio State, reflecting the values instilled during his upbringing.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season saw Nick Vannett bounce between the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad and active roster before finding a late-season home with the Los Angeles Rams. Signed off Minnesota’s practice squad on November 26, 2025, he quickly integrated into the Rams’ tight end group and contributed on special teams and in rotational offensive packages.
Vannett appeared in six regular-season games and one playoff game for Los Angeles as the Rams advanced to the NFC Championship Game. His veteran presence and blocking reliability helped stabilize the position group during a deep postseason run.
Looking ahead, Vannett’s continued durability and adaptability position him well for future opportunities, whether as a blocking specialist, a red-zone target, or a trusted locker room voice for younger tight ends across the league.
