Oronde Gadsden II

Oronde Benjamin Gadsden II (born June 25, 2003) is an American professional football tight end for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Syracuse Orange and was selected by the Chargers in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft.

Early life Gadsden was born on June 25, 2003, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Oronde and Bianke Gadsden. He attended American Heritage in Plantation, Florida, and played varsity football for head coach Patrick Surtain. As a wide receiver Gadsden recorded 37 receptions for 608 yards and 13 touchdowns. He helped American Heritage win two state championships and was voted team captain in 2020. He was rated a three-star recruit wide receiver. He is a former lacrosse player and also ran track. His personal best time in the 110 Hurdles was 15.13 and in the 300 Hurdles 38.44.

College career Gadsden committed to Syracuse University to play college football over offers from Penn State, Baylor, Kentucky, and others. While at Syracuse, he majored in economics at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

As a true freshman with the Orange in 2021, Gadsden played in eight games, mostly on special teams, and had two receptions for 24 yards.

Gadsden entered 2022 as both a wide receiver and a tight end. In Robert Anae's pass-heavy offense, Gadsden moved from outside receiver to a hybrid of slot receiver and tight end. He was asked to block more and make catches in the middle of the field. Playing against NC State on October 15, 2022, Gadsden earned ACC Receiver of the Week honors, as he hauled in eight passes for 141 yards and 2 touchdowns.

In 2023, Gadsden only appeared in two games. He caught six passes for 97 yards and one touchdown before suffering a season-ending injury.

As a redshirt junior in 2024, Gadsden started 13 games. He recorded 73 receptions for 934 yards and seven touchdowns. He also rushed the ball once for 12 yards. His 73 receptions were a school record for a tight end.

College statistics Year Team Games Receiving GP Rec Yds Avg TD 2021 Syracuse 8 2 24 12.0 0 2022 Syracuse 13 61 969 15.9 6 2023 Syracuse 2 7 67 9.6 1 2024 Syracuse 13 73 934 12.8 7Career 36 143 1,994 13.9 14

Professional career

Gadsden was selected in the fifth round (165th overall) of the 2025 NFL draft by the Los Angeles Chargers.

Gadsden made his NFL debut in Week 3, amassing 46 receiving yards on five catches. He was named the NFL Rookie of the Week in Week 8 for another 5 reception day, with 77 yards and a touchdown. He finished the 2025 season with 49 receptions for 664 yards and three touchdowns.

NFL career statistics Regular season YearTeamGamesReceiving 2025 LAC15 7 49 664 13.6 53 3Career 15 7 49 664 13.6 53 3

Personal life His father, Oronde Gadsden, played six seasons in the NFL as a wide receiver with the Miami Dolphins. He is one of two children, the other being his sister.