Luke Musgrave
Luke Musgrave (born September 2, 2000) is an American football tight end for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL).[1][2] Standing at 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m) and weighing 253 pounds (115 kg), Musgrave played college football at Oregon State University, where he appeared in 20 games over two seasons (2020–2021), recording 34 receptions for 446 receiving yards and one touchdown, while earning Pac-12 Special Teams Player of the Week honors in 2021 after blocking a punt and returning it 27 yards.[3][4][5][6] Selected by the Packers in the second round (42nd overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Oregon State, Musgrave quickly emerged as a promising rookie, hauling in his first career reception—a 36-yard touchdown—against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 5 of the 2023 season.[7][2] However, his early NFL career has been hampered by injuries, including a concussion in September 2023, a lacerated kidney in November 2023 that sidelined him for six games, and a torn ligament in his left ankle requiring surgery in December 2024.[8][9][10] As of November 2025, in his third year with Green Bay, Musgrave has recorded 13 receptions for 110 yards through 10 games, stepping into a larger role following teammate Tucker Kraft's injury, including a then-season-high 3 catches for 34 yards in Week 9.[11][12][13] Outside of football, Musgrave is an avid pilot who has pursued aviation training during injury recoveries.[14]Early years
Early life
Luke Musgrave was born on September 2, 2000, in Bend, Oregon, to parents Amy and Doug Musgrave.[1][2] The family resided in Bend, a community nestled in Oregon's Cascade Mountains, where the local environment fostered a deep connection to outdoor pursuits. Musgrave's upbringing was shaped by his parents' athletic legacies; his father, Doug, had been a backup quarterback at the University of Oregon from 1991 to 1992, instilling an early appreciation for football within the household.[15] His mother, Amy, a former member of the U.S. developmental ski team in the 1980s, introduced him to skiing as a child, emphasizing the sport's demands for speed, balance, and resilience.[15] This familial emphasis on sports provided Musgrave with early exposure to physical challenges, blending his father's football influence with his mother's passion for winter sports. Growing up amid Bend's ski slopes and trails, he engaged in ski racing from a young age, winning the Pacific Northwest Under-14 Buddy Werner Championship in 2014, an activity that honed his athletic versatility and set the stage for broader multi-sport involvement.[16][17]High school career
Luke Musgrave attended Bend Senior High School in Bend, Oregon, where he graduated as part of the class of 2019.[18][4] During his high school years, Musgrave participated in multiple sports, including football as both a tight end and defensive end, lacrosse as a three-year letterwinner and first-team all-league selection as a sophomore and junior, track and field, and ski racing.[19][5] These activities, influenced by his early exposure to outdoor pursuits in Central Oregon, helped develop his athletic versatility and endurance.[20] In football, Musgrave earned first-team all-league honors at both tight end and defensive end during his senior season in 2018, when he recorded 31 receptions for 563 yards and four touchdowns, 42 tackles, 13 sacks, and a 75-yard interception return for a touchdown while contributing on defense.[21] He was voted team MVP and recognized as the "Iron Man" for his two-way play, showcasing his physicality and speed at 6-foot-6 and over 220 pounds.[22] As a recruit, Musgrave was rated a three-star prospect by both ESPN and 247Sports, drawing interest from several programs before committing to Oregon State University in June 2018.[18] His recruitment highlighted his potential as a multi-sport athlete with elite size and agility, leading to his early pledge to the Beavers.[18]College career
2020–2021 seasons
Musgrave played college football for the Oregon State Beavers, appearing in 12 games as a freshman in 2019 with 2 receptions for 18 yards while contributing on special teams.[6] He entered his sophomore year in 2020 during a COVID-19-shortened season, appearing in all seven games for the Beavers while primarily serving as a blocker and special teams contributor, with limited receiving opportunities. He recorded 12 receptions for 142 yards, averaging 11.8 yards per catch, helping to support the team's run-heavy offense.[6] His physical presence at 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds allowed him to excel in inline blocking, using leverage and hand placement to seal edges against defensive linemen.[5] In 2021, as a junior, Musgrave's role expanded significantly, starting nine of the Beavers' 13 games and emerging as a key offensive weapon alongside his special teams duties. He tallied 22 receptions for 304 yards and one receiving touchdown, demonstrating improved route-running with crisp breaks on seams and outs to create separation from linebackers.[4] On October 23, Musgrave earned Pac-12 Special Teams Player of the Week honors (announced October 25) after blocking a punt, recovering it, and returning it 27 yards for a touchdown in a 42-34 victory over Utah—the first such score of his career across all phases of the game.[23][3] This performance highlighted his versatility, as he continued to refine his blocking technique, particularly in pass protection, where his long arms and quick feet neutralized edge rushers effectively.[24] Over these two seasons, Musgrave transitioned from a rotational player focused on special teams and blocking to a starting tight end who balanced run support with developing receiving skills, laying the foundation for his later contributions at Oregon State. His growth in route precision and blocking tenacity stemmed from high school versatility, where he played multiple positions, adapting quickly to college demands.[25]2022 season
