Chris Gedney — American football tight end (1970–2018)

Early life and college

Gedney grew up in the Syracuse area and played high school football in Central New York. He continued his football career at Syracuse University, where he developed the skills that made him a reliable target and teammate. At college he established himself as a tight end capable of both blocking and receiving, earning the attention of professional scouts.

Professional career

Gedney entered the NFL in the mid-1990s and spent six seasons as a professional tight end. He played for the Chicago Bears and later the Arizona Cardinals, contributing as a position player who could be used in multiple offensive packages. Over the course of his career he experienced the demands and travel of the professional game and the transition from college star to NFL role player.

Playing style and role

As a tight end, Gedney combined size and hands to serve both as a blocker in running schemes and as a receiving option on shorter and intermediate routes. Players at his position are often asked to be versatile; coaches used him in formations that required physicality at the line of scrimmage as well as reliable catching ability in traffic.

Later life and death

After retiring from the NFL Gedney returned to Central New York and remained connected to the sport and his community. He was known locally for his presence at events and for supporting young players. Gedney died on March 9, 2018, in Syracuse, New York, at the age of 47.

Legacy and further reading

Gedney is remembered by former teammates, coaches and fans for his contributions on and off the field. His career illustrates the path of a college standout who made the jump to the professional level and later returned to his community. For more information and contemporary coverage, consult the resources below.

• Professional profile and overview
• Birthplace and early years
• Local and regional coverage
• Position specifics: tight end
• National Football League records and information
• Chicago Bears history and roster
• Arizona Cardinals history and roster
• Obituary and memorial notices