Marlin Klein

Marlin Klein (born September 17, 2002) is a German professional American football tight end for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines, winning a national championship in 2023. Klein was selected by the Texans in the second round of the 2026 NFL draft.

Early life Klein was born in Germany on September 17, 2002, the son of Marco Albers and Melanie Klein. He grew up in Cologne, initially playing soccer and basketball as a youth before turning to American football. He played for the junior team of the Cologne Crocodiles. With the help of Gridiron Imports Foundation, a US Registered Non-profit that helps international football players play in the United States, Klein later transferred to Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School, a boarding school in Rabun Gap, Georgia, to play high school football in the United States. He was rated as a three-star recruit and committed to play college football at the University of Michigan.

College career In 2022, Klein enrolled at the University of Michigan and played in two games as a freshman before redshirting the season. In 2023, he played in ten games, winning the national championship with Michigan that season. He also made his first collegiate reception, finishing the year with one catch for eight yards.

In 2024, Klein moved into a larger role. In week three versus Arkansas State, he was Michigan’s leading receiver with three receptions for 43 yards. Klein played in all 13 games for the Wolverines, starting six times. He totaled 13 receptions for 108 yards and was a key contributor in the running game as a blocker.

In 2025, Klein opened the season as the No. 1 tight end, and in the first game against New Mexico had a career-high and team-high six receptions for 93 yards and a touchdown.

Statistics Year Team GP Receiving Rec Yds Avg TD 2022 Michigan 2 0 0 – 0 2023 Michigan 10 1 8 8.0 0 2024 Michigan 13 13 108 8.3 0 2025 Michigan 11 24 248 10.3 1Career 36 38 364 9.6 1

Professional career

Klein was selected by the Houston Texans in the second round with the 59th overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft. Klein was the highest drafted German player since Björn Werner was drafted in the first round, 24th overall by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2013 NFL draft.