Stephen Anderson (American football)
{{Short description|American football player (born 1993)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Stephen Anderson
| image = Stephen Anderson (American football).JPG
| caption = Anderson with the Houston Texans in 2016
| current_team =
| number =
| position = Tight end
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1993|1|30}}
| birth_place = San Jose, California, U.S.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| high_school = Piedmont Hills (CA)
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 3
| weight_lbs = 230
| college = California (2011–2015)
| undraftedyear = 2016
| pastteams = * Houston Texans ({{NFL Year|2016}}–{{NFL Year|2017}})
- New England Patriots ({{NFL Year|2018}})
- Los Angeles Chargers ({{NFL Year|2019}}–{{NFL Year|2021}})
- Arizona Cardinals ({{NFL Year|2022}})
- Los Angeles Chargers ({{NFL Year|2023}})
| status =
| highlights = * Super Bowl champion (LIII)
| statweek =
| statseason =
| statlabel1 = Receptions
| statvalue1 = 63
| statlabel2 = Receiving yards
| statvalue2 = 715
| statlabel3 = Receiving touchdowns
| statvalue3 = 3
| pfr = AndeSt01
}}
Stephen Todd Anderson Jr.{{Cite web |title=Stephen Anderson Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AndeSt01.htm |access-date=February 12, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=December 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221226193622/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AndeSt01.htm |url-status=live }} (born January 30, 1993) is an American professional football tight end who is a free agent. He played college football at California and signed with the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2016.{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Aaron |date=August 3, 2016 |title=Texans like rookie tight end Stephen Anderson's upside |url=https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-like-rookie-tight-end-Stephen-Anderson-s-9093838.php |access-date=February 12, 2023 |website=Chron.com |language=en-US |archive-date=November 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112114807/https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-like-rookie-tight-end-Stephen-Anderson-s-9093838.php |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Aaron |date=August 9, 2016 |title=Hybrid receiver Stephen Anderson intent on making cut for Texans |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texans/article/Hybrid-receiver-Stephen-Anderson-intent-on-making-9130240.php |access-date=February 12, 2023 |website=Houston Chronicle |language=en-US |archive-date=September 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928202923/https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texans/article/Hybrid-receiver-Stephen-Anderson-intent-on-making-9130240.php |url-status=live }} He has also played for the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Chargers.
Early life
Anderson attended and played high school football for Piedmont Hills High School.{{Cite web |last=Faraudo |first=Jeff |date=September 24, 2015 |title=Cal receiver Stephen Anderson always hears mom above the crowd |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2015/09/24/cal-receiver-stephen-anderson-always-hears-mom-above-the-crowd/ |access-date=February 22, 2018 |website=The Mercury News |language=en-US |archive-date=February 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223051350/https://www.mercurynews.com/2015/09/24/cal-receiver-stephen-anderson-always-hears-mom-above-the-crowd/ |url-status=live }}
He graduated from Piedmont Hills in 2011 and attended the University of California, Berkeley.{{Cite web |title=Stephen Anderson, California Golden Bears, Tight End |url=https://247sports.com/Player/Stephen-Anderson-91652/college-175956 |access-date=February 22, 2018 |website=247Sports |archive-date=February 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212175251/https://247sports.com/Player/Stephen-Anderson-91652/college-175956/ |url-status=live }}
College career
Anderson attended and played college football for the University of California Golden Bears from 2011 to 2015.{{Cite web |title=Stephen Anderson |url=http://calbears.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5688 |access-date=February 22, 2018 |website=University of California Athletics |language=en |archive-date=February 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223050931/http://calbears.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5688 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Stephen Anderson College Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/stephen-anderson-2.html |access-date=February 22, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=February 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223051355/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/stephen-anderson-2.html |url-status=live }}
Anderson redshirted as a true freshman in 2011. As a redshirt freshman in 2012, he appeared in four games.{{Cite web |title=Stephen Anderson |url=http://calbears.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5688 |access-date=February 22, 2018 |website=University of California Athletics |language=en |archive-date=February 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223050931/http://calbears.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5688 |url-status=live }} In the 2013 season opener against Portland State, he had his first three career collegiate receptions for 22 yards.{{Cite web |title=Portland State at California Box Score, September 7, 2013 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2013-09-07-california.html |access-date=February 22, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=February 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223050717/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2013-09-07-california.html |url-status=live }} Overall, in the 2013 season, he had 14 receptions for 125 yards.