Jacob Tamme

Jacob Tamme (born March 15, 1985) is an American football tight end for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Kentucky.

Early years
Tamme graduated from Boyle County High School in Danville, Kentucky, where he was a multi-sport star in football, baseball, and basketball.

He was a four-year letterman and three-year starter at wide receiver and cornerback for Boyle County, who won four consecutive state championships, two in Class AA and two in Class AAA, and had a 58-2 record over those seasons. He was a first-team all-state selection as a senior by the Associated Press and Louisville's The Courier-Journal when he caught 46 passes for 797 yards, a 17.3-yard average, and 13 touchdowns. In addition, he was a finalist for the Kentucky "Mr. Football" Award, given to the top performer in high school football.

His career totals include 97 receptions for 1,866 yards, a 19.2-yard average, and 32 touchdowns. On defense, he intercepted 23 passes, including two returns for touchdowns. As a kick returner, he took 25 punts for 395 yards, a 15.8-yard average, and two touchdowns.

College career
As a redshirt freshman, he played in all 11 games for the Kentucky Wildcats. He started three games at wide receiver before moving to his more natural position of tight end for the season-ending game at Tennessee. For the season, he had 16 catches for 161 yards, third on the team that year. He was also named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll for excellent work in the classroom.

As a sophomore, he played in all 11 games, starting 10. He was second on the team in pass receptions with 29 catches for 253 yards and one touchdown. On special teams, he blocked punts vs. Louisville and Florida. He also earned a slot on the SEC Academic Honor Roll for the second straight year.

As a junior, he was voted to the All-SEC first team by the SEC coaches and the Associated Press. He led SEC tight ends in receptions with 32, netting 386 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He made the SEC Academic Honor Roll for the third year in a row.

As a senior, he had 56 receptions for 619 yards and six touchdowns. For the second year in a row, he earned first-team All-SEC honors from both the Associated Press (unanimous decision) and coaches polls.

Tamme finished his career as Kentucky’s all-time top pass-catching tight end and 2nd in the history of all SEC tight ends with 133 catches for 1,417 yards.

Accolades
As one of the top scholar-athletes in the country, Tamme completed his degree in integrated strategic communications in only three years and earned his MBA just before entering the NFL.

Known for his contributions back to the community, in 2006, he was named to the National Good Works Team by the American Football Coaches Association, the SEC Community Service Team by the SEC Office, and to the Frank G. Ham Society of Character by UK Athletics.

In 2007, he was one of 15 finalists for the prestigious Draddy Trophy, which is presented to the top scholar athlete in the country. He gave the acceptance speech on behalf of the 15 finalists at the award ceremony in New York City.

Also in 2007, he was named the SEC Scholar Athlete of the Year and elected to the first-team Academic All-America squad by the College Sports Information Directors of America.

He was the 2007 recipient of the Bobby Bowden Award, a national honor presented by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Indianapolis Colts
Tamme was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the 4th round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He and the Colts agreed to a 4-year contract with undisclosed terms on July 23, 2008.

After week 7 of 2010 season, Dallas Clark was placed on Injured Reserve after an injury to wrist and Tamme took over as the starting tight end. Tamme surprised everyone by producing good statistical numbers and brought comparisons between him and Dallas Clark. Tamme finished the season with a career-high 67 receptions for 631 yards and 4 touchdowns. His numbers declined in 2011 due to the absence of Peyton Manning.

Denver Broncos
Tamme signed with the Denver Broncos on March 23, 2012.

All statistics from NFL.com