Patrick John Freiermuth Bio
Patrick John Freiermuth is an American professional football tight end currently playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Penn State University and was drafted by the Steelers in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Early Life and Background
Patrick John Freiermuth was born on October 25, 1998, in Merrimac, Massachusetts. He attended Pentucket Regional High School in West Newbury before transferring to the Brooks School in North Andover, Massachusetts. At Brooks, he played tight end and outside linebacker on the football team and also competed as a power forward and small forward in basketball. During his high school football career, he accumulated 1,531 total yards and scored 24 touchdowns. He committed to Penn State University to continue his football career at the collegiate level.
Path to American Football
Freiermuth’s early football development took place at the Brooks School, where he showcased his skills as a versatile player on both offense and defense. His athleticism and performance in high school earned him a scholarship to Penn State, a major program in college football. At Penn State, he quickly became a key player, breaking records and earning conference honors, which positioned him for entry into the NFL.
Patrick John Freiermuth Career
Early Career (2018–2020)
Freiermuth began his college career at Penn State in 2018, starting nine games as a freshman. He recorded 26 receptions for 368 yards and eight touchdowns, setting a record for most receiving touchdowns by a freshman tight end at Penn State. Over the next two seasons, he remained a starter and was named Penn State Football’s Most Valuable Offensive Player in 2019. He finished his college career with 92 receptions, 1,185 receiving yards, and 16 touchdowns, tying for eighth place in career touchdowns at Penn State and first among tight ends. In 2020, he was honored as the Big Ten Conference’s Kwalick–Clark Tight End of the Year and was selected first-team All-Big Ten by the coaches.
Pittsburgh Steelers Breakthrough (2021–Present)
Freiermuth was selected 55th overall in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers, filling the tight end role left vacant by Vance McDonald’s retirement. He signed a four-year rookie contract and was assigned jersey number 88, famously worn by Hall of Famer Lynn Swann. In his rookie season, Freiermuth started all 17 games, recording 60 receptions for 497 yards and seven touchdowns. He made an immediate impact, scoring his first professional touchdown in Week 3 and earning recognition from fans who chanted “Muth” during games.
In the 2022 season, Freiermuth played in 16 games, starting eight, and improved his receiving yards to 732 on 63 catches with two touchdowns. Despite some injuries in 2023, including a hamstring issue that placed him on injured reserve, he returned to post his best game of the season with 120 receiving yards against the Cincinnati Bengals. He finished the 2023 regular season with 32 receptions for 308 yards and two touchdowns over 12 games.
Pittsburgh Steelers Era (2024–Present)
In September 2024, Freiermuth signed a four-year, $48.4 million contract extension with the Steelers, securing his place on the team through the 2028 season. During the 2024 season, he continued to be a key offensive contributor, catching seven touchdowns and 653 yards on 65 receptions. The Steelers finished the season with a 10–7 record and earned a playoff berth. In the postseason, Freiermuth made several catches but the team was eliminated in the wildcard round by the Baltimore Ravens.
Driving Style and Strengths
Freiermuth is known for his reliable hands, route running, and ability to gain yards after the catch. His size and athleticism make him a versatile tight end capable of both blocking and receiving duties. He has developed a strong rapport with his quarterbacks and is effective in both short-yardage and red-zone situations.
Notable Events and Milestones
Freiermuth’s rookie season was marked by his immediate impact as a starter and his ability to fill the void left by a veteran tight end. His jersey number 88 connects him to Steelers history, and his fan nickname “Muth” highlights his popularity. He has overcome injuries to maintain consistent production and has secured a lucrative contract extension reflecting his value to the team.
Patrick John Freiermuth Career Wins
NFL Highlights
While individual wins are team achievements in football, Freiermuth has contributed significantly to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive success since joining the team in 2021. He has been a reliable target in critical game situations and has helped the Steelers reach the playoffs multiple times during his tenure.
Other Performances
Prior to his NFL career, Freiermuth earned notable accolades in college football, including Big Ten Tight End of the Year honors and multiple All-Big Ten selections, showcasing his talent and consistency at the collegiate level.
Patrick John Freiermuth Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Freiermuth comes from an athletic family. His father, John Freiermuth, was a standout basketball player named New Hampshire’s “Mr. Basketball” in 1988. His uncle, Michael Foley, is a football coach at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His mother was a history teacher and a successful high school field hockey coach. His brother Tim played college football as an offensive lineman.
Personal Life
Details about Freiermuth’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly disclosed. He maintains a professional focus on his football career.
2025 Season Performance
In the 2025 season, Freiermuth shared the tight end role with Jonnu Smith following Smith’s acquisition by the Steelers. He started the season strong, making key receptions and scoring multiple touchdowns, including a standout performance on Thursday Night Football with 106 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Freiermuth has continued to be a vital part of the Steelers’ offense, demonstrating his ability to perform in prime-time games and maintain his status as a leading receiver.