In 2022, Musgrave entered his senior season at Oregon State as a highly touted tight end prospect, having earned a spot on the John Mackey Award watch list recognizing the nation's top tight end. Building on the blocking foundation he developed in prior seasons, he transitioned into a more prominent receiving role, starting the first two games and emerging as one of the Pac-12's most dynamic pass-catching threats with his combination of size, speed, and route-running ability.[4][26] Musgrave's breakout began in the season opener against Boise State on September 3, where he recorded six receptions for 89 yards and a touchdown, including a 42-yard scoring catch that showcased his deep-threat potential and helped secure a 34-17 victory. The following week against Fresno State on September 10, he added five catches for 80 yards, contributing significantly to Oregon State's 35-32 win before suffering a season-ending injury in the final minute. Overall, in those two games, Musgrave tallied 11 receptions for 169 yards and one touchdown, averaging 15.4 yards per catch and establishing himself as a top Pac-12 tight end prospect despite the abbreviated season.[27][28][29] During the Fresno State game, Musgrave sustained a medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear in his left knee after a hit while blocking, which required surgery on September 15 and sidelined him for the remainder of the year. The injury halted what was shaping up to be a prolific campaign, but Musgrave focused on rehabilitation throughout the fall, undergoing intensive recovery to regain full strength.[10][30][3] Musgrave balanced his academic pursuits with off-field preparations for an NFL transition during recovery, including medical evaluations and strength training to demonstrate his durability ahead of the draft process. His proactive approach to rehab allowed him to receive full medical clearance by early 2023, positioning him as a resilient prospect despite the setback.[31]Professional career
2023 NFL Draft
Following his recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sustained in November 2022, which limited him to just two games that season and contributed to his slide from potential first-round status, Musgrave participated in the NFL Scouting Combine in March 2023.[32][33] Measuring 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 253 pounds, he recorded a 4.61-second 40-yard dash—the fastest among tight ends—and a 36-inch vertical jump, showcasing his elite speed and explosiveness despite the recent injury.[34][26] At Oregon State's Pro Day on March 13, 2023, Musgrave further impressed by completing 19 repetitions on the bench press, a drill he skipped at the Combine, while reinforcing his athletic profile through position-specific drills that highlighted his route-running fluidity.[35] Scouting reports from analysts praised his rare combination of size, speed, and body control as a mismatch weapon, though some noted lingering concerns about his injury history and limited recent production as factors tempering his stock.[36][37] The Green Bay Packers selected Musgrave in the second round, 42nd overall, of the 2023 NFL Draft on April 28, 2023, adding a dynamic pass-catching tight end to their offense.[26] He signed his rookie contract on July 19, 2023—a four-year deal worth $8,475,742, including a $3,164,176 signing bonus and $6,348,437 in guarantees.[38]2023 season
Musgrave entered the 2023 training camp as a second-round draft pick, competing for playing time at tight end alongside fellow rookie Tucker Kraft, while veterans Robert Tonyan and Josiah Deguara held initial depth spots. He impressed coaches with his downfield speed and route-running ability, making several tough catches during early practices, but also struggled with concentration drops and adapting to the nuances of NFL blocking schemes.[39][40] By the start of the regular season, Musgrave had emerged as a starter, sharing the role with Kraft in Green Bay's two-tight-end sets. His draft-measured athleticism translated effectively to deep routes, allowing him to average 10.4 yards per catch. In 11 games with 9 starts, he recorded 34 receptions for 352 yards and 1 touchdown.[13][2] Key moments included his NFL debut in Week 1 against the Chicago Bears, where he secured 3 catches for 50 yards, including a 25-yard gain on a scramble by quarterback Jordan Love.[41][42] His lone touchdown came in Week 9 versus the Los Angeles Rams with a 51-yard score, but he suffered a lacerated kidney in Week 11 against the Los Angeles Chargers, sidelining him until Week 18.[13][8] Musgrave returned in Week 18 against the Chicago Bears, posting 1 reception for 11 yards.[13][42] Throughout the season, Musgrave worked on refining his inline blocking technique to meet pro-level demands, often chipping defenders before releasing into patterns, though inconsistencies limited his snaps in run-heavy situations.[40] In the postseason, Musgrave contributed in both of Green Bay's playoff games, totaling 6 receptions for 66 yards and 1 touchdown. Against the Dallas Cowboys in the Wild Card round, he hauled in a 38-yard touchdown pass from Love in the third quarter, helping secure a 48-32 victory. In the Divisional Round loss to the San Francisco 49ers, he caught 3 passes for 14 yards, primarily on short routes.[13][43][42]2024 season
