Alabama football tight end CJ Dippre is the third UA player to sign a free-agent deal after the 2025 NFL Draft.
In the world of college football, the transition from the collegiate ranks to the professional level is one of the most significant moments in a player’s career. For many athletes, especially those coming from a high-profile program like the University of Alabama, this transition signifies not only the culmination of years of hard work and dedication but also the start of a new chapter in their athletic journey.
One such player making that transition this year is CJ Dippre, a talented tight end who has now signed a free-agent contract following the 2025 NFL Draft. This marks a pivotal moment in his football career, and for Alabama’s football program, it serves as another example of the lasting impact they have on the professional ranks. Dippre’s signing is noteworthy, as he is the third player from the University of Alabama to secure a free-agent deal after the 2025 NFL Draft, a testament to the program’s continued ability to develop top-tier talent that attracts the attention of NFL teams.
Before his days at Alabama, CJ Dippre was already a highly regarded prospect in high school. Born and raised in the heart of the football-rich state of Pennsylvania, Dippre attended high school at Spring-Ford Area High School in Royersford, Pennsylvania, where he played both tight end and defensive end. His size, athleticism, and versatility on both sides of the ball made him a standout player, earning him numerous accolades as one of the top recruits in the country.
Despite being primarily known for his skills as a tight end, Dippre’s ability to contribute on defense caught the attention of recruiters and scouts. His impressive frame, standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing in at around 250 pounds, gave him the ideal blend of size and speed to succeed as a tight end at the next level. As a result, he was a highly sought-after recruit, attracting offers from several top programs, including Alabama.
CJ Dippre’s decision to commit to Alabama was a major step in his football journey. Under the guidance of head coach Nick Saban, Alabama’s football program has long been recognized as one of the premier programs in the nation. The chance to play under Saban and compete for championships was an opportunity that Dippre could not pass up. Furthermore, the tight end position at Alabama had historically been a key element in the team’s offensive scheme, providing a clear path for Dippre to make an immediate impact.
For a young player looking to maximize his potential, Alabama provided the perfect environment. The Crimson Tide’s reputation for developing professional-caliber players was undeniable, and the coaching staff’s track record of producing NFL talent was one of the main draws for Dippre. By choosing Alabama, Dippre was aligning himself with a program that had a history of success and a pipeline to the NFL that could help elevate his game to new heights.
CJ Dippre’s time at Alabama was marked by his steady development and growth as a player. After enrolling at Alabama, Dippre immediately found himself in a competitive environment, going up against some of the top players in the country in practices and games. As a true freshman, he was not expected to make an immediate impact, but his talent and work ethic were quickly recognized by the coaching staff.
During his time in Tuscaloosa, Dippre continued to develop his game and expand his skill set. While he was already a physical specimen when he arrived at Alabama, the coaching staff worked with him to refine his technique, improve his blocking ability, and enhance his receiving skills. By his sophomore and junior seasons, Dippre had grown into one of the most reliable tight ends on the team, providing a consistent target for Alabama’s quarterbacks while also excelling as a blocker in the running game.
In 2024, Dippre played a pivotal role in Alabama’s offensive scheme. His ability to line up both as a traditional tight end and in the slot gave the team flexibility, and his hands were one of his most standout traits. Whether it was catching passes over the middle or making key blocks to spring the running backs, Dippre’s well-rounded skill set made him an invaluable asset to the offense.
Throughout his career at Alabama, Dippre played in several high-profile games, including some of the most prestigious matchups in college football, such as the SEC Championship and the College Football Playoff. In these games, Dippre showed up in clutch moments, earning the respect of coaches, teammates, and NFL scouts alike. His performance during the 2024 season, in particular, saw him solidify his reputation as one of the top tight ends in college football.
After a successful college career, CJ Dippre declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, knowing that his time at Alabama had positioned him as a potential NFL player. In the lead-up to the draft, Dippre was seen as a versatile tight end who could contribute in both the passing and running game. His combination of size, speed, and football IQ made him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams looking to bolster their offense with a reliable tight end.
In the months leading up to the draft, Dippre participated in several pre-draft activities, including the NFL Scouting Combine and Pro Day events, where he impressed scouts with his athleticism and skill set. His agility, quickness off the line of scrimmage, and ability to catch passes in traffic were key highlights of his showcase. While he wasn’t expected to be selected in the first few rounds, many experts believed that Dippre had the potential to make an immediate impact at the next level.
While the 2025 NFL Draft was highly competitive, with many teams in need of tight end talent, Dippre’s skills were enough to earn him an opportunity at the professional level. Although he was not selected in the draft, he was one of several players to sign a free-agent deal shortly after the event.
CJ Dippre’s signing a free-agent deal is a testament to his hard work and the growth he showed during his time at Alabama. Although he didn’t hear his name called during the draft itself, Dippre’s ability to perform in high-pressure situations and his blend of size, athleticism, and technical ability made him a coveted asset for NFL teams.
As the third Alabama player to sign a free-agent contract after the 2025 NFL Draft, Dippre joins a growing list of players who have worked their way into professional football through a similar path. This trend speaks to the depth of talent at Alabama and the program’s ability to develop players who may not have been top draft picks but are still capable of making significant contributions at the NFL level. Dippre’s signing marks the beginning of what could be a long and fruitful career in the NFL.
