Troy Niklas

Troy Niklas (born September 18, 1992) is a former American football tight end. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He played college football at Notre Dame.

Troy Niklas
refer to caption
Niklas in the 2014 NFL season.
No. 87
Position:Tight end
Personal information
Born: (1992-09-18) September 18, 1992
Fullerton, California, U.S.
Height:6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Weight:270 lb (122 kg)
Career information
High school:Servite (Anaheim, California)
College:Notre Dame (2011–2013)
NFL Draft:2014 / Round: 2 / Pick: 52
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career NFL statistics
Receptions:19
Receiving yards:203
Receiving touchdowns:3
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

High school

Niklas attended Servite High School in Anaheim, California. He was a two-way standout as both an offensive and defensive lineman. He helped lead Servite to 14–1 record in 2010, a second straight CIF Southern Section Pac-5 Division title and runner-up in state playoffs. He was named the Los Angeles Times lineman of the year as a senior in 2010.[1]

Also a standout athlete, Niklas was one of the state's top performers in the discus throw (top throw of 54.10 meters as a senior).[2]

Considered a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, he was rated the 24th-best offensive tackle prospect in the nation.[3] He accepted a scholarship from Notre Dame over offers from Stanford and USC.[4]

College career

Niklas attended the University of Notre Dame from 2011 to 2013. As a freshman, he played as a linebacker, appearing in 12 games with one start against Michigan State. He was moved to tight end as a sophomore.[5] Playing behind Tyler Eifert, he caught 5 passes for 75 yards and one touchdown. As a junior, he hauled in 32 receptions for 498 yards with five touchdowns.

On January 9, 2014, Niklas announced his intentions to forgo his remaining eligibility and enter the 2014 NFL Draft.[6]

Professional career
Pre-draft measurables
HeightWeightArm lengthHand span40-yard dash20-yard shuttleThree-cone drillVertical jumpBroad jumpBench press
6 ft 6 in
(1.98 m)		 270 lb
(122 kg)		 34+1⁄8 in
(0.87 m)		 10 in
(0.25 m)		4.84 s4.55 s7.57 s32 in
(0.81 m)		9 ft 4 in
(2.84 m)		27 reps
All values from NFL Combine[7]

Arizona Cardinals

Niklas was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round (52nd overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft.[8] He was the fourth tight end selected in 2014.[9]

Niklas progress as a rookie was slowed due to his inability to participate in organized team activities after recovering from a hernia surgery in February.[10]

On September 27, 2016, Niklas was placed on injured reserve.[11]

In 2017, Niklas played in 15 games with 11 starts, recording 11 catches for 132 yards and one touchdown.

New England Patriots

On April 4, 2018, Niklas signed with the New England Patriots.[12] On July 27, Niklas was released by the team.[13]

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

On July 24, 2019, Niklas signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.[14] On July 29, 2019, Niklas was waived/injured by the Buccaneers and placed on injured reserve.[15] He was released on August 6.

Personal life

Niklas' uncle, Bruce Matthews, played at USC, was ninth overall pick in 1983 NFL Draft, earned Pro Bowl honors 14 times while playing with NFL Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans from 1983–2001 and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007.[16]

References
  1. "Servite's Troy Niklas is selected The Times' lineman of the year". Los Angeles Times.
  2. "Football Talent Advisors". footballtalentadvisors.com.
  3. "Troy Niklas". yahoo.com.
  4. Andy Hutchins. "Troy Niklas Commits To Notre Dame Over USC On National Signing Day". SBNation.com. Vox Media.
  5. "Chicago Sun-Times – Chicago : News : Politics : Things To Do : Sports". Chicago.
  6. "2014 NFL draft – Troy Niklas of Notre Dame Fighting Irish forgoing final year of eligibility". ESPN.com.
  7. "NFL Draft Profile: Troy Niklas". NFL.com. Retrieved February 26, 2018.
  8. "Cardinals select Notre Dame tight end Troy Niklas with No. 52 pick in 2014 NFL Draft". Arizona Sports. May 10, 2014.
  9. "2014 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 15, 2023.
  10. "Hernia surgery sidelines Niklas". espn.com. May 20, 2014. Retrieved February 26, 2018.
  11. Urban, Darren. "Troy Niklas To IR; Cardinals Cut Canaday". AZCardinals.com. Archived from the original on April 8, 2018. Retrieved September 27, 2016.
  12. "Patriots trade Brandin Cooks to LA Rams; Sign OL Luke Bowanko and TE Troy Niklas". Patriots.com. April 4, 2018.
  13. "Patriots Sign WR Paul Turner; Release TE Troy Niklas". Patriots.com. July 27, 2018.
  14. Smith, Scott (July 24, 2019). "Bucs Add USF CB Mazzi Wilkins, TE Troy Niklas". Buccaneers.com.
  15. "Troy Niklas: Waived with injury designation". cbssports.com. July 29, 2019.
  16. Feldman, Bruce (July 14, 2015). "The next Matthews brother is 15 and already 6-foot-4, 320 pounds". Fox Sports. Retrieved November 30, 2017.
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