{{Cite web |title=Stephen Anderson 2013 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/stephen-anderson-2/gamelog/2013/ |access-date=February 22, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=February 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223050712/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/stephen-anderson-2/gamelog/2013/ |url-status=live }} His role in the offense expanded in 2014. On September 20, against Arizona, he had 43 receiving yards and his first collegiate touchdown.{{Cite web |title=California at Arizona Box Score, September 20, 2014 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-09-20-arizona.html |access-date=February 22, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=February 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223050743/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-09-20-arizona.html |url-status=live }} In the next game, against Colorado, he had seven receptions for 136 yards and a touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Colorado at California Box Score, September 27, 2014 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-09-27-california.html |access-date=February 22, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=February 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223051933/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-09-27-california.html |url-status=live }} In the next game at Washington State, he had five receptions for 95 yards.{{Cite web |title=California at Washington State Box Score, October 4, 2014 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-10-04-washington-state.html |access-date=February 22, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=February 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223051845/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-10-04-washington-state.html |url-status=live }} On October 24, in the game against Oregon at Levi's Stadium, he had 32 receiving yards and a touchdown in the loss.{{Cite web |title=Oregon at California Box Score, October 24, 2014 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-10-24-california.html |access-date=February 22, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=February 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223110841/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-10-24-california.html |url-status=live }} On November 1, against Oregon State, he had nine receptions for 117 yards.{{Cite web |title=California at Oregon State Box Score, November 1, 2014 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-11-01-oregon-state.html |access-date=February 22, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=February 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223051919/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-11-01-oregon-state.html |url-status=live }} Overall, in the 2014 season, he had 46 receptions for 661 yards and five touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Stephen Anderson 2014 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/stephen-anderson-2/gamelog/2014/ |access-date=February 22, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=February 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223050647/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/stephen-anderson-2/gamelog/2014/ |url-status=live }} His production dropped in the 2015 season, but he remained as a presence in the offense. On October 10, against Utah, he had six receptions for a season-high 99 yards.{{Cite web |title=California at Utah Box Score, October 10, 2015 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2015-10-10-utah.html |access-date=February 22, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=February 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223051454/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2015-10-10-utah.html |url-status=live }} In the 2015 season, he finished with 41 receptions for 474 yards and two touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Stephen Anderson 2015 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/stephen-anderson-2/gamelog/2015/ |access-date=February 22, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=February 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223051418/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/stephen-anderson-2/gamelog/2015/ |url-status=live }} Overall, he played in 37 games with 25 starts all during the last four seasons of his five campaigns with the program. He finished his career with 101 receptions for 1,260 yards and seven touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Stephen Anderson Career Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/stephen-anderson-2/gamelog/ |access-date=February 22, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=February 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223051850/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/stephen-anderson-2/gamelog/ |url-status=live }} He earned both honorable mention All-Pac-12 selection of the league's coaches and Cal's Ken Cotton Award as the team's Most Courageous Player as a junior and senior.{{Cite web |date=December 1, 2015 |title=Pac-12 football all-Conference team announced |url=https://pac-12.com/news/2015/12/1/pac-12-football-all-conference-team-announced.aspx |access-date=February 22, 2018 |website=Pac-12 |language=en |archive-date=December 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151202070503/http://pac-12.com/article/2015/12/01/pac-12-football-all-conference-team-announced |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=October 14, 2015 |title=Senior Spotlight: TE Stephen Anderson Showing Value In Cal Offense |url=http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/10/14/senior-spotlight-te-stephen-anderson-showing-value-in-cal-offense/ |access-date=February 22, 2018 |website=CBS SF Bay Area |language=en |archive-date=February 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223051522/http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/10/14/senior-spotlight-te-stephen-anderson-showing-value-in-cal-offense/ |url-status=live }}
=College statistics=
| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;" | ||||
| rowspan="2"| Season
