Selected in the fifth round (171st overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Was inactive for Weeks 1-4.
Made his NFL debut in Week 6 vs. Detroit, bringing in his first career reception. Finished with one catch for eight yards.
In Week 7 vs. Atlanta, appeared on special teams and in a reserve capacity on offense, playing 15-of-73 offensive snaps.
Appeared on special teams and in a reserve capacity on offense in Weeks 8-10.
In Week 11 at San Francisco, played 12-of-71 offensive snaps and brought in a then-season-high two receptions for 13 yards.
Played 12-of-60 offensive snaps in Week 12 at Indianapolis, bringing in one reception for 12 yards.
Started at tight end in the Week 13 victory over Carolina, playing 11 offensive snaps.
In the Week 14 victory over Atlanta, appeared in a reserve capacity on offense and on special teams.
Appeared on special teams and in a reserve capacity on offense in the Week 15 victory at Green Bay.
In the Week 16 victory over Jacksonville, played 11-of-74 offensive snaps, bringing in one reception for a then-career-high 25 yards.
Appeared on special teams and in a reserve capacity on offense in Week 17 vs. New Orleans.
In the Week 18 victory at Carolina, appeared on special teams and in a reserve capacity on offense.
In the Wild Card round victory over Philadelphia, appeared in a reserve capacity on offense, bringing in one reception for 18 yards.
Appeared on special teams and in a reserve capacity on offense in the Divisional round matchup against Detroit.
Appeared in 41 career games across four seasons (2019-22) at Purdue University, totaling 126 receptions
for 1,275 yards and 21 receiving touchdowns. Also added one carry for four yards.
His 21 receiving touchdowns rank fifth in program history and rank second all- time by a tight end in program history.
His 1,275 receiving yards rank sixth in program history in receiving yards by a tight end.
As a senior in 2022, was a Mackey Award (most outstanding tight end) semifinalist, was named second team All-Big Ten and was an All-American honorable mention after hauling in
56 passes for 560 yards and eight receiving touchdowns across 13 games (12 starts).
Ranked second on the team in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns as a senior.
As a junior in 2021, was named All-Big Ten honorable mention after starting 10-of-12 games and bringing in 45 receptions for 467 yards and six receiving touchdowns.
Received All-Big Ten honorable mention as a sophomore in 2020 when he brought in 16 receptions for 166 yards and three receiving touchdowns in six games.
Appeared in 12 games as a freshman in 2019, logging nine receptions for 82 yards and four receiving touchdowns.
Attended Peachtree Ridge High (Suwanee, Ga.)
Played lacrosse in high school before being convinced to try out for the football team as a senior after his high school's head football coach made a 3-point basketball shot during a pep rally.
Was born William Payne Durham.
Majored in selling & sales management.
