LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Cornhuskers are celebrating a significant milestone as former tight end Thomas Fidone II was selected by the New York Giants with the No. 219 overall pick in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft on Saturday, April 26, 2025. This marks the first time since 2002 that a Nebraska tight end has been drafted, with Fidone joining the ranks of former Cornhuskers in the NFL.
Fidone's journey at Nebraska was marked by resilience and determination. Over his four seasons with the Huskers, he recorded a total of 61 receptions for 633 yards and four touchdowns, all of which came in his final two seasons. His performance peaked in 2024, where he set career highs with 36 receptions and 373 receiving yards, ranking fourth on the team.
In his last game as a Husker, Fidone showcased his skills by catching five passes for 50 yards in the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl victory over Boston College on December 29, 2024. This strong finish to his collegiate career highlighted his ability to perform under pressure and contributed to his draft stock.
Fidone's selection by the Giants is a testament to his hard work and perseverance, especially considering the challenges he faced due to injuries. He suffered two significant ACL injuries during his early years at Nebraska, which limited his playing time and development. Despite these setbacks, he remained committed to the program, earning respect from coaches and teammates alike.
Head coach Matt Rhule praised Fidone's loyalty and work ethic, stating, "There's no one more loyal than Fidone, so I'm excited for him. He's gonna get drafted, I think. I mean, I've gotten more calls on him. He's an unbelievably freaky athlete." Rhule emphasized the importance of preparing players for the NFL, aiming for them to be mentally ready for the challenges ahead. "As I tell them, when you’re in year one, I want you to be in year three mentally, if that makes sense," he added.
Fidone was a highly sought-after recruit coming out of Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he was rated as the No. 1 tight end and the No. 36 overall prospect in the 2021 recruiting class. His accolades included being a member of the Mackey Award watch list before his final season at Nebraska, underscoring his potential as a top-tier tight end.
In the 2024 season, Fidone's ability to contribute significantly to the Huskers' offense was evident. He had multiple catches in 10 of the 13 games he played, demonstrating his consistency and reliability as a target. His four touchdown receptions in 2023 were the most by a Husker tight end since 2010, further solidifying his place in Nebraska football history.
Fidone's selection in the draft is part of a broader trend for Nebraska, which has seen a resurgence in player development under Rhule's leadership. The program has not had at least five players drafted in a single year since 2011, when seven former Huskers were selected. With Fidone and fellow Cornhusker Ty Robinson, who was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round at No. 111 overall, Nebraska is looking to reclaim its status as a pipeline for NFL talent.
"I think it’s very important to say that most of those guys were brought here by Scott Frost and his staff and his strength staff and all those people that were here," Rhule said, acknowledging the contributions of previous coaching staff to the current success of the players. "We took an approach when we got here with everyone that was here – there was no ‘you’re old guys and new guys.’ You’re our guys. We tried to take that approach."
As Fidone embarks on his professional career with the Giants, he joins a group of unproven tight ends, including returning starter Theo Johnson, who had 29 receptions for 331 yards and one touchdown in 2024. With his impressive athleticism and skill set, Fidone has the potential to make an impact in the NFL.
Fidone's journey from a highly touted recruit to a drafted player is a story of resilience and determination. He faced adversity head-on, overcoming injuries and doubts to achieve his dream of playing in the NFL. As he steps onto the field for the Giants, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how his skills will translate to the professional level.
Overall, Thomas Fidone II's selection in the 2025 NFL Draft is a significant moment for both the player and Nebraska football. It marks a return to prominence for the program's tight ends in the NFL and signals a bright future for Fidone as he begins his journey with the Giants.