! rowspan="2"| Team ! rowspan="2"| Class ! colspan="4"| Receiving | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| {{abbr|Rec|Receptions}} | {{abbr|Yds|Receiving Yards}} | {{abbr|Avg|Receiving Yards Per Reception}} | {{abbr|TD|Receiving Touchdowns}} | |
| 2013 | California | JR
| 14 || 125 || 8.9 || 0 | ||
| 2014 | California | SR
| 46 || 661 || 14.4 || 5 | ||
| 2015 | California | SR
| 41 || 474 || 11.6 || 2 | ||
| colspan="3"| [https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/stephen-anderson-2.html Career] | 101 | 1,260 | 12.5 | 7 |
Professional career
=Pre-draft=
Anderson was one of 15 tight ends to receive an invitation to attend the NFL combine. Although he primarily played wide receiver at Cal, he chose to transition to tight end.{{Cite web |last=Sharp |first=Katie |date=February 11, 2016 |title=Here's the complete list of players invited to the 2016 NFL Combine, led by 14 from Ohio State |url=https://www.sbnation.com/platform/amp/nfl/2016/2/11/10967624/2016-nfl-scouting-combine-invited-players-list-ohio-state |access-date=December 6, 2017 |website=sbnation.com |archive-date=July 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709194336/https://www.sbnation.com/platform/amp/nfl/2016/2/11/10967624/2016-nfl-scouting-combine-invited-players-list-ohio-state |url-status=live }} He was limited to performing the bench press, vertical jump, and broad jump due to a hamstring injury. Anderson was the lightest tight end and tied UCLA's Thomas Duarte as the shortest of the tight ends at 6'2". Among his position group at the combine, he finished first in the vertical jump (38"), fourth in the broad jump (9'11"), and tenth in the bench press (16).{{Cite web |last=Brady |first=James |date=February 27, 2016 |title=NFL Combine 2016 results: Full times, measurements for tight ends |url=https://www.sbnation.com/platform/amp/nfl/2016/2/27/11126486/2016-nfl-combine-results-tight-end-drills |access-date=December 6, 2017 |website=sbnation.com |archive-date=December 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206210811/https://www.sbnation.com/platform/amp/nfl/2016/2/27/11126486/2016-nfl-combine-results-tight-end-drills |url-status=live }} On March 18, 2016, Anderson opted to participate at Cal's pro day, along with Jared Goff, Bryce Treggs, Daniel Lasco, Maurice Harris, Kenny Lawler, Trevor Davis, Kyle Kragen, Stefan McClure, Darius Powe, and two others. His performance in the 40-yard dash, 20-yard dash, and 10-yard dash would've finished first among his position group at the combine. Anderson's time in the three-cone drill would've garnered him fourth place. He also ran positional drills and caught passes for the team representatives and scouts from all 32 NFL teams.{{Cite web |date=March 19, 2016 |title=Cal Pro Day A Huge Success – California |url=http://calbears.com/news/2016/3/19/210815830.aspx?path=football |access-date=December 6, 2017 |website=University of California Berkeley |language=en |archive-date=December 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207084448/http://www.calbears.com/news/2016/3/19/210815830.aspx?path=football |url-status=live }} At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Anderson was projected to be selected as early as the fourth to fifth round or as late as the sixth to seventh round. He was ranked as the top fullback prospect in the draft by NFLDraftScout.com.{{Cite web |title=Stephen Anderson, DS #1 FB, California |url=http://draftscout.com/players.php?GenPos=FB&DraftYear=2016&sortorder=TSXPos&order=ASC |access-date=December 1, 2020 |website=nfldraftscout.com |archive-date=February 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212175248/http://draftscout.com/players.php?GenPos=FB&DraftYear=2016&sortorder=TSXPos&order=ASC |url-status=live }}
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 6
| height in = 2+1/8
| weight = 230
| dash = 4.64
| ten split = 1.59
| twenty split = 2.69
| shuttle = 4.13
| cone drill = 6.95
| vertical = 38
| broad ft = 9
| broad in = 11
| bench = 16
| wonderlic =
| arm span = 32
| hand span = 9+1/4
| note = All values from NFL Combine/Cal's Pro Day{{Cite web |title=NFL Draft Profile: Stephen Anderson |url=http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/stephen-anderson?id=2555410 |access-date=December 6, 2017 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=December 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207090608/http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/stephen-anderson?id=2555410 |url-status=live }}
}}
=Houston Texans=
==2016==
Anderson went undrafted in the 2016 NFL draft. On April 30, 2016, the Houston Texans signed Anderson as an undrafted free agent to a three-year, $1.62 million contract that includes a $5,000 signing bonus.{{Cite web |title=Spotrac.com: Stephen Anderson contract |url=http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/houston-texans/stephen-anderson-19268 |access-date=December 7, 2017 |website=spotrac.com |archive-date=December 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208003659/http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/houston-texans/stephen-anderson-19268/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=May 6, 2016 |title=Texans sign 3 draft picks, 15 undrafted free agents |url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-sign-3-draft-picks-15-undrafted-free-agents-17121730 |access-date=May 24, 2017 |website=HoustonTexans.com |archive-date=September 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919163349/https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-sign-3-draft-picks-15-undrafted-free-agents-17121730 |url-status=live }}