Musgrave entered the 2024 season in a reduced role behind fellow tight end Tucker Kraft, who had solidified himself as the primary option in Green Bay's offense following a breakout rookie campaign the previous year.[7] He appeared in seven regular season contests with three starts, recording seven receptions for 45 yards and no touchdowns.[13] Musgrave sustained an ankle injury during Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings on October 6, leading to his placement on injured reserve on October 11 ahead of Week 5 versus the Jacksonville Jaguars.[44][9] The Packers designated him to return from injured reserve on December 12 and activated him on December 23 ahead of Week 16 versus the New Orleans Saints, allowing for a late-season ramp-up.[45] In Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings, he recorded 1 reception for 4 yards; in Week 18 against the Chicago Bears, 1 reception for 19 yards.[46] Musgrave also appeared in the Wild Card playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, but recorded no receptions.[47] With Kraft handling most receiving duties—posting career highs in receptions, yards, and touchdowns—Musgrave's opportunities were further limited by team dynamics, though he provided support in the running game through inline blocking during his active weeks.[48] Musgrave underwent ankle surgery in early November 2024, with initial uncertainty about a return before the season's end.[49] His approach to recovery drew on lessons from his 2023 rookie year, where he had managed a midseason abdominal injury while amassing 352 receiving yards—the third-most by a Packers rookie tight end in franchise history.[50]2025 season
Musgrave began the 2025 season slowly, competing for targets in a crowded Green Bay Packers receiving corps.[51][2] His role remained rotational behind teammate Tucker Kraft, with Musgrave participating in approximately 32% of the team's offensive snaps.[52] In Week 9, Musgrave achieved his season-high volume with 3 catches on 3 targets for 34 yards during the Packers' 16-13 loss to the Carolina Panthers on November 2.[13][53] These receptions included a 21-yard gain on the game's opening play, highlighting his potential as a downfield threat in the passing game.[54] The Packers' tight end situation shifted dramatically on November 3, when an MRI confirmed that Tucker Kraft had suffered a season-ending torn ACL during the Panthers game, leaving Musgrave positioned as the primary tight end for the remainder of the year.[55][56] This injury elevated Musgrave's responsibilities, drawing attention from offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich, who praised his ability to stretch defenses vertically.[57] With Kraft sidelined, Musgrave assumed a larger role in quarterback Jordan Love's offense. In Week 10 against the Philadelphia Eagles, he recorded 3 receptions for 23 yards; in Week 11 at the New York Giants, 1 reception for -1 yard.[51] As of November 20, 2025, through 11 games, Musgrave has 13 receptions for 110 yards and no touchdowns, potentially unlocking greater involvement after prior seasons marred by his own injuries that have built his resilience for a late-season push.[13][58][59] Analysts project this expanded usage could lead to a breakout stretch, emphasizing his efficiency on deep routes where he ranks in the 91st percentile for yards per route run.[60]Career statistics
Regular season
Musgrave's regular-season performance in the NFL has been marked by a rookie year of solid contributions before injuries impacted subsequent seasons. His statistics, compiled from official league records, highlight his role as a developing tight end for the Green Bay Packers.[13]| Year | Team | GP | GS | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | GB | 11 | 9 | 34 | 352 | 10.4 | 37 | 1 |
| 2024 | GB | 7 | 3 | 7 | 45 | 6.4 | 19 | 0 |
| 2025 | GB | 10 | 6 | 13 | 110 | 8.5 | 23 | 0 |
| Total | 28 | 18 | 54 | 507 | 9.4 | 37 | 1 |
Postseason
Musgrave made his postseason debut during the 2023 NFC playoffs as a rookie, appearing in two games for the Green Bay Packers. In the Wild Card Round victory over the Dallas Cowboys, he recorded three receptions for 52 yards, including a 38-yard touchdown catch that highlighted his downfield potential.[61] The following week in the Divisional Round loss to the San Francisco 49ers, Musgrave had three receptions for 14 yards on four targets. The Packers returned to the playoffs in 2024 as the No. 7 seed but were eliminated in the Wild Card Round by the Philadelphia Eagles, where Musgrave saw action but recorded no receptions.[62] As of November 2025, he has not appeared in any 2025 postseason games, with the regular season ongoing.| Year | Team | Games | Receptions | Yards | Average | Longest | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | GB | 2 | 6 | 66 | 11.0 | 38 | 1 |
| 2024 | GB | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 3 | 6 | 66 | 11.0 | 38 | 1 |