Coby Fleener: The Tight End Who Never Quite Lived Up to the Hype

Coby Fleener, the once-promising tight end, was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He was expected to be a game-changer, a dynamic force on the field who would redefine the tight end position. Fleener played college football at Stanford, where he was a standout player, catching passes from none other than Andrew Luck. The Colts, in a move that seemed like a no-brainer, reunited the duo in Indianapolis. But despite the high expectations and the perfect setup, Fleener's NFL career never quite reached the heights many anticipated. His time in the league, spanning from 2012 to 2017, was marked by flashes of brilliance overshadowed by inconsistency and unmet potential.

First off, let's talk about the hype. Coming out of Stanford, Fleener was seen as the next big thing. He had the size, speed, and hands that scouts drool over. Pairing him with his college quarterback, Andrew Luck, seemed like a recipe for success. The Colts were banking on this chemistry to translate into NFL stardom. But as the seasons rolled on, it became clear that Fleener was not the game-changer everyone expected. Sure, he had his moments, but they were too few and far between. His career stats, while respectable, don't scream "superstar."

Fleener's time with the Colts was a mixed bag. He had some solid seasons, but he never became the dominant force the team hoped for. In 2016, he signed with the New Orleans Saints, a move that was supposed to revitalize his career. Playing with Drew Brees, one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, seemed like a golden opportunity. But once again, Fleener failed to live up to the expectations. His time in New Orleans was marred by injuries and inconsistency, and he was released after just two seasons.

Now, let's address the elephant in the room: why didn't Fleener live up to the hype? Some might point to injuries, which certainly played a role. Others might blame the systems he played in or the quarterbacks he worked with. But the truth is, Fleener simply didn't have the "it" factor. He was a good player, but not a great one. He lacked the ability to take over games, to be the difference-maker that teams need at the tight end position.

And let's not forget the financial aspect. Fleener's contracts were hefty, especially for a player who never quite delivered on the field. The Saints, in particular, invested a lot of money in him, only to be left disappointed. This is a classic case of a team overpaying for potential rather than production. It's a lesson that teams across the league should take to heart: don't let the hype cloud your judgment.

Fleener's story is a cautionary tale for NFL teams and fans alike. It's a reminder that not every college star will become an NFL superstar. The transition from college to the pros is a tough one, and not everyone can make it. Fleener had all the tools, but he couldn't put them together consistently.

In the end, Coby Fleener's NFL career is a story of what could have been. He had the talent, the opportunity, and the support, but he never quite put it all together. It's a reminder that in the NFL, potential is just that—potential. It takes more than talent to succeed at the highest level. It takes drive, determination, and a little bit of luck. Fleener had the first two, but the third eluded him. And that's why his career will always be remembered as a case of unfulfilled promise.