Jermaine Gresham
A physically dominant tight end whose blend of size and reliable hands made him a first-round pick and a nine-year NFL fixture.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American football player·Birthday: June 16·Millennials
Biography
Jermaine Gresham was a matchup nightmare forged in the hard-nosed football culture of Oklahoma. At the University of Oklahoma, he developed into one of the nation's most feared tight ends, a 6'5" target with the strength to block and the soft hands to secure anything in his vicinity. His 2008 All-American season cemented his status, leading the Cincinnati Bengals to select him in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. In Cincinnati, he became a key safety valve for quarterback Andy Dalton, earning two Pro Bowl selections with his consistent production over the middle. A later stint with the Arizona Cardinals extended his career, where he provided veteran leadership and red-zone prowess. Gresham's game wasn't defined by flash, but by a durable, physical presence that NFL offenses valued for nearly a decade.
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.
Jermaine 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 Jermaine Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Jermaine'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
- Selected as a First-team All-American in 2008 while playing for the Oklahoma Sooners.
- Chosen by the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round (21st overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft.
- Elected to the Pro Bowl twice (2011, 2012) during his tenure with the Bengals.
- Played in 125 regular season NFL games over nine seasons, starting 108 of them.
Did You Know?
He won the John Mackey Award in 2008 as the nation's best collegiate tight end.
He missed his entire final college season in 2009 due to a preseason knee injury.
He played high school football in Ardmore, Oklahoma, where he was also a standout basketball player.
He and quarterback Andy Dalton were both rookies together on the Bengals in 2010.
“I'm here to block, catch, and do whatever it takes to win.”
