Brent Celek

Brent Steven Celek (pronounced ; born January 25, 1985) is an American football tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Eagles in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Cincinnati.

Early years
Celek played high school football at La Salle High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was named first-team all-district as both a junior and senior. He set a school record after catching a pass for 89 yards.

College career
Celek played college football for the Cincinnati Bearcats. He won the UC Claude Rost Award (Most Valuable Player) and was a second-team All-Big East Conference selection.

2007 season
After not being invited to the 2007 NFL Scouting Combine, Celek was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fifth round (162nd overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year contract with the team on May 30, 2007.

2008 season
In 2008, Celek set franchise records for yards in a game with 131 in week 9 and receptions in a playoff game with ten during the 2009 NFC Championship game. He caught two touchdowns in the NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, and his 19 catches during the 2008-09 NFL playoffs were the third most in NFL history for a tight end.

2009 season
Celek became the starting tight end for the Eagles after L. J. Smith departed via free agency to the Baltimore Ravens in 2009.

After scoring a touchdown in a week 9 game at home against the Dallas Cowboys, Celek was penalized for excessive celebration after teammate Jason Avant lifted his leg in order to impersonate the mascot for Captain Morgan rum. After the incident, the NFL quickly banned what turned out to be a covert ad campaign allegedly put on by the company, whereas any NFL player that is caught striking the "Captain Morgan" pose on camera during a regular season game would result in a donation of $10,000 to the Gridiron Greats, a non-profit which helps retired NFL players with various hardships after leaving the game. The league chose not to penalize Celek, but stated that any future incident will be punished.

Celek signed six-year contract extension on December 1, 2009, that keeps him under contract as an Eagle until after the 2016 season.

On December 27, 2009 in week 16 against the Denver Broncos, Celek made four catches for 121 yards and a touchdown, his third 100-yard game of the season. His 47-yard touchdown catch was the longest of his career.

After having a breakout year with 76 catches (a team-high), 971 yards and eight touchdowns, Celek was named to the 2009 USA Today All-Joe Team. His 76 catches are the most in team history for a tight end.

2010 season
Through week 12 of the 2010 season, Celek had been used primarily as a blocker at tight end.

2011 season
Celek ended the season with 811 receiving yards, as quarterback Michael Vick's favorite target. He was one of three Eagle offensive players to start all 16 games, along with right tackle Todd Herremans and rookie center Jason Kelce. During the offseason, Celek was involved in a DUI car accident. He was the passenger of the car. No one was hurt.

Personal
Brent's brother, Garrett, played tight end at Michigan State under coach Mark Dantonio, who coached Brent when he played for Cincinnati. After going undrafted, Garrett signed with the San Francisco 49ers.