Throughout his first training camp, he competed with Anthony Denham and Eric Tomlinson for a roster spot. Anderson received a bulk of first team reps during training camp after C. J. Fiedorowicz and Ryan Griffin missed stretches of camp due to injuries.{{Cite web |title=Breakfast: 5 training camp questions |url=http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-2/Breakfast-5-training-camp-questions/25394cd4-9ecc-47c3-afc7-9c6bafd0038d |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207192450/http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-2/Breakfast-5-training-camp-questions/25394cd4-9ecc-47c3-afc7-9c6bafd0038d |archive-date=December 7, 2017 |access-date=December 7, 2017 |website=HoustonTexans.com}} Head coach Bill O'Brien named Anderson the Texans' third tight end, behind C. J. Fiedorowicz and Ryan Griffin, to begin the regular season.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Houston Texans' depth chart: 10/01/2017 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/188/HOU |access-date=December 7, 2017 |website=Ourlads.com |archive-date=December 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207192526/http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/188/HOU |url-status=live }} Offensive coordinator George Godsey developed a hybrid H-back role for Anderson, better utilizing his speed and receiving ability.{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Aaron |date=September 2, 2016 |title=Texans prepare to cut roster |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texans/amp/Texans-prepare-to-cut-roster-9201152.php |access-date=December 7, 2017 |website=HoustonChronicle.com |archive-date=December 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208003232/https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texans/amp/Texans-prepare-to-cut-roster-9201152.php |url-status=live }}
He made his professional regular season debut in the Texans' season-opener against the Chicago Bears and caught three passes for 25 yards during the 23–14 victory. He made his first career reception at the start of the second quarter, catching a 12-yard pass from Brock Osweiler before being tackled by Bears' safety Adrian Amos.{{Cite web |title=Chicago Bears at Houston Texans – September 11th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201609110htx.htm |access-date=February 22, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111165044/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201609110htx.htm |url-status=live }} In Week 3, Anderson suffered a hamstring injury during the Texans' 27–0 loss at the New England Patriots.{{Cite web |date=September 23, 2016 |title=Texans' Stephen Anderson: Exits with hamstring injury |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/texans-stephen-anderson-exits-with-hamstring-injury/amp/ |access-date=December 7, 2017 |website=CBSSports.com |archive-date=December 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208003411/https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/texans-stephen-anderson-exits-with-hamstring-injury/amp/ |url-status=live }} Unfortunately, the injured hamstring caused him to miss the next three games (Weeks 4–6).{{Cite web |date=October 2, 2016 |title=Texans' Stephen Anderson: Inactive for Week 4 versus Titans |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/texans-stephen-anderson-inactive-for-week-4-versus-titans/amp/ |access-date=December 7, 2017 |website=CBSSports.com |archive-date=December 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207191952/https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/texans-stephen-anderson-inactive-for-week-4-versus-titans/amp/ |url-status=live }} On November 13, 2016, Anderson caught a seven-yard touchdown pass from Brock Osweiler, as the Texans defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 24–21.{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars – November 13th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201611130jax.htm |access-date=February 22, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108032656/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201611130jax.htm |url-status=live }} He finished his rookie season in {{NFL Year|2016}} with a total of 11 receptions for 93 receiving yards and one touchdown in 13 games.{{Cite web |title=Stephen Anderson 2016 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AndeSt01/gamelog/2016/ |access-date=February 12, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=November 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117050601/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AndeSt01/gamelog/2016/ |url-status=live }}
The Houston Texans finished atop the AFC South with a 9–7 record in 2016.{{Cite web |title=2016 Houston Texans Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2016.htm |access-date=February 22, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111170732/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2016.htm |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=2016 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2016.htm |access-date=February 22, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On January 7, 2017, Anderson made his playoff debut in the Texans 24–17 AFC Wild Card Round victory over the Oakland Raiders.{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Oakland Raiders at Houston Texans – January 7th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201701070htx.htm |access-date=February 22, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=October 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015050107/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201701070htx.htm |url-status=live }} They were eliminated in the Divisional Round after losing a 34–16 game to the eventual Super Bowl LI champion Patriots.{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Houston Texans at New England Patriots – January 14th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201701140nwe.htm |access-date=February 22, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=December 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203061940/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201701140nwe.htm |url-status=live }}
==2017==
He competed for a roster spot throughout training camp against Rashaun Allen, Evan Baylis, and Zach Conque.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Houston Texans depth chart: 07/01/2017 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/197/HOU |access-date=December 7, 2017 |website=Ourlads.com |archive-date=December 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208122358/http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/197/HOU |url-status=live }} He was named the Texans' third tight end on their depth chart behind Fiedorowicz and Griffin.
