Former Penn State Tight End Jesse James Gives Keynote Address At 28th Annual Banquet

By: Ed Weaver  |  March 17, 2025  |  Photo: Black Shoe Diaries

Former Nittany Lion and Pittsburgh Steelers Tight End Jesse James was the Keynote Speaker at Sunday's 28th Annual Central PA Chapter of the National Football Foundation Banquet in State College.

Originally from Glassport, PA, James attended South Allegheny and was a two-time 2nd team All-State selection in both football and basketball. He was a 1st team All-Century Conference selection at tight end in his junior and senior seasons. During those years, he caught 71 passes for 1,030 yards and 10 touchdowns.

James committed to play at Penn State. He played 12 games as a true freshman in 2012, starting six games. He started all 12 games in 2013 as a sophomore, recording 25 receptions for 333 yards and 3 touchdowns. In his junior season, James broke PSU's record for career touchdowns for by tight end. Overall he made 76 receptions for 1,005 yards and 11 touchdowns as a Nittany Lion before declaring for the NFL Draft in 2015.

James was selected by the Steelers in the 5th round (160th pick) of the 2015 NFL Draft. He also payed for the Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Brown, New Orleans Saints, and the Las Vegas Raiders.