Tyler Conklin hasn’t played a down for the Los Angeles Chargers yet, but he’s already become one of the team’s most talked-about players—and not just because of his stats. A recent viral video of the tight end running solo routes during offseason workouts triggered sharp criticism from former NFL MVP Cam Newton, who called out Conklin for his “unnecessary” movements.
Cam Newton Offers Level-Headed Critique Of Chargers’ TE Tyler Conklin
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“For him to be so big and to move like that, that’s impressive,” Newton admitted on his 4th and 1 podcast. “But I have to say this… you’re at best the third receiver on your team. Most of the time, outside receivers do not run option routes. This is not you. Run to the spot. Get to the spot, bro.”
Newton’s critique went further, comparing Conklin’s route-running antics unfavorably to great tight ends like Antonio Gates and Travis Kelce, saying they didn’t need flash to be effective.
“As quarterbacks, we don’t have time for you to be out there doing dance moves. Run your route. You’re running a bender—get off the line and get to the window,” Newton added bluntly.
But if Conklin’s flash drew Newton’s fire, it also drew high praise from someone who matters more inside the building: Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh.
“When you track Tyler Conklin, that’s a great team player, very talented, highly productive,” Harbaugh said at the NFL’s Annual League Meeting. “Once we were around him, it was like, ‘We got to have this guy.’ This is our kind of guy.”
Harbaugh spoke glowingly of Conklin’s underdog journey from college basketball to walk-on tight end to dependable NFL starter, noting his connection to current Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore, who once coached Conklin at Central Michigan.
Conklin joins a tight end room that includes Will Dissly, who posted a career-best 50 catches for 481 yards last season. But the spotlight—for better or worse—is now squarely on Conklin.
While fans and analysts remain split on whether he’s the right fit for Justin Herbert’s offense, Harbaugh’s backing makes one thing clear: he’s not worried about route flair—he’s betting on the football substance beneath it.
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