He earned his first career start in the Texans' season-opener against the Jaguars and caught two passes for 14 yards before leaving the game after suffering a concussion. C. J. Fiedorowicz and Ryan Griffin also suffered concussions during the Texans' 29–7 loss.{{Cite web |date=September 11, 2017 |title=Texans' Stephen Anderson: Concussed in Week 1 |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/texans-stephen-anderson-concussed-in-week-1/amp/ |access-date=December 7, 2017 |website=CBSSports.com |archive-date=December 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208003812/https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/texans-stephen-anderson-concussed-in-week-1/amp/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans – September 10th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709100htx.htm |access-date=February 22, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108032711/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709100htx.htm |url-status=live }} He remained in concussion protocol and was inactive for the Texans' Thursday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals four days later.{{Cite web |last=Wagner-McGough |first=Sean |date=September 11, 2017 |title=Five Texans in concussion protocol likely won't play Thursday against Bengals |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/five-texans-in-concussion-protocol-likely-wont-play-thursday-against-bengals/amp/ |access-date=December 7, 2017 |website=CBSSports.com |archive-date=December 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208004019/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/five-texans-in-concussion-protocol-likely-wont-play-thursday-against-bengals/amp/ |url-status=live }} On October 8, 2017, Anderson caught two passes for a season-high 63 yards in Houston's 42–34 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.{{Cite web |title=Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans – October 8th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201710080htx.htm |access-date=February 22, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111172643/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201710080htx.htm |url-status=live }} Anderson became the second tight end on the Texans' depth chart after C. J. Fiedorowicz missed eight games after suffering his second concussion. On December 3, 2017, Anderson caught a season-high five passes for 79 yards and a touchdown in the Texans' 24–13 loss at the Tennessee Titans. His first touchdown of the season came on a four-yard pass by Tom Savage in the second quarter.{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans – December 3rd, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201712030oti.htm |access-date=February 22, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121071422/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201712030oti.htm |url-status=live }} Overall, he finished his second professional season with 25 receptions for 342 yards and a touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Stephen Anderson 2017 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AndeSt01/gamelog/2017/ |access-date=February 22, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=February 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223110912/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AndeSt01/gamelog/2017/ |url-status=live }}
On September 1, 2018, Anderson was waived by the Texans.{{Cite web |date=September 1, 2018 |title=TRANSACTIONS: Texans cut roster to 53 |url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/transactions-texans-cut-roster-to-53 |access-date=February 12, 2023 |website=HoustonTexans.com |archive-date=September 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905102044/https://www.houstontexans.com/news/transactions-texans-cut-roster-to-53 |url-status=live }}
=New England Patriots=
On September 6, 2018, Anderson was signed to the Patriots' practice squad.{{Cite web |date=September 6, 2018 |title=Patriots make roster transactions |url=https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-make-roster-transactions |access-date=February 12, 2023 |website=Patriots.com |archive-date=August 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811213132/https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-make-roster-transactions |url-status=live }} He was promoted to the active roster on January 8, 2019.{{Cite web |date=January 8, 2019 |title=Patriots Make A Series of Roster Transactions |url=https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-make-a-series-of-roster-transactions |access-date=February 12, 2023 |website=Patriots.com |archive-date=December 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221203115254/https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-make-a-series-of-roster-transactions |url-status=live }} Anderson won Super Bowl LIII after the Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams 13–3.