Mike Gesicki
A former high school volleyball star turned NFL tight end, he redefined the position at Penn State with his receiver-like hands and athleticism.
Born 1995 (age 31)·American football player·Birthday: October 3·Millennials
Biography
Mike Gesicki's football story is one of conversion. In New Jersey, he was a state champion volleyball player, and that vertical leap and coordination became his secret weapon. At Penn State, he was initially a raw talent, but through relentless work, he molded himself into one of the most productive tight ends in college football history. Unlike traditional in-line blockers, Gesicki's game was built on seam routes, contested catches, and highlight-reel grabs that made him a quarterback's favorite red-zone target. Drafted by the Miami Dolphins, he quickly became a security blanket, known for making improbable catches in traffic. His journey from the volleyball court to becoming a top NFL pass-catching tight end is a testament to the power of transferring athletic traits and a fierce work ethic.
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.
Mike was born in 1995, 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 Mike Was Born
The biggest hits of 1995
#1 Movie
Toy Story
Best Picture
Braveheart
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Mike's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1995Born
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2000Started school
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2008Became a teenager
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Could drive
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2013Could vote
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2016Turned 21
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2025Turned 30
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 31 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Set the Penn State record for career receptions and receiving touchdowns by a tight end.
- Recorded over 700 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns for the Miami Dolphins in the 2020 season.
- Named to the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie Team in 2018.
Did You Know?
He won a New Jersey state championship in volleyball in high school.
He participated in the 2018 NFL Slam Dunk Contest during Pro Bowl weekend.
He wore number 88 at Penn State in honor of his childhood idol, former Cowboys tight end Jason Witten.
“I took a volleyball player's leap and turned it into a tight end's hands.”
