Tyler Conklin joined the Los Angeles Chargers via free agency this offseason, signing a one-year, $3 million contract that includes $2.83 million in guarantees. The tight end spent the previous three seasons with the New York Jets. He appeared in 16 games last year, recording 51 receptions for 449 yards and a career-high four touchdowns.
The former fifth-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft went viral earlier this week for a clip of his route running while training during the offseason. He recently shared his thoughts on the criticism he has faced over the footage.
Tyler Conklin Weighs In on Criticism of Viral Route-Running Clip
Conklin faced plenty of backlash over the viral clip. James Foster of Wide Left took to X to defend the Chargers tight end, tweeting:
“Everyone making fun of Tyler Conklin for these routes, but they’ve been working vs. NFL LBs on third down for the last 5 years”
Everyone making fun of Tyler Conklin for these routes, but they’ve been working vs. NFL LBs on third down for the last 5 years https://t.co/NdlYEHxXK5 pic.twitter.com/g5ipJSPCPX
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) June 24, 2025
Conklin chimed in on the praise by retweeting the clip with a simple emoji:
“🤝”
— Tyler Conklin (@T_Conk1) June 24, 2025
Former NFL quarterback Kurt Benkert jumped into the comments, stating:
“Not many people moving like that at your size. Social media has made people way too comfortable. Can’t wait to watch you ball out this year.”
Not many people moving like that at your size. Social media has made people way too comfortable. Can’t wait to watch you ball out this year.
— Kurt Benkert (@KurtBenkert) June 24, 2025
Conklin noted that he is not concerned with the criticism:
“The internet will be the internet…I’m not tripping! But appreciate you bro and good to see you doing your thing with.”
The internet will be the internet…I’m not tripping! But appreciate you bro and good to see you doing your thing with.
— Tyler Conklin (@T_Conk1) June 25, 2025
While Will Dissly is projected to begin the season as the Chargers’ starting tight end, many believe Conklin could compete for the role atop the depth chart. It is unclear if the organization is set on handing the role to Dissly, who had a career year with 481 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 50 receptions.
However, Conklin figures to play a key role in the offense either way. Los Angeles marks his third stop in eight seasons after spending four years with the Minnesota Vikings and three years with the New York Jets.