A fifth round draft choice in 2007, Brent Celek (pronounced SELL-ick) turned in a solid rookie campaign and made the most of some late-season opportunities, tallying 8 receptions for 103 yards and a touchdown over the final three games. A big target with speed and athleticism, Celek finished his career at Cincinnati ranked third on the school's all-time list among tight ends in catches (91) and TDs (14).

2007 HIGHLIGHTS:

• Snagged a 2-yd. pass from QB Donovan McNabb for his first career TD vs. Buf. (12/30)
• Set a career high in yards (50) while playing nearly the whole game at TE at Dal. (12/16), after injuries sidelined L.J. Smith and Matt Schobel
  

BIRDSEED:

• After not being invited to the NFL scouting combine in 2007 and then being drafted in the 5th round, Celek uses those snubs as motivation. "It ticked me off, to be honest. I thought I would be drafted higher, but it just lit a fire under me that I will always carry."
• Works with his cousin, Josh Randell, to broker deals between companies importing and exporting a variety of products from China, including bamboo flooring, plastics, molds, and chemicals. "Every time we get a big deal done, it's a big rush. Not as big as a football game, but it's up there. It's a very competitive venture."
• Researches companies as a hobby in hopes of one day investing in them. Reads the Wall Street Journal every day with an online subscription, as well many other web sites. "I try to focus on companies I know and use in everyday life."
• Aspires to meet Jim Cramer, host of "Mad Money" on CNBC, to discuss hedge funds. Acquired his desire to invest and research business ventures during his college classes at Cincinnati. "I would often get bored in class and sometimes just log onto the internet during class to research companies and learn as much as I could."

PERSONAL:

• Single and resides in Philadelphia
• His parents, Steve and Debbie, own three hair salon and spas in Cincinnati named Paragon Salon
• Has two younger brothers, Garrett, a redshirt freshman tight end at Michigan State, and Tyler, and two younger sisters, Stephanie and Mackenzie
• A two-time all-district and all-league selection at LaSalle HS. Also lettered in track (shotput and discus)
• Grew up a fan of the Cincinnati Bengals as his family owned 10 season tickets. His favorite Bengal of all time is Boomer Esiason
• Hobbies include reading murder mysteries and books regarding the stock market, as well as playing tennis, golf, and basketball
• His first job was in his uncle's motorcycle shop as a janitor
• A two-time Big East All-Academic team pick, earned  a degree in business marketing and management
• Full name: Brent Steven Celek

COLLEGE HIGHLIGHTS:
Celek finished his career ranked 3rd on the school's all-time list among TEs in catches (91) and TDs (14), while amassing 1,135 yds. Led all Big East TEs in recepts and yds. (35-481), while adding 3 TDs as a senior. Finished career with a streak of 25 straight games with a catch. Posted 32-361-3TD rec. stats as a junior and garnered 2nd-team All-Conference USA honors as a sophomore with a school-record 8 TDs as a TE.

INJURY HISTORY:
Underwent successful surgery on 1/8/08 to repair the labrum in his right shoulder.