Vannett attended Westerville Central High School in Westerville, Ohio, where he graduated in 2011.[1] Vannett played high school football for the Warhawks football team. He achieved all-metro, all-OCC, and all-district selections in recognition of his contributions on the field. Vannett had 47 receptions for 606 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior. He also played baseball in his youth but did not pursue the sport into college.
College career
Vannett committed to Ohio State on June 30, 2010, and signed his letter of intent on February 2, 2011.[1] He redshirted his first year at Ohio State but played in the next four seasons playing in 53 games totaling 55 receptions for 585 yards and six touchdowns.[2] Vannett played a key role in Ohio State’s run to their first national championship win since 2002. In the first quarter, he caught a one-yard touchdown, giving the Buckeyes a 14–7 lead in the contest where they ultimately prevailed 42–20 against the Oregon Ducks. Prior to his senior season, Vannett was ranked as the best tight end prospect by ESPN NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay.[3]
On April 29, 2016, Vannett was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round with the 94th overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft.[16] He was the third tight end selected, behind Hunter Henry (second round, 35th overall) and Austin Hooper (third round, 81st overall).[17] Head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider stated that they originally drafted Vannett to be a traditional Y tight end that is more focused on blocking. He became more of a complete tight end after surprising Carroll and Schneider with his receiving skills in off season workouts.[18] On May 6, the Seahawks signed Vannett to a four-year, $3.05 million contract that included a signing bonus of $656,880.[19][20]
During the Seahawks' second preseason game against the Vikings, Vannett caught one pass for a 15-yard gain, but suffered an ankle injury and was unable to finish the 18–11 loss. He missed the last two preseason games and the first four regular season games due to the high ankle sprain.[23] On October 16, 2016, Vannett made his professional regular season debut during a narrow 26–24 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. He played three offensive snaps and two on special teams in his debut. During the game, Seahawks' tight end Luke Willson left after sustaining a knee injury that would require surgery to repair damaged cartilage and stretched ligaments. Vannett moved up on the depth chart to take his place during Willson's absence.[24][25] Two weeks later, Vannett made his first career reception during a 25–20 loss to the Saints. He caught his first career reception from a pass from Russell Wilson and gained seven yards before being tackled by Saints cornerback De'Vante Harris.[26] During a Week 10 matchup at the New England Patriots, Vannett made his first career start as the Seahawks defeated the Patriots 31–24. Three weeks later, he earned his second career start and caught a season-high two passes for 25 yards as the Seahawks routed the Carolina Panthers 40–7. Vannett was a healthy scratch through Weeks 16–17 and throughout the postseason as head coach Pete Carroll decided to instead play Jimmy Graham, Luke Willson and Brandon Williams.[27] He completed the 2016 season with a total of three receptions for 32 yards and played in nine games with two starts.[28]
2017
Vannett was slated to be the third tight end on the Seahawks' depth chart to begin the 2017 season after Brandon Williams departed for the Indianapolis Colts in free agency.
Vannett played in the season-opener at the Green Bay Packers and had one reception for a 10-yard gain during the 17–9 loss.[29] On November 26, 2017, Vannett caught two passes for 29 yards and scored his first career touchdown in a 24–13 road victory over the San Francisco 49ers. His first career touchdown came in the third quarter as he beat 49ers' linebacker Eli Harold and caught a pass from Russell Wilson to score a 27-yard touchdown to help the Seahawks gain a 13–6 lead.[30] The following week, Vannett started his second game of the season and made a season-high three receptions for 40 yards in a 24–10 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.[31] He finished the 2017 season with 12 receptions for 124 yards and a touchdown.[32]
2018
In the 2018 season, Vannett recorded 29 receptions for 269 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games and nine starts.[33]
On September 24, 2019, Vannett was traded to the Steelers for a 2020 fifth-round pick.[34] In the 2019 season, he finished with 17 receptions for 166 yards in 16 games and seven starts.[35]
Denver Broncos
On April 2, 2020, the Denver Broncos signed Vannett to a two-year, $5.7 million contract.[36] In the 2020 season, Vannett had 14 receptions for 95 yards and one touchdown in 15 games and 11 starts.[37]
On March 29, 2021, Vannett signed a three-year contract with the Saints.[39] He was placed on injured reserve on September 6.[40] He was activated on November 11.[41] In the 2021 season, Vannett recorded nine receptions for 133 yards and a touchdown in seven games and two starts.[42]
On August 2, 2023, Vannett signed with the Houston Texans.[46] He was released on August 29.[47]
Los Angeles Chargers
On August 31, 2023, Vannett was signed to the Los Angeles Chargers practice squad.[48] On November 1, he was signed to the active roster.[49] Vannett played eight games during the 2023 season.[50]
Tennessee Titans
On May 13, 2024, Vannett signed with the Tennessee Titans, reuniting him with quarterback Mason Rudolph, who also played for the Steelers in 2019.[51] He played all 17 games (10 starts) of the 2024 season, finishing with 17 receptions for 135 yards and a career-high three touchdowns.[52]
Minnesota Vikings
On August 4, 2025, Vannett signed with the Minnesota Vikings.[53] He was released on August 26 as part of final roster cuts.[54] He was signed to the practice squad the next day.[55]
Personal life
Vannett graduated from Ohio State with a degree in sports industry.[2]
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