Tanner Arkin

Tanner Arkin (born July 7, 2003) is an American professional football tight end for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Illinois Fighting Illini and Colorado State Rams.

Early life Arkin was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, but his family moved to Fort Collins, Colorado when he was a child. He began playing football at a young age and, as a freshman in high school, was named captain of his team. During his sophomore year, he began playing on varsity, primarily as an outside linebacker instead of his preferred position, tight end. Before his junior season, he sustained a broken collarbone which sidelined him for the season. Finally, during his senior season, Arkin sustained a broken fibula during his second game, but continued to play for the remainder of the season.

College career

Colorado State In his first season at Colorado State University, Arkin backed-up Trey McBride. He appeared in three games and took a redshirt for the season.

Illinois On December 14, 2022, Arkin transferred to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. In his first season with the Fighting Illini, he appeared in every game with three starts. On August 8, 2025, Arkin was named to the John Mackey Award Watch List as one of the top tight ends in the nation.

College statistics LegendBoldCareer high

Professional career

Arkin signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent on May 8, 2026.

Personal life Arkin is the son of Grady and Veronica Arkin. He has one brother, Owen, and a sister, Carmen.