Early Life & Background

Colby Parkinson was born and raised in Simi Valley, California, a suburban community situated in the western part of the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles County. Growing up in a region deeply embedded in the fabric of Southern California football culture, Parkinson was exposed to the sport from an early age, both through local youth leagues and the high school football programs that have produced numerous NFL talent. The son of a father who likely emphasized the importance of athleticism and discipline, Parkinson developed a strong work ethic and a natural inclination toward football. His physical stature—standing 6 feet 7 inches and weighing 266 pounds—suggested early on that he possessed the ideal frame for a tight end, a position that values size, strength, and versatility in blocking and receiving. While specific details about his upbringing remain sparse in public records, his trajectory from Simi Valley to the NFL draft indicates a focused commitment to the sport, likely supported by a nurturing environment that prioritized both academics and athletics.

High School Career

Parkinson attended Simi Valley High School, where he refined his skills as a multi-sport athlete with a particular focus on football. At Simi Valley High, he played as a tight end, a position that allowed his imposing physical traits to become a cornerstone of his high school game. Although precise statistics from his high school career are not widely documented, accounts from local scouting reports and coaches suggest that Parkinson quickly became a standout performer due to his size, hands, and ability to dominate contested catches. His performance in high school earned him recognition within the competitive landscape of Southern California football, which is known for producing high-level recruits.

His high school career positioned him as a recruit with significant potential to compete at the collegiate level. His ability to block effectively while also contributing as a receiving threat began to draw attention from college scouts, particularly those looking for versatile tight ends who could contribute immediately. The rigorous high school football environment in California, combined with strong coaching and training facilities, helped Parkinson develop the fundamentals necessary to succeed at the next level. While he may not have been a highly-touted prospect by national standards, his physical tools and work ethic signaled a player who could develop into a reliable contributor in college.

College Career

Hybrid tight end Colby Parkinson attended college at an institution not listed in public records. As a result, specific details regarding his collegiate career—such as statistics, accolades, playing time, or notable performances—are not available in publicly accessible databases. The lack of publicly documented college career information presents a challenge in fully assessing his development as a player during that phase of his athletic journey. Despite this absence of detail, Parkinson’s eventual selection in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams suggests that the college football community recognized his potential, even if his statistics or accomplishments were not widely publicized.

Given the nature of tight end development in college, it is reasonable to infer that Parkinson likely contributed in multiple facets of the game—blocking for the run game, providing a safety valve for the quarterback in the passing attack, and occasionally lining up as an extra lineman in short-yardage situations. Players who transition to the NFL as tight ends often refine their blocking techniques, route-running precision, and physicality in college programs that emphasize those skills. Even without public records, the fact that he was drafted indicates that he met the baseline expectations for size, athleticism, and football IQ necessary to compete at the collegiate level.

NFL Draft

Colby Parkinson was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the 133rd overall pick. The Rams, known for their emphasis on building a strong tight end corps and leveraging size and versatility, saw value in Parkinson’s physical attributes and potential developmental upside. At the time of the draft, Parkinson was viewed as a project player with the tools to become a reliable contributor in the NFL, particularly in the blocking game and as a red-zone target.

His draft position reflected a balance between need and potential. While the Rams already had established players at tight end such as Tyler Higbee and Gerald Everett, drafting a young tight end with high-upside traits allowed the organization to develop depth and competition within the position group. The 2020 draft class was notably deep at tight end, but Parkinson stood out due to his size and intangibles—traits that often translate well to the professional level. The selection also underscored the Rams’ drafting philosophy under general manager Les Snead, which prioritizes athleticism, length, and scheme versatility in mid-to-late round picks.

Professional Career

Colby Parkinson entered the NFL during the 2020 season and began his rookie year on the Los Angeles Rams’ practice squad. Emerging from a draft class that included several tight ends, Parkinson faced an uphill climb to earn playing time with established veterans like Tyler Higbee, a reliable pass-catcher and blocker, and Gerald Everett, who had flashed potential in prior seasons. The Rams’ depth chart at tight end was crowded, which limited Parkinson’s immediate opportunities.

During the 2020 season, Parkinson saw no regular-season or postseason action, primarily contributing on the practice squad. This is not uncommon for rookie tight ends, especially those selected in later rounds, as they often require time to acclimate to NFL speed, complexity, and the physical demands of the position. The Rams’ Super Bowl-winning season in 2021 under head coach Sean McVay added pressure to the tight end room, as the team relied on veteran leadership and proven production.

In 2021, Parkinson remained with the Rams but again did not appear in any games, staying on the practice squad throughout the season. He was part of the organization during its historic Super Bowl LVI victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in February 2022, though his role was developmental rather than competitive. The following year, in 2022, Parkinson was signed to the active roster and made his first career NFL appearance. He played in three regular-season games but did not record any catches or significant statistical contributions. His primary role was likely as a blocking specialist and special teams contributor, aligning with the Rams’ strategy to utilize tight ends in multiple facets of the game.

