Charlie Kolar has emerged as one of the most intriguing tight ends in the NFL, blending raw athleticism with an unmatched commitment to excellence both on and off the field. As the Baltimore Ravens’ depth chart contributor in the 2025 season, Kolar’s recent touchdown grab has Ravens fans buzzing about his potential to become a key weapon in Lamar Jackson’s arsenal. But who is this 6-foot-6 powerhouse from Norman, Oklahoma, and how did he carve his path to the pros? This deep dive uncovers the story of a player whose journey is as much about brains as brawn.
Early Life and High School Dominance
Born on February 10, 1999, in Norman, Oklahoma, Charlie Kolar grew up in a family passionate about sports. His older brother John quarterbacked for Oklahoma State before transferring to Iowa State, setting a familial tone of gridiron grit. Kolar attended Norman North High School, where he excelled in both football and basketball alongside future NBA star Trae Young. On the gridiron, Kolar’s junior year exploded with 52 receptions for 920 yards and 13 touchdowns, showcasing his sure hands and route-running savvy.
As a senior, he elevated his game further, hauling in 66 catches for 1,240 yards and 12 scores, earning first-team All-State honors. Despite interest from powerhouses like Oklahoma State, Kolar committed to Iowa State University, drawn to the Cyclones’ tight end tradition and academic rigor. This decision marked the beginning of a college career that would redefine expectations for the position.
College Stardom at Iowa State
Redshirting his true freshman year, Kolar burst onto the scene as a redshirt freshman in 2018, appearing in all 13 games with 11 receptions for 137 yards and three touchdowns. His coaches rewarded him with second-team All-Big 12 accolades, a sign of things to come. The following season, as a redshirt sophomore, Kolar shattered expectations: 51 catches for 697 yards and seven touchdowns earned him first-team All-Big 12 honors and positioned him as one of the conference’s elite pass-catchers.
Opting to return for his redshirt junior year in 2020 despite NFL draft buzz, Kolar delivered again with 44 receptions for 591 yards and a team-leading seven touchdowns, securing another first-team All-Big 12 nod. Off the field, his brilliance shone even brighter. Graduating in fall 2020 with a 3.99 GPA in mechanical engineering, Kolar embodied the student-athlete ideal. In 2021, he capped his Cyclone tenure by winning the prestigious William V. Campbell Trophy, often called the “academic Heisman,” recognizing his dual mastery of academics and athletics.
Kolar’s Iowa State records as a tight end stand tall: he led the Big 12 in receptions, yards, and touchdowns multiple seasons, finishing with over 100 career catches. His combine measurables later validated the hype: a 4.62-second 40-yard dash, 35.5-inch vertical, and 13 bench press reps at 225 pounds highlighted his pro-ready frame.
NFL Draft and Rookie Challenges
The Baltimore Ravens, known for their tight end factory, selected Kolar in the fourth round (128th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. His size, blocking prowess, and receiving upside fit seamlessly into the Ravens’ run-heavy, play-action scheme. However, injuries struck early: placed on injured reserve before the regular season, Kolar debuted late in Week 17 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, logging just two snaps.
His first meaningful action came in Week 18 versus the Cincinnati Bengals, where he snagged four passes for 49 yards from backup quarterback Anthony Brown. It was a promising glimpse, but the road ahead tested his resilience.
Pro Career Highlights and Resilience
In 2023, Kolar settled into the third-string role behind stars Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, primarily contributing on special teams. When Andrews suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 11, opportunity knocked. Kolar started three of the final six games, culminating in his first NFL touchdown: a 19-yard strike from Tyler Huntley in a 56-19 rout of the Miami Dolphins in Week 17. He wrapped the year with seven receptions for 87 yards and one score over 15 games.
The 2024 campaign brought more hurdles. A broken arm in Week 12 against the Los Angeles Chargers sidelined him for four weeks, but Kolar returned for the January 3, 2025, finale versus the Cleveland Browns. His perseverance paid dividends entering 2025, where he’s carved out a rotational role amid the Ravens’ injury-riddled tight end room.
2025 Season Stats and Impact
As of October 31, 2025, Kolar has played in seven games for the Ravens, posting four receptions for 42 yards and one touchdown. His average of 10.5 yards per catch underscores his big-play ability, often stretching the seam on vertical routes. While not yet a starter, Kolar’s 29 offensive snaps in recent outings signal growing trust from coaches. Career-wise, he now boasts 24 catches for 309 yards and three touchdowns across 37 games, with his blocking grade consistently ranking above average per Pro Football Focus.
Kolar’s touchdown in 2025 a red-zone fade against a division rival highlighted his growth, drawing comparisons to Andrews’ reliability. Analysts praise his football IQ, honed through engineering discipline, allowing him to anticipate coverages and seal edges in the run game.
Personal Life and Legacy Building
Beyond the field, Kolar remains grounded. His sister Katie competes in volleyball at West Virginia University, keeping family ties strong in college sports. An avid learner, Kolar often shares insights on work-life balance in athlete podcasts, inspiring young prospects to prioritize education.
As the Ravens chase another playoff run, Kolar’s trajectory points upward. Could 2025 be the year he eclipses 500 receiving yards? With Andrews’ contract looming and Likely’s star rising, Kolar’s versatility positions him as a trade asset or long-term piece.
Charlie Kolar isn’t just a tight end; he’s a testament to holistic success. From Norman North phenom to Campbell Trophy icon to Ravens contributor, his story motivates. Stay tuned as this Cyclone continues to roar in purple and black.
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Explore Charlie Kolar’s inspiring rise as a Baltimore Ravens tight end, from Iowa State records to NFL touchdowns in 2025. Uncover his stats, achievements, and why he’s a must-watch player this season. (148 characters)
Charlie Kolar, Baltimore Ravens tight end, NFL tight end, Iowa State Cyclones football
Charlie Kolar stats, William V. Campbell Trophy winner, Ravens TE 2025 performance, college football tight end records
- Link “William V. Campbell Trophy” to the official National Football Foundation page: https://footballfoundation.org/awards/william-v-campbell-trophy/
- Hyperlink “2025 stats” to ESPN’s player page: https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4241263/charlie-kolar
- Reference Iowa State highlights with a link to Cyclones athletics: https://cyclones.com/sports/football/roster/charlie-kolar/11377
- For Ravens depth chart, link to official team site: https://www.baltimoreravens.com/team/players-roster/charlie-kolar/