{{Cite web |last=Wong |first=Leland |date=February 3, 2019 |title=Congratulations to Stephen Anderson and Brian Schwenke for winning Super Bowl LIII! |url=https://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2019/2/3/18209825/super-bowl-liii-nfl-jared-goff-cj-anderson-stephen-anderson-brian-schwenke-rams-patriots-mcvay-brady |access-date=February 12, 2023 |website=California Golden Blogs |archive-date=December 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204221259/https://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2019/2/3/18209825/super-bowl-liii-nfl-jared-goff-cj-anderson-stephen-anderson-brian-schwenke-rams-patriots-mcvay-brady |url-status=live }} He was waived during final roster cuts on August 31, 2019.{{Cite web |last=Yang |first=Nicole |date=August 30, 2019 |title=Patriots rumor roundup: Here's who won't make New England's 53-man roster |url=https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2019/08/30/patriots-roster-moves-cuts-2 |access-date=August 31, 2019 |website=Boston.com |archive-date=October 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028162303/https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2019/08/30/patriots-roster-moves-cuts-2 |url-status=live }} He was signed to the practice squad a day later.{{Cite web |last=Kyed |first=Doug |date=September 2019 |title=Patriots Practice Squad Tracker: Stephen Anderson, Terez Hall Retained |url=https://nesn.com/2019/09/patriots-practice-squad-tracker-stephen-anderson-terez-hall-retained/ |access-date=September 1, 2019 |website=NESN.com |archive-date=September 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901172429/https://nesn.com/2019/09/patriots-practice-squad-tracker-stephen-anderson-terez-hall-retained/ |url-status=live }} On September 9, 2019, he was released from the practice squad.{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Oliver |date=September 9, 2019 |title=Patriots release tight end Stephen Anderson from practice squad, reportedly host two free agents |url=https://www.patspulpit.com/2019/9/9/20857822/new-england-patriots-release-tight-end-stephen-anderson-from-practice-squad-host-two-free-agents |access-date=September 9, 2019 |website=PatsPulpit.com |archive-date=January 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115222746/https://www.patspulpit.com/2019/9/9/20857822/new-england-patriots-release-tight-end-stephen-anderson-from-practice-squad-host-two-free-agents |url-status=live }}
=Los Angeles Chargers (first stint)=
On September 11, 2019, Anderson was signed to the Los Angeles Chargers practice squad.{{Cite web |date=September 11, 2019 |title=Chargers Announce Roster Moves |url=https://www.chargers.com/news/chargers-announce-roster-moves-x1208 |access-date=February 12, 2023 |website=Chargers.com |archive-date=October 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001115806/https://www.chargers.com/news/chargers-announce-roster-moves-x1208 |url-status=live }} He was promoted to the active roster on October 1, 2019.{{Cite web |date=October 1, 2019 |title=Chargers Promote TE Stephen Anderson to Active Roster |url=https://www.chargers.com/news/chargers-promote-te-stephen-anderson-to-active-roster |access-date=February 12, 2023 |website=Chargers.com |archive-date=November 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112002852/https://www.chargers.com/news/chargers-promote-te-stephen-anderson-to-active-roster |url-status=live }} He played in his lone game of the 2019 season in Week 5.{{Cite web |title=Stephen Anderson 2019 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AndeSt01/gamelog/2019/ |access-date=February 12, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=November 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117050610/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AndeSt01/gamelog/2019/ |url-status=live }} He was waived on October 12 and re-signed to the practice squad.{{Cite web |date=October 12, 2019 |title=Chargers Promote Jason Moore to Active Roster |url=https://www.chargers.com/news/chargers-promote-jason-moore-to-active-roster |access-date=February 12, 2023 |website=Chargers.com |archive-date=October 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002002221/https://www.chargers.com/news/chargers-promote-jason-moore-to-active-roster |url-status=live }} He signed a futures contract with the Chargers on December 30, 2019.{{Cite web |date=December 30, 2019 |title=Chargers Sign Eight Players to Reserve/Future Contracts |url=https://www.chargers.com/news/chargers-sign-eight-players-to-reserve-future-contracts |access-date=February 12, 2023 |website=Chargers.com |archive-date=September 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220924162206/https://www.chargers.com/news/chargers-sign-eight-players-to-reserve-future-contracts |url-status=live }}
