Oronde Gadsden II family tree: Meet Chargers TE's NFL WR dad Oronde Sr., mom Bianke and more from Florida roots

David Suggs

Oronde Gadsden II family tree: Meet Chargers TE's NFL WR dad Oronde Sr., mom Bianke and more from Florida roots image

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After years of searching for Antonio Gates' replacement, the Los Angeles Chargers finally seem to have found it in the form of a hulking 6-foot-5 pass-catcher with talons for hands.

Oronde Gadsden II wasn't considered a top-tier prospect coming out of college, with some scouts believing his roots as a wide receiver would limit his ability to stick at the tight end position. He has assuaged those concerns since his arrival, forming a devastating battery with Chargers star Justin Herbert.

A fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Gadsden has swiftly established himself as one of the NFL's most versatile tight ends. As long as he continues turning Herbert darts into highlights, he'll be considered one of Los Angeles' most dangerous players.

For NFL fans of a certain generation, Gadsden's name might sound familiar. Here's what you need to know about his famous football roots.

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Is Oronde Gadsden II related to Oronde Gadsden?

Oronder Gadsden II is, indeed, related to Oronde Gadsden Sr.. He is the son of the former Super Bowl champion.

Oronde Gadsden II dad: Oronde Gadsden Sr.

Oronder Gadsden II's father is Oronde Gadsden Sr. He was a two-sport star at Winston-Salem before pursuing football solely as a sophomore. Gadsden Sr. Tallied 118 catches for 2,757 yards and 42 touchdowns during his time with the Rams.

Gadsden Sr. Wasn't selected in the 1995 NFL Draft, but he found his way onto the Dallas Cowboys roster, landing with their practice squad. He didn't find big-league success until 1998, joining the Miami Dolphins after turning out for the Portland Forest Dragons of the AFL.

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Gadsden Sr. Played six seasons in Miami, becoming a favorite target of Dan Marino and Jay Fiedler. Known for acrobatic grabs, Gadsden Sr. Recorded at least 600 yards in each of his first four years with the Dolphins. He sits in the top-20 in franchise history in catches (227), receiving yards (3,252) and receiving touchdowns (22).

Oronde Gadsden Sr. Stats

Gadsden Sr. Has a Super Bowl ring, having been promoted to the Cowboys' active roster before the 1996 NFC Championship. He was a decorated AFL player, as well, earning AFL Rookie of the Year honors after collecting 93 catches for 1,335 yards and 37 touchdowns in 14 appearances in 1998.

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Here's a look at Gadsden Sr.'s numbers over the course of his six-year NFL career.

YearGamesCatchesYardsTDs
199816487137
199916488036
200016567866
200114556743
20026162280
200364480
Career742273,25222

Oronde Gadsden II mom: Bianke Gadsden

Oronde Gadsden II's mom is Bianke Gadsden. She is a native of Germany who lives in South Florida. She is a therapist who practices out of Florida and specializes in helping patients navigate a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression and grief.

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Oronde Gadsden II sister

Oronde Gadsden II has one sibling, a younger sister whose name hasn't been made public.

Where is Oronde Gadsden II from?

Oronde Gadsden II hails from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He played high school ball at American Heritage, where he was coached by former All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain Sr.

Billed as a three-star prospect, Gadsden committed to Syracuse over a number of notable programs, including Penn State, Baylor and Kentucky.

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