Trey Pipkins Bio
James Earl “Trey” Pipkins III, commonly known as Trey Pipkins, is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 6 inches tall and listed at 307 pounds, Pipkins has been a fixture on the Chargers’ offensive line since being selected in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Sioux Falls, where he developed into a draft-caliber prospect after beginning his athletic career in his home state of Minnesota.
Known for his size, athleticism, and versatility along the offensive line, Pipkins has started games at both tackle and guard during his NFL tenure. He earned a reputation for stepping into starting roles when called upon and for contributing in unusual situations, including scoring a two-point conversion as a receiver. His journey from a small college program to a multi-year NFL starter reflects steady development and durability.
Early Life and Background
James Earl Pipkins III was born on September 5, 1996, in Apple Valley, Minnesota. He grew up in the Twin Cities metropolitan area and attended Apple Valley High School, where he played high school football and began drawing attention as a young lineman with significant physical tools. The Apple Valley football program provided his first structured exposure to organized football at a high competitive level, and his development there laid the groundwork for his later college recruitment.
Despite his imposing size and athletic upside, Pipkins was not heavily recruited by major NCAA Division I programs out of high school. He instead chose to continue his football career at the University of Sioux Falls, an NCAA Division II program located in South Dakota. The decision allowed him to refine his technique, add strength, and earn meaningful playing time early in his college career.
At Sioux Falls, Pipkins developed into one of the premier offensive linemen in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. His combination of length, footwork, and run-blocking ability helped anchor the offensive line for the Cougars across multiple seasons, and his consistent improvement drew the attention of NFL scouts evaluating small-school prospects. He spent his college years from 2014 through 2018 developing into a legitimate professional prospect.
Path to American Football
Pipkins’ path to professional American football ran through the University of Sioux Falls Cougars rather than a high-profile Division I program. Coming out of Apple Valley High School, he bet on himself by choosing a program where he could develop and showcase his abilities, and the move paid off as he became a dominant lineman at the Division II level. His steady progression year over year built the resume that NFL teams would later evaluate.
His draft preparation included pre-draft testing and showcase events where he measured in at over 6 feet 6 inches and close to 310 pounds, confirming his NFL-caliber frame. Scouts projected him as a developmental tackle with starting potential, and his college production validated that evaluation. The Los Angeles Chargers ultimately selected him in the third round with the 91st overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, making him one of the more notable small-school linemen taken in that cycle.
Trey Pipkins Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
Pipkins joined the Los Angeles Chargers in 2019 and began his professional career working primarily as a depth offensive lineman. During his first two seasons, he appeared in games as a backup and on special teams while adjusting to the speed and complexity of the NFL game. He used those early years to build strength, refine his technique against professional pass rushers, and learn the Chargers’ offensive system.
The 2020 season brought unexpected challenges, as Pipkins was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list twice during the year. He was activated each time and continued to contribute when healthy. Throughout this developmental period, the Chargers valued his versatility and viewed him as a player with starting potential once he gained more experience.
Chargers Starting Role (2022–2023)
Pipkins was named the Chargers’ starting right tackle for the 2022 season, a major step in his development. He started 14 games that year and demonstrated the consistency the organization had hoped to see from him. His performance in the run game and pass protection gave the Chargers confidence in his long-term role on the offensive line.
On March 14, 2023, Pipkins signed a three-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Chargers, cementing his place in the team’s plans. The deal reflected his growth into a reliable starter and his value as a versatile lineman capable of playing both tackle and guard. During the 2023 season, Pipkins added an unusual highlight to his resume when he was declared an eligible receiver and caught a pass for a two-point conversion during a Week 2 game against the Tennessee Titans.
Los Angeles Chargers Era (2024–Present)
Entering the 2024 season, Pipkins remained a core part of the Chargers’ offensive line, providing depth and starting capability at multiple positions. As of the 2025 season, he has appeared in 97 career NFL games and made 66 starts, reflecting both his durability and his standing within the organization. He continued to serve as a veteran presence alongside younger linemen.
On March 11, 2026, Pipkins re-signed with the Los Angeles Chargers on a two-year, $10 million contract, signaling the team’s continued belief in his abilities. The agreement extended his tenure with the franchise and positioned him as a key piece of the offensive line for the foreseeable future.
Driving Style and Strengths
Although offensive linemen do not drive vehicles, Pipkins’ on-field style is defined by his combination of size, length, and movement skills. He excels in pass protection thanks to his long arms and his ability to redirect speed rushers, and he has shown the flexibility to play both tackle and guard. His football intelligence and willingness to adjust to different schemes have made him a dependable option in varied game plans.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Pipkins’ most memorable moments is his two-point conversion catch against the Tennessee Titans in 2023, a rare scoring play for an offensive lineman. He has also reached the milestone of 66 career starts and 97 games played, underscoring his durability. His three-year contract extension in 2023 and his two-year re-signing in 2026 represent major financial and organizational milestones in his career.
Trey Pipkins Career Wins
Trey Pipkins’ career is measured less in personal victory counts and more in team success and individual milestones along the offensive line. As a lineman, his contributions show up in protection statistics, run-blocking grades, and games started rather than traditional win totals. The verifiable figures that reflect his career include 97 games played and 66 games started through the 2025 NFL season.
Los Angeles Chargers Highlights
Pipkins’ first significant highlight with the Chargers came when he was named the starting right tackle for the 2022 season, marking his arrival as a full-time starter. His most recent milestone came with his re-signing in March 2026, a two-year, $10 million agreement that confirmed his continued value to the franchise. Between those bookends, he delivered a standout moment with his two-point conversion catch against the Tennessee Titans in 2023.
Other Wins and Performances
At the University of Sioux Falls, Pipkins established himself as one of the top offensive linemen in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference during his four college seasons from 2014 to 2018. His small-school dominance and pre-draft testing results helped him secure a third-round selection, which itself counts as one of the most significant achievements of his career. He has continued to perform reliably in starting and reserve roles throughout his NFL tenure.
Trey Pipkins Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Trey Pipkins’ family background is limited. He was born and raised in Apple Valley, Minnesota, where he attended Apple Valley High School. Detailed information about his parents and any relatives in athletics is not broadly documented in verified sources.
Personal Life
Trey Pipkins’ personal life, including his marital status, spouse, and children, is not publicly documented in verified sources. He has built his public identity primarily around his football career with the Los Angeles Chargers and his work along the offensive line. Further personal details have not been confirmed.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season represented another chapter of consistency for Trey Pipkins with the Los Angeles Chargers. He continued to operate as a versatile veteran offensive lineman, contributing in both starting duties and rotational roles depending on the team’s weekly needs. Through the 2025 campaign, his career totals reached 97 games played and 66 games started, reflecting his continued availability and importance to the offensive scheme.
Pipkins’ role within the offensive line room gave the Chargers flexibility to manage injuries and scheme-matchups throughout the season. His experience at both tackle and guard allowed the coaching staff to deploy him in a variety of packages, and his track record of reliability made him a trusted option in critical situations. The team’s confidence in him was reflected in the length and structure of his contract history.
Looking ahead, Pipkins’ future with the Los Angeles Chargers was secured when the team re-signed him in March 2026, a move that aligned with his strong 2025 contributions. The two-year agreement positioned him as a foundational piece of the offensive line moving forward. His continued presence provides stability and veteran leadership for a Chargers team building toward sustained success.
