{
  "id": 1178245,
  "title": "Tight end Jake Tonges, a former tech bro, on ‘full-circle moment' after $8 million contract with 49ers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/tight-end-jake-tonges-a-former-tech-bro-on-full-circle-moment-after-8",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-16T02:41:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/tight-end-jake-tonges-former-024153579.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "San Francisco 49ers backup tight end Jake Tonges, once a tech bro with no NFL prospects, signed a $8 million contract extension this offseason after a game-winning touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks. Tonges, a 6-foot-4, 240-pounder, caught 34 passes for 293 yards during his four-year NFL career. He started his journey with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2022, and was waived twice in the following year. With the 49ers, Tonges has been a standout player, carving out a special teams role in 2024 and playing in the 2025 preseason opener. The 49ers coach Cam Clemmons has encouraged Tonges to aim higher than last season's performance, as the team runs more 22-personnel formations with two tight ends.",
  "summary": "San Francisco 49ers tight end Jake Tonges, with no NFL catches until last year, had the game-winning TD grab in the 2025 opener. Entering his fifth season, he has a two-year deal and job security.",
  "key_points": [
    "Former tech bro Jake Tonges signs $8M extension with 49ers",
    "34 catches and 293 yards in 4-year NFL career",
    "Tonges becomes standout special teams player for 49ers"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Jake Tonges' $8 million contract extension marks a significant turning point in his underdog career, validating his perseverance from undrafted free agent to secure NFL player.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}