Caden Prieskorn, a tight end for the Detroit Lions, is only the second most well-known member of his family.

Caden Prieskorn, the gritty, athletic tight end now donning Honolulu blue for the Detroit Lions, has battled long odds to carve out his place in the NFL. With strong hands, reliable blocking, and a tenacity that mirrors Detroit’s blue-collar identity, Prieskorn fits like a glove in the Lions’ locker room. But despite his promising football career and a growing fan base, there’s an intriguing footnote attached to his name—Caden Prieskorn is only the second most famous member of his family.

It’s a curious statement, especially for someone who starred at two Division I football programs (Memphis and Ole Miss), was one of the nation’s most productive tight ends, and now calls the NFL home. Yet, in the Prieskorn family tree, another figure casts a surprising shadow—one rooted not in sports, but in a combination of community influence, business legacy, and regional prominence that has made the “other Prieskorn” a household name across parts of Michigan.

So, who is the most well-known Prieskorn? The answer leads us down a path of local heritage, personal perseverance, and a story that intertwines faith, service, and family values.

Before Caden was hauling in touchdowns for Ole Miss or turning heads at the NFL Combine, the Prieskorn name was already etched into the cultural fabric of Michigan—especially in the Detroit suburbs. That’s thanks to Brian Prieskorn, Caden’s uncle, and the Prieskorn family’s multigenerational ownership of Prieskorn Funeral Homes, one of the most respected and well-established funeral home chains in the state.

The Prieskorn Funeral Chapel, located in Livonia, Michigan, has served the community for decades. Known for its compassionate care, integrity, and family-first approach, the funeral home became a trusted name during some of life’s most difficult moments. Over time, the business grew in prominence—not just as a successful family operation, but as a community pillar.

“People in Michigan know the Prieskorn name because we’ve been helping families through grief for generations,” said Brian in a 2019 community interview. “It’s more than a business. It’s about faith, healing, and treating people with dignity.”

That commitment to care and service made the Prieskorn name instantly recognizable across the Detroit metro area. For locals, it was not unusual to associate “Prieskorn” with community events, sponsorships, and even volunteer-driven outreach initiatives. That regional fame meant that even as Caden rose through the ranks of high school football at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, he was still frequently referred to as “one of the Prieskorns” rather than as a standout in his own right.

Caden Prieskorn’s football journey began modestly. Coming out of Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, he wasn’t a five-star recruit drawing national attention. He didn’t start at a Power Five school. Instead, he took a patient route, redshirting his first year at Memphis and slowly growing into a key offensive weapon.

By 2022, however, Prieskorn had become one of the American Athletic Conference’s premier tight ends. That season, he recorded 48 receptions for 602 yards and seven touchdowns. His size—6-foot-6 and 255 pounds—made him a reliable red zone threat, and his ability to stretch the field vertically was rare for a player at his position.

But Caden wanted more. Seeking an opportunity to compete in the SEC and showcase his talent on the sport’s grandest stage, he transferred to Ole Miss ahead of the 2023 season. The move paid off. Despite battling through early-season injuries, he made an immediate impact for the Rebels, becoming a favorite target of quarterback Jaxson Dart and a key piece in Lane Kiffin’s versatile offensive scheme.

When asked about the adjustment from Memphis to Oxford, Caden smiled and said, “It’s all about belief—believing in yourself when no one else does. That’s what my family taught me growing up.”

Those close to Caden Prieskorn describe him as humble, grounded, and family-oriented. He doesn’t chase the spotlight, nor does he rely on flashy headlines to get noticed. Instead, he’s a blue-collar grinder—a film junkie who works relentlessly on his blocking technique, route tree, and situational awareness.

“He’s one of the most coachable guys I’ve ever worked with,” said one Ole Miss assistant coach. “His approach reminds me of a 10-year veteran. No ego. Just effort.”

Caden’s personality aligns closely with the values instilled by his family. The Prieskorns—through generations of running a business that deals with grief and mortality—have emphasized compassion, respect, and humility. Those traits show up not only in Caden’s off-field demeanor, but in the way he plays.

He’s not loud. He’s not brash. But make no mistake—he’s fearless. Whether it’s diving over a pile for a key first down or sealing the edge for a running back, Caden’s mentality echoes the family mantra: “We don’t back down.”

Caden entered the 2024 NFL Draft with momentum. His performance in pre-draft workouts and the Senior Bowl turned heads, especially his crisp route-running and soft hands. Still, given the depth of the tight end class, projections varied. Some analysts pegged him as a late Day 2 steal. Others thought he might slip to Day 3.

Eventually, the Detroit Lions made the call, bringing Caden home to the very state where his family name had long been revered.

“Detroit was always a dream,” Caden admitted in his introductory press conference. “It’s special—not just because of football, but because of family. This city means something to me.”

The Lions, coming off back-to-back playoff seasons, view Prieskorn as a high-upside depth piece behind starter Sam LaPorta. His ability to play both in-line and in the slot gives Detroit the flexibility to run two-tight end sets, especially in short-yardage situations.

Head coach Dan Campbell, himself a former tight end, reportedly “loved” Prieskorn’s toughness and football IQ. “He’s got that grit we want,” Campbell said. “He’s a fit for who we are.”

Despite reaching the NFL—a level very few athletes ever attain—Caden Prieskorn still encounters situations where his last name evokes images of community memorials more than end zone celebrations.

“I’ll go places in Michigan and people say, ‘Are you part of the Prieskorn Funeral Home family?’” he laughs. “I say yes, and they usually don’t even realize I play football.”

It doesn’t bother him. In fact, he embraces it.

“That name means something,” he said. “Whether it’s my uncle, my cousins, or my grandpa, we all take pride in being there for others. My job just happens to be on the field. But the foundation is the same.”

For now, Brian Prieskorn and the family funeral business may still outshine Caden in terms of name recognition. But if Caden continues to rise—catching touchdowns at Ford Field, making playoff runs, and embodying the toughness of Detroit—it may not stay that way for long.

The Prieskorn family story is one of quiet excellence. From mortuary services to gridiron success, it’s about making the most of your opportunities, showing up for others, and putting in the work—day after day, year after year.

In many ways, Caden Prieskorn’s NFL journey is just the latest chapter in that story. He may be the “second most famous” Prieskorn today, but he’s gaining ground fast—and doing it the right way.

“I’m proud of where I come from,” he said. “And I’m proud to represent the name on my back, both on and off the field.”

As OTAs and training camp approach, Caden has a chance to solidify his spot on the Lions’ 53-man roster. While he’ll likely begin the year as a backup, his versatility and reliability could earn him more snaps as the season progresses.

In the long term, he has the tools to become a consistent contributor—maybe even a starter. He’s proven doubters wrong at every level so far. Don’t bet against him doing it again.

But even if he never becomes a household name in the NFL, one thing remains certain: he’ll always carry the pride of the Prieskorn legacy. Whether catching touchdowns or comforting families, it’s all about purpose. And for Caden, that’s what matters most.