Jacob Tamme Jacob Tamme ( ; born March 15 , 1985 ) is an American football tight end for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft . He played college football at Kentucky . Early years . Tamme graduated from Boyle County High School in Danville , Kentucky , where he was a multi - sport star in football , baseball , and basketball . He was a four - year letterman and three - year starter at wide receiver and cornerback for Boyle County , who won four consecutive state championships , two in Class AA and two in Class AAA , and had a 58 - 2 record over those seasons . He was a first - team all - state selection as a senior by the Associated Press and Louisville ' s " The Courier - Journal " when he caught 46 passes for 797 yards , a 17 . 3 - yard average , and 13 touchdowns . In addition , he was a finalist for the Kentucky " Mr . Football " Award , given to the top performer in high school football . His career totals include 97 receptions for 1 , 866 yards , a 19 . 2 - yard average , and 32 touchdowns . On defense , he intercepted 23 passes , including two returns for touchdowns . As a kick returner , he took 25 punts for 395 yards , a 15 . 8 - yard average , and two touchdowns . College career . As a redshirt freshman , he played in all 11 games for the Kentucky Wildcats . He started three games at wide receiver before moving to his more natural position of tight end for the season - ending game at Tennessee . For the season , he had 16 catches for 161 yards , third on the team that year . He was also named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll for excellent work in the classroom . As a sophomore , he played in all 11 games , starting 10 . He was second on the team in pass receptions with 29 catches for 253 yards and one touchdown . On special teams , he blocked punts vs . Louisville and Florida . He also earned a slot on the SEC Academic Honor Roll for the second straight year . As a junior , he was voted to the All - SEC first team by the SEC coaches and the Associated Press . He led SEC tight ends in receptions with 32 , netting 386 receiving yards and two touchdowns . He made the SEC Academic Honor Roll for the third year in a row . As a senior , he had 56 receptions for 619 yards and six touchdowns . For the second year in a row , he earned first - team All - SEC honors from both the Associated Press ( unanimous decision ) and coaches polls . Tamme finished his career as Kentucky ’ s all - time top pass - catching tight end and 2nd in the history of all SEC tight ends with 133 catches for 1 , 417 yards . Accolades . As one of the top scholar - athletes in the country , Tamme completed his degree in integrated strategic communications in only three years and earned his MBA just before entering the NFL . Known for his contributions back to the community , in 2006 , he was named to the National Good Works Team by the American Football Coaches Association , the SEC Community Service Team by the SEC Office , and to the Frank G . Ham Society of Character by UK Athletics . In 2007 , he was one of 15 finalists for the prestigious Draddy Trophy , which is presented to the top scholar athlete in the country . He gave the acceptance speech on behalf of the 15 finalists at the award ceremony in New York City . Also in 2007 , he was named the SEC Scholar Athlete of the Year and elected to the first - team Academic All - America squad by the College Sports Information Directors of America . He was the 2007 recipient of the Bobby Bowden Award , a national honor presented by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes . Professional career . Indianapolis Colts . Tamme was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the 4th round of the 2008 NFL Draft . He and the Colts agreed to a 4 - year contract with undisclosed terms on July 23 , 2008 . After week 7 of 2010 season , Dallas Clark was placed on Injured Reserve after an injury to wrist and Tamme took over as the starting tight end . Tamme surprised everyone by producing good statistical numbers and brought comparisons between him and Dallas Clark . Tamme finished the season with a career - high 67 receptions for 631 yards and 4 touchdowns . His numbers declined in 2011 due to the absence of Peyton Manning . Denver Broncos . Tamme signed with the Denver Broncos on March 23 , 2012 . All statistics from NFL . com