Stephen Carlson Bio
Stephen Carlson is an American professional football tight end for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 248 pounds, Carlson plays the tight end position and wears jersey number 88. He previously played for the Cleveland Browns and returned to the league after working his way back onto NFL rosters through practice squad opportunities.
A Princeton University graduate, Carlson entered the NFL in 2019 after going undrafted and built his career through persistence and special teams contributions. He is recognized for a memorable first career touchdown reception as a rookie and for his reliable blocking skills in multiple offensive systems.
Early Life and Background
Stephen Carlson was born on December 12, 1996, in Jamestown, New York. He grew up in Jamestown, where football became a central part of his life from an early age. His size and athleticism helped him stand out in youth and high school competition throughout the region.
Carlson attended Jamestown High School, where he starred as a member of the Jamestown Red Raiders. As a Red Raider, he amassed 2,411 receiving yards on 134 receptions with 22 touchdowns. Defensively, he recorded more than 250 tackles, showing the two-way ability that would later help him find a role at the next level.
His outstanding senior season earned him the Connolly Cup in 2014, an award given annually to the top high school football player in Western New York. That recognition helped establish him as a recruit of interest for Ivy League programs.
Path to American Football
Following his decorated high school career, Carlson committed to Princeton University, where he played for the Princeton Tigers from 2015 through 2018. The Ivy League program provided a strong academic and athletic environment, allowing him to develop his route running, blocking, and special teams skills against high-level competition.
At Princeton, Carlson worked his way into a regular role within the tight end rotation. His combination of size, hands, and toughness made him a dependable target in the passing game and a physical presence in the run game. His development over four seasons prepared him to pursue a professional career despite the limited spotlight that comes with Ivy League football.
When his college eligibility ended, Carlson declared for the 2019 NFL draft. Going undrafted did not end his professional hopes, as his Princeton tape and combine measurables drew interest from several NFL teams seeking depth at the tight end position.
Stephen Carlson Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
After going undrafted in the 2019 NFL draft, Carlson signed with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in May 2019. He was waived during final roster cuts and then re-signed to the Browns’ practice squad. On November 1, 2019, Cleveland promoted him to the active roster.
Carlson’s first NFL catch came on November 14, 2019, when he hauled in a touchdown reception from quarterback Baker Mayfield during a 21–7 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 2020, he scored a two-point conversion against the Dallas Cowboys on October 4 after chasing down a blocked kick that Dallas fumbled toward the end zone. The Browns tendered him an exclusive-rights free agent offer in March 2021, and he signed a one-year contract in April before being placed on injured reserve in August 2021.
Chicago Bears Era (2023–Present)
On May 6, 2023, the Chicago Bears signed Carlson to a one-year deal following a rookie minicamp workout. He was waived during final cuts and re-signed to the practice squad before eventually returning to the active roster. He signed a reserve/future contract on January 8, 2024, securing his place in the organization.
Carlson was waived again on August 27, 2024, and brought back to the practice squad before being promoted to the active roster on September 24. On March 13, 2025, he re-signed with the Bears, was released on August 26 as part of final roster cuts, and rejoined the practice squad the next day. On January 20, 2026, he signed a reserve/futures contract to remain in Chicago.
Driving Style and Strengths
Carlson is valued as a physical, well-rounded tight end who can contribute as both a blocker and a pass catcher. His 6-foot-4 frame gives him size to handle inline blocking duties against NFL defensive ends, while his Princeton background prepared him for the mental demands of route running and pass protection. Coaches have also highlighted his work ethic and willingness to embrace special teams roles as keys to his continued NFL career.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Carlson’s career came on November 14, 2019, when he recorded his first NFL reception, a touchdown catch from Baker Mayfield against the Pittsburgh Steelers. His two-point conversion against the Dallas Cowboys in 2020 added another memorable chapter, while his persistent movement between active rosters and practice squads has showcased his resilience and professional durability.
Stephen Carlson Career Wins
Carlson’s career highlights are rooted less in championship victories and more in personal milestones and team achievements through several seasons. His first NFL touchdown, his role in multiple Cleveland Browns wins during the 2019 and 2020 seasons, and his continued contributions to the Chicago Bears have all shaped his professional journey. Across both franchises, he has been part of winning efforts while working primarily in reserve and special teams capacities.
NFL Highlights
In the NFL, Carlson has recorded 6 receptions for 62 receiving yards and 1 receiving touchdown through the 2023 season, numbers that reflect his role as a depth tight end. His most memorable moment remains his first career touchdown reception from Baker Mayfield against the Pittsburgh Steelers in November 2019.
Other Wins and Performances
Carlson’s most notable pre-professional honor was the Connolly Cup in 2014, awarded to the top high school football player in Western New York. His statistics as a Jamestown Red Raider, including 2,411 receiving yards, 22 touchdowns, and more than 250 tackles, remain among the most decorated in program history.
Stephen Carlson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Stephen Carlson’s immediate family is limited. He grew up in Jamestown, New York, where his family supported his early football development. Details about his parents and siblings are not widely documented in publicly available sources.
Personal Life
Carlson maintains an active presence on social media, where he engages with fans and shares updates about his career. He focuses much of his off-field attention on training, recovery, and community involvement tied to his football work. Specific details regarding a spouse or children are not publicly confirmed.
2025 Season Performance
During the 2025 season, Carlson returned to the Chicago Bears after re-signing in March 2025. Following his release during final roster cuts on August 26, he rejoined the practice squad the next day and continued to contribute within the team’s tight end group. His familiarity with the Bears’ offensive system made him a reliable depth option throughout the year.
Carlson’s role in 2025 centered on special teams and developmental play within the tight end room, while staying prepared for opportunities on the active roster. His experience with the organization, built up since 2023, allowed him to serve as a steady presence during a transitional period for the Bears.
Looking ahead, Carlson signed a reserve/futures contract on January 20, 2026, securing his path toward the next season. His continued growth as a blocker and his leadership among the team’s depth tight ends position him well for another opportunity to compete for a roster spot.