Adam Shaheen

Adam Shaheen's Biography

Born on the 24th of October, 1994, Adam Shaheen boasts an impressive career as a proficient American football tight end, who has transcended the cusp of his potential and become admired by both colleagues and fans alike. Recently delving into the realm of free agency, Shaheen’s journey in football began with him showing his prowess at his college, Ashland, and forging a distinct mark in the process. His considerable talent made him a standout name in the college football sphere, spurring his selection by the Chicago Bears in the 200 rounds of the notable 2017 NFL draft.

The realization of Shaheen’s potential not only places him as the highest draft pick from his alma mater in the modern era of the NFL but elevates the pride and prestige associated with his erstwhile university. Big Walnut High School in Sunbury, Ohio, has the pleasure of being illuminated by Shaheen’s athletic genius from an early age as he played both football and basketball during his time spent there.

Shaheen’s versatility was evident as he cautiously juggled his football experience with one year of college basketball playing at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. His decision to transfer to Ashland University in 2014 marked the transition that led to him joining the football team as a walk-on player. Throughout his college career, Shaheen managed to gather 129 receptions for a staggering 1,755 yards and 26 touchdowns. It came as no surprise when he chose to forego his senior year to participate in the 2017 NFL draft in order to display his exceptional skills on a grand stage.

Riding the wave of impressive performance, Shaheen made headlines on January 5, 2017, with the announcement that he would forgo his senior season and partake in the 2017 NFL draft. He caught the attention of CBS Sports and NFLDraftScout.com, as he was ranked 12th in the best tight end prospects listed by them at the time of his joining the NFL draft.

Shaheen stood alongside 19 other tight ends, all competing for recognition at NFL Scouting Combine held in Indianapolis, Indiana. He shone brightly as he tied with Oregon’s Pharaoh Brown for first place in the bench press, managing 24 reps, and impressing attendees with his agility and receiving ability during positional drills.

Before stepping into the limelight at the combine, Shaheen tailored his skills at Division II Ashland University, making an impression as a relatively unknown prospect. This covert dimension of his character faded during an interview where he humorously expressed how his college years led to a weight gain of 70 lbs., which he attributed to “a lot of Chipotle burritos.”

He found his stride in the NFL when the Chicago Bears picked him in the second round of the 2017 draft, making him the 45th overall pick. This decision by the Bears served to position Ashland University prominently, given that Shaheen is the highest-ranking player to be selected from the university. Only three other players have been drafted from Ashland in earlier years, namely Jeris Pendleton, Bill Overmyer, and Len Pettigrew.

This momentous journey in the world of football was inflamed by the signing of a four-year contract with the Bears for $5.91 million on May 19, 2017, which included $3.17 as a guaranteed sum and a substantial signing bonus of $2.43 million. After an initial competition for the third spot of the tight end on the depth chart, Shaheen was named the third tight end for the Bears.

However, his journey bore the signature of a roller-coaster ride as he suffered a sprained ankle and foot in the second preseason game in 2018. This unfortunate incident led to him being placed on injured reserve on September 2, 2018, although, holding the desirable possibility of returning in the latter season. His persistent and unwavering efforts were readily rewarded as he was eventually activated off injured reserve on November 17, 2018.

Adam Shaheen continued to be an essential force in the 2019 season, even as he was landed second on the Bears tight end depth chart. The Bears traded him to the Miami Dolphins in 2020. After scoring his maiden touchdown with the Dolphins, he extended his contract for $7.65 million for two years in October 2020.

Owing to complications arising from Shaheen’s inability to pass a physical, a planned trade involving him in 2022 was called off. The Dolphins subsequently placed him on injured reserve on August 16, marking a pause in Shaheen’s extraordinary journey in the American NFL domain.