It’s rare that an NFL team can boast about possessing the best blocking tight end in game and its best receiving tight end. The Chargers are in fact one team that can definitely boast about having both.



Brandon Manumaleuna (MAH-noo-mah-lee-oon-ah) and Antonio Gates give the Chargers a great one-two punch at tight end. While the two differ in size and speed, both are an indelible forces in Norv Turner’s high-powered offense. And it doesn’t hurt that Manumaleuna is an extremely versatile player who has lined up at tight end, fullback, H-back and wide receiver, in addition to playing special teams, during his career.



The 6-2, 288-pound Manumaleuna is as agile and shifty as he his big. And while he doesn’t catch as many passes as Gates, Manumaleuna is as sure-handed as any of the Chargers’ pass catchers. Having a tight end who is a dependable blocker and a good receiver is a key component of Turner’s offensive system. For the fifth-year in a row, Manumaleuna recorded double-digit reception totals and in each of his two years with the Chargers, San Diego’s offense has rushed for more than 2,000 yards.



Manumaleuna joined the Chargers in 2006 after Bolts General Manager A.J. Smith pulled off one of the biggest steals of the draft, shipping a fourth-round pick to the St. Louis Rams in exchange for his services. Right away, Manumaleuna became a key cog in the Chargers’ offense, scoring touchdowns on three of his 14 catches, and helping to block for a running game that netted a team-record 2,578 yards and an NFL MVP award for LaDainian Tomlinson.



Brandon’s off-the-field hobbies include playing basketball and spending time with family. Brandon is a second-generation NFL player. His father, Frank, played linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1979-1981. Frank also played at UCLA in the early 1970s. Brandon showed early signs of following in his father’s footsteps. As an 11-year-old, he won the NFL’s Punt, Pass and Kick Competition.