Zach Gentry

Zach Gentry's Biography

Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on September 10, 1996, Zach Gentry’s journey is one of resilience, adaptation, and a profound love for football. This professional football tight end began his career as a promising athlete, shining as a quarterback at Eldorado High School. He demonstrated a splendid blend of agility, precision, and instinctual understanding of the game, skills honed in Albuquerque, where he spent his formative years.

After high school, Gentry put his talent to test at a much higher level, entering the world of college football. Choosing to play for the Michigan Wolverines, his initial steps on the collegiate turf marked the beginning of a burgeoning career in the sport that spanned from 2015 to 2018.

Gentry’s time at Michigan presented a turning point in his early career. He began as a highly touted quarterback recruit, expected to lead the team in scoring touchdowns. However, a profound change occurred during his freshman year when Jim Harbaugh, his coach, saw a different potential in him. Harbaugh predicted Gentry’s future in the National Football League (NFL) and suggested a switch from quarterback to tight end.

This shift in position turned out to be a defining moment for Gentry’s career. He embraced the tight end role, proving his versatility. The position demanded different skills and an alternative tactical understanding of the game, highlighting Gentry’s adaptable athleticism.

After graduating from college, the NFL beckoned. The Pittsburgh Steelers, recognizing the spark in Gentry, drafted him in the fifth round, sealing as the 141st overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. The selection was a result of a strategic trade sending Antonio Brown to the Oakland Raiders.

Gentry made his first significant mark in the professional league during Week 15, catching his debut pass for four yards against the Buffalo Bills. It was a small step in statistical terms, but a huge leap in establishing his presence as a tight end in the NFL.

Gentry’s journey was not without hurdles as he battled injuries. One such setback came on November 24, 2020, when a knee sprain in Week 11 placed him on the injured reserve list. Demonstrating an admirable spirit, he bounced back stronger in the following season.

Playing in all 17 games of the 2021 season, he made his presence felt during the Steelers’ playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs. In what was to be a pivotal game, Gentry caught four passes on the final drive, the last of which was thrown by the eminent quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger.

Gentry’s ability and efforts were rewarded by the Steelers when he was re-signed on April 4, 2023. However, in a turn of events on August 29, 2023, the Steelers released him. Undeterred by the unexpected setback, Gentry found a new opportunity with the Cincinnati Bengals’ practice squad, joining them on September 5, 2023.

His time with the Bengals was short-lived. After only a few months, on December 27, 2023, he transitioned again—this time to the Las Vegas Raiders. Gentry’s road, at this point, had taken him from Albuquerque to Michigan, from Pittsburgh to Cincinnati, and now to Las Vegas. Unfortunately, he was released by the Raiders on August 27.

Despite the continuous shuffling and challenges, Gentry’s dedication to the sport never waned. His trajectory from star high school quarterback to professional versatile tight end is a testament to his evolution as an athlete, a journey marked by resilience and passion for football.