Matthew Ben Mulligan (born January 18, 1985) is a former American football tight end. He played college football at The University of Maine. Mulligan was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He was also a member of the Tennessee Titans, New York Jets, St. Louis Rams, Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots, Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals, Buffalo Bills, and Detroit Lions. He currently serves as a volunteer strength and conditioning coach for the Maine Black Bears.[1]

Matthew Mulligan
refer to caption
Mulligan with the New York Jets in 2011
No. 82, 88, 85, 89
Position:Tight end
Personal information
Born: (1985-01-18) January 18, 1985 (age 39)
Bangor, Maine, U.S.
Height:6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight:258 lb (117 kg)
Career information
High school:Penobscot Valley (Howland, Maine)
College:Maine
Undrafted:2008
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career NFL statistics
Receptions:18
Receiving yards:170
Receiving touchdowns:2
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Early life

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Mulligan lived in Enfield, Maine and attended high school at Penobscot Valley High School in Howland, Maine. After high school, he enrolled at Husson University. Despite never playing the sport in high school, Mulligan joined Husson's football team as a tight end and thrived, transferring to the University of Maine the following season.

Professional career

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Miami Dolphins

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Mulligan was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He was released from the Dolphins on August 30 during final cuts. However, the Dolphins re-signed him to the practice squad the following day. Mulligan remained on the practice squad until his release on November 5.

Tennessee Titans (first stint)

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Mulligan was signed to the practice squad of the Tennessee Titans on November 19, 2008. Following the season, he was re-signed to a future contract on January 12. The Titans waived him on September 4.

New York Jets

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Mulligan was claimed off waivers by the New York Jets on September 6, 2009. He was waived on September 23. He was re-signed to the practice squad on September 24. He was promoted to the active roster on December 2.[2]

St. Louis Rams

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The St. Louis Rams signed Mulligan on March 26, 2012.[3] After one season with the team, Mulligan was released on March 23, 2013.

Green Bay Packers

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Mulligan was signed by the Green Bay Packers on April 9, 2013.[4] On August 31, 2013, he was released by the Packers during final team cuts.[5]

New England Patriots

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On September 3, 2013, the New England Patriots signed Mulligan, but released him just two days later.[6] The Patriots re-signed him on September 10. On September 29, 2013, he caught the last touchdown pass of Tom Brady's 52 straight games (two shy of the NFL record) with at least one passing touchdown.

Chicago Bears

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On April 8, 2014, Mulligan was signed by the Chicago Bears to a one-year deal.[7] On September 16, 2014, his contract was terminated by the Chicago Bears.[8]

Arizona Cardinals

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Mulligan signed with the Arizona Cardinals on November 18, 2014.[9] He was released on December 5, 2014.

Tennessee Titans (second stint)

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On December 16, 2014, Mulligan signed with the Titans.

Buffalo Bills

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On June 18, 2015, Mulligan signed with the Buffalo Bills.[10] On December 8, 2015, Mulligan was released by the Bills after Nick O'Leary was promoted from the practice squad.[11]

Detroit Lions

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On April 4, 2016, Mulligan signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Lions.[12] On August 29, 2016, Mulligan was released by the Lions.[13] He was re-signed by the Lions on November 1, 2016.[14]

References

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  1. ^ "Matthew Mulligan comes full circle as a volunteer coach with Black Bears — Sports — Portland Press Herald". Pressherald.com. July 4, 2021. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
  2. ^ "UMaine seniors showcase skills for NFL scouts — Sports — Bangor Daily News — BDN Maine". Bangordailynews.com. March 22, 2012. Retrieved March 24, 2012.
  3. ^ Wagoner, Nick (March 26, 2012). "Rams Sign Smith, Three More". St. Louis Rams. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
  4. ^ "Packers sign TE Mulligan". Packers.com. April 9, 2013. Archived from the original on November 19, 2016. Retrieved November 18, 2016.
  5. ^ "Packers release 22 players". Packers.com. August 31, 2013. Archived from the original on October 9, 2016. Retrieved November 18, 2016.
  6. ^ "Patriots release OL Braxston Cave and TE Matthew Mulligan". Archived from the original on September 7, 2013. Retrieved September 5, 2013.
  7. ^ Wilkening, Mike (April 8, 2014). "Bears reach deal with TE Matthew Mulligan". Profootballtalk.com. Retrieved April 8, 2014.
  8. ^ Campbell, Rich (September 15, 2014). "Bears promote cornerback Frey, returner Ross from practice squad". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved September 15, 2014.
  9. ^ Alper, Josh (November 18, 2014). "Cardinals sign Matthew Mulligan, place Troy Niklas on injured reserve". Pro Football Talk. Retrieved November 18, 2014.
  10. ^ Capaccio, Sal. "Bills sign TE Mulligan, release DB Noel". WGR550. Retrieved July 22, 2015.[permanent dead link]
  11. ^ "Bills make a TE switch: Matthew Mulligan is out, Nick O'Leary is in - BN Blitz". Archived from the original on December 10, 2015. Retrieved December 8, 2015.
  12. ^ "Lions sign free agents DE Wallace Gilberry and TE Matthew Mulligan". Detroit Lions. April 4, 2016. Archived from the original on April 7, 2016. Retrieved April 4, 2016.
  13. ^ "Lions acquire G Brandon Thomas via trade with 49ers and announce additional roster moves". DetroitLions.com. Archived from the original on September 1, 2016. Retrieved September 1, 2016.
  14. ^ "Lions sign TE Matthew Mulligan and acquire CB Johnthan Banks via trade". DetroitLions.com. November 1, 2016.
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