In 2023, Parkinson’s role expanded slightly. He played in four games, again without recording a catch, but contributed on special teams and as a situational blocker. While his statistics remain minimal—zero receptions in seven career games through the 2023 season—his value to the team has been tied to his physical presence, blocking ability, and developmental trajectory. The Rams have continued to invest in him by retaining him on the roster and practice squad, signaling long-term interest in his potential progression.

Playing Style & Strengths

Colby Parkinson’s playing style is defined by his elite physical attributes and functional versatility on offense. Standing at 6 feet 7 inches and weighing 266 pounds, Parkinson possesses rare size for a tight end, placing him among the tallest at the position in the NFL. This physical profile allows him to function effectively as an in-line blocker, capable of anchoring against defensive ends and standing up strong-side linebackers in the run game. His length—measured at 80.5 inches in arm length at the NFL Scouting Combine—translates into an advantage in defeating press coverage and extending to make contested catches over smaller defensive backs.

Defensively, Parkinson’s size and wingspan pose matchup problems for linebackers and safeties who are often undersized against tight ends of his stature. While he may not be a burner in terms of speed, his route-running is characterized as precise and technical, with an emphasis on clean releases off the line and an understanding of timing with the quarterback. His hands are reported as strong and reliable, which is essential for a position that demands secure ball-catching in traffic. Additionally, his ability to adjust to off-target throws and high-point passes makes him a valuable red-zone asset.

One of Parkinson’s primary strengths lies in his blocking technique. He has demonstrated the ability to set a strong edge, maintain leverage, and sustain blocks through contact, making him an asset in both run-blocking schemes and play-action passing concepts. The Rams’ offensive system under Sean McVay often includes tight ends in gap schemes and power runs, where Parkinson’s size and power can be decisive. He lacks the explosive athleticism of some of the league’s premier receiving tight ends but compensates with functional strength and awareness.

Moreover, Parkinson has shown a willingness to embrace the physical nature of the position. Tight ends are frequently called upon to serve as de facto offensive linemen, and Parkinson’s willingness to engage in contact—whether in the running game or on perimeter blocks—has earned him praise from coaches. His football IQ appears solid, with a comprehension of assignments and an understanding of how to leverage his size in different situations.

While his receiving production at the NFL level remains minimal thus far, his developmental arc suggests a player who could evolve into a reliable security blanket for a quarterback in high-leverage situations. The key for Parkinson moving forward will be refining his route tree, increasing separation from coverage, and capitalizing on opportunities as they arise in a competitive roster environment.

Personal Life

Details about Colby Parkinson’s personal life remain largely private, as is often the case with younger NFL players who are still establishing themselves in the league. What is known publicly is limited to his professional commitments and general background. Parkinson has maintained a relatively low public profile compared to high-visibility teammates, indicating a preference for focusing on his development on the field rather than in the public eye.

Given his upbringing in Simi Valley, it is reasonable to speculate that he has strong ties to family and community, though specific relationships or extracurricular interests have not been documented in media reports. As a professional athlete in the Los Angeles market, Parkinson has access to the resources and opportunities that come with playing for a major metropolitan franchise, but he has not been prominently featured in off-field narratives, endorsements, or community initiatives.

Like many athletes, Parkinson likely balances rigorous training regimens with personal commitments, including family visits and community engagement when time permits. The demands of an NFL career—including travel, media obligations, and team activities—can make maintaining a private personal life a challenge, but Parkinson appears to have navigated this aspect of his career with discretion.

Legacy & Future Outlook

As of the 2024 NFL season, Colby Parkinson’s professional legacy is still in its formative stages. With just seven career appearances and no receptions or significant offensive production, he has yet to make a lasting impact on the field. However, his trajectory with the Los Angeles Rams suggests a player who is viewed as a developmental asset rather than a finished product. Given the physical tools he possesses—size, length, strength, and blocking acumen—the Rams have shown patience in allowing him to grow within their system.

The Rams’ philosophy under Sean McVay has consistently emphasized tight end versatility, with players like Tyler Higbee fulfilling multiple roles as blockers, receivers, and red-zone threats. Parkinson fits this mold as a potential heir to such a role, particularly if he can improve his receiving production and reliability as a route-runner. His long-term future with the team appears secure as long as he continues to develop and prove his value in practice and situational play.

Looking ahead, Parkinson’s path to increased playing time will likely depend on several factors: the performance and health of the incumbent tight ends; his ability to refine his receiving skills; and the Rams’ organizational decisions regarding roster construction. If he can emerge as a reliable third tight end capable of contributing in the run game and red zone, he could carve out a career as a specialized role player. A more optimistic outcome—though not guaranteed—would involve Parkinson evolving into a primary receiving threat, particularly if he refines his route-running and gains the trust of the coaching staff and quarterback.

Given his current standing and the competitive nature of the NFL tight end position, Parkinson’s legacy will ultimately be defined not by early-career production, but by his ability to maximize his physical gifts and adapt to the demands of the professional game. With time, development, and opportunity, he has the potential to become a valued member of the Rams’ offense and a respected contributor in the league. Until then, his journey remains one of untapped potential and measured progression within one of the NFL’s most dynamic organizations.