In the 2020 season, Anderson appeared in 16 games. He recorded eight receptions for 106 receiving yards and mainly played on special teams.{{Cite web |title=Stephen Anderson 2020 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AndeSt01/gamelog/2020/ |access-date=February 12, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=November 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117050621/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AndeSt01/gamelog/2020/ |url-status=live }}
Anderson re-signed with the Chargers to a one-year contract on March 22, 2021.{{Cite web |last=Alper |first=Josh |date=March 22, 2021 |title=Chargers re-sign Stephen Anderson |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/03/22/chargers-re-sign-stephen-anderson/ |access-date=March 22, 2021 |website=ProFootballTalk |archive-date=March 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322205515/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/03/22/chargers-re-sign-stephen-anderson/ |url-status=live }} On the 2021 season, he had 16 receptions for 165 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Stephen Anderson 2021 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AndeSt01/gamelog/2021/ |access-date=February 12, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=February 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212175301/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AndeSt01/gamelog/2021/ |url-status=live }}
=Arizona Cardinals=
On April 4, 2022, Anderson signed with the Arizona Cardinals on a one-year contract.{{Cite web |last=Urban |first=Darren |date=April 4, 2022 |title=Cardinals Sign Tight End Stephen Anderson |url=https://www.azcardinals.com/news/cardinals-sign-tight-end-stephen-anderson |access-date=April 5, 2022 |website=Arizona Cardinals |archive-date=April 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404201707/https://www.azcardinals.com/news/cardinals-sign-tight-end-stephen-anderson |url-status=live }} He was released during final roster cuts on August 30, but quickly re–signed with the team two days later.{{Cite web |last=Urban |first=Darren |date=August 30, 2022 |title=Cardinals Make Final Cutdown To Get To Initial 53-Man Roster |url=https://www.azcardinals.com/news/arizona-cardinals-make-final-cuts-to-get-to-53-man-roster |access-date=2025-02-23 |website=AZCardinals.com}} He appeared in 16 games in the 2022 season. He had three receptions for nine yards on the year and a majority of his playing time was on special teams.{{Cite web |title=Stephen Anderson 2022 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AndeSt01/gamelog/2022/ |access-date=February 12, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=February 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212175304/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AndeSt01/gamelog/2022/ |url-status=live }}
=Los Angeles Chargers (second stint)=
On November 15, 2023, Anderson was signed to the Chargers practice squad.{{cite web | title=Chargers Place Chris Rumph II on Injured Reserve; Sign Justin Hollins | website=Chargers.com | date=2023-11-15 | url=https://www.chargers.com/news/chargers-place-chris-rumph-ii-on-injured-reserve-sign-justin-hollins | access-date=2024-10-29}} His contract expired at the end of the season and he did not sign a reserve/future contract, thus becoming a free agent.{{Cite web |date=January 11, 2024 |title=Los Angeles Chargers Sign 11 Players to Contracts |url=https://www.chargers.com/news/los-angeles-chargers-sign-11-players-to-contracts-2024 |access-date=2025-02-23 |website=Chargers.com}}
=Professional statistics=
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! Year !! Tm !! G !! GS !! Tgt !! Rec !! Yds !! Y/R !! TD !! Lng !! R/G !! Y/G |
| 2016 || HOU
| 13 || 0 || 16 || 11 || 93 || 8.5 || 1 || 14 || 0.8 || 7.2 |
|---|
| 2017 || HOU
| 15 || 5 || 52 || 25 || 342 || 13.7 || 1 || 42 || 1.7 || 22.8 |
| 2018
!NE |0 |0 | colspan="8" |DNP |
| 2019
!LAC |1 |0 |0 |0 |0 |0.0 |0 |0 |0.0 |0.0 |
| 2020
!LAC |16 |3 |11 |8 |106 |13.3 |0 |23 |0.5 |6.6 |
| 2021
!LAC |17 |4 |19 |16 |165 |10.3 |1 |34 |0.9 |9.7 |
| 2022
!ARI |16 |0 |7 |3 |9 |3.0 |0 |6 |0.2 |0.6 |
| colspan="2" | [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AndeSt01.htm Career] || 78 || 12 || 105 || 63 || 715 || 11.3 || 3 || 42 || 0.8 || 9.2 |
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{footballstats|pfr=A/AndeSt01|yahoo=29789|espn=2576854}}
- [http://www.calbears.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5688 Cal Golden Bears bio]
{{Super Bowl LIII}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Anderson, Stephen}}
Category:American football tight ends
Category:American football wide receivers
Category:Arizona Cardinals players
Category:California Golden Bears football players
Category:Houston Texans players
Category:21st-century American sportsmen
Category:Los Angeles Chargers players
Category:New England Patriots players
Category:Players of American football from San Jose, California