Coby Fleener
A cerebral and sure-handed tight end who became a key security blanket for Andrew Luck during the Colts' offensive resurgence.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American football player·Birthday: September 20·Millennials
Biography
Coby Fleener's football story is intertwined with Stanford's rise under Jim Harbaugh and his connection to quarterback Andrew Luck. At Stanford, he was more than a traditional tight end; he was a matchup nightmare with wide receiver speed in a 6'6" frame, crucial to their pro-style offense. Reunited with Luck when the Indianapolis Colts drafted him in 2012, Fleener immediately provided a reliable, big target over the middle for the young franchise quarterback. He was a consistent part of a potent offensive unit that helped the Colts transition from the Peyton Manning era into a new period of playoff contention. His career, which later included a stint in New Orleans, was defined by smart route-running and soft hands rather than overpowering physicality.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Coby was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Coby Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Coby's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Earned First-team All-American honors in 2011 as a senior at Stanford University.
- Selected in the second round (34th overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts.
- Caught 183 passes for 2,154 yards and 17 touchdowns over his first four NFL seasons.
- Played in eight playoff games across his career with the Colts and Saints.
Did You Know?
He majored in petroleum engineering at Stanford, one of the university's most demanding academic programs.
He and quarterback Andrew Luck were teammates at both Stanford and with the Indianapolis Colts.
He was known for wearing a distinctive single-bar facemask on his helmet.
“My role is to create a mismatch and then win it.”
