Cade Stover is a professional American football tight end for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). A versatile and tenacious player, he is known for his strong work ethic, physicality, and his successful transition from a defensive player to a standout tight end. Before his professional career, Stover was a highly celebrated athlete at The Ohio State University, where his performance earned him the title of Big Ten Tight End of the Year. His journey from a celebrated high school athlete in Ohio to a promising NFL talent showcases his dedication and adaptability on the field.
Cade Stover Overview
Full Name
Cade Stover
Date of Birth
June 12, 2000
Birthplace
Mansfield, Ohio, U.S.
Height
6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight
251 lb (114 kg)
Profession
Professional Football Player (Tight End)
Team
Houston Texans
Parents
Trevor Stover and Chelsi Stover
Siblings
Gabby Stover, Tatum Stover
Girlfriend
Kennedie Barner
Net Worth
Estimated in the low millions
Early Life and Education of Cade Stover
Cade Stover was born on June 12, 2000, in Mansfield, Ohio, to Trevor and Chelsi Stover. Raised on his family's farm, he learned the values of hard work and perseverance from a young age, often helping with demanding chores like baling hay and tending to cattle. This "blue-collar" upbringing instilled a toughness and discipline that would become hallmarks of his athletic career. His father, Trevor, a former tight end at Bowling Green State University, and his mother, Chelsi, a former track athlete at the same university, provided a strong athletic foundation.
Stover attended Lexington High School in Lexington, Ohio, where he became a multi-sport phenom. In football, his exceptional talent on both offense and defense earned him numerous accolades. As a senior, he was named Ohio's Mr. Football and the Gatorade Player of the Year after rushing for 1,477 yards with 17 touchdowns while also recording 163 tackles and four interceptions on defense. Not limited to the gridiron, Stover was also a standout basketball player, setting Lexington's all-time scoring and rebounding records and leading his team to the state semifinals.
Cade Stover's Career
High School Dominance
Stover's high school career at Lexington was nothing short of legendary. A four-star recruit, he was recognized as one of the top players in Ohio and a highly sought-after prospect nationally. His two-way dominance as a running back and linebacker made him a formidable force, leading to honors such as Ohio's Division III Defensive Player of the Year. His versatility and athletic prowess attracted offers from major college football programs including Michigan, Oklahoma, and Texas, but he ultimately committed to play for The Ohio State University.
Collegiate Journey at Ohio State
At Ohio State, Stover's career was marked by his adaptability and team-first mentality. Initially recruited as a linebacker, he was moved to defensive end before his freshman season. Over the next few years, he would switch between linebacker and tight end as the team needed. He embraced the tight end position, and his defensive mindset brought a unique physicality to his offensive play.
His breakout season came in 2022 when he became a team captain and a reliable target for quarterback C.J. Stroud, catching 36 passes for 406 yards and five touchdowns. In his final season in 2023, he solidified his status as one of the nation's best tight ends, earning the Kwalick-Clark Big Ten Tight End of the Year award and being named a finalist for the John Mackey Award, given to the top tight end in college football. He finished his Ohio State career with 82 receptions for 1,058 yards and 10 touchdowns, ranking among the most productive tight ends in the university's history.
Professional Career with the Houston Texans
Cade Stover was selected by the Houston Texans in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the 123rd overall pick. This move reunited him with his former college quarterback, C.J. Stroud. Stover's selection was celebrated for his toughness and work ethic, traits that Texans' management believed would fit perfectly with the team's culture. Stover's draft day was famously low-key; he received the life-changing phone call while working on his father's farm, a moment that underscored his grounded personality. In his rookie season, he appeared in 15 games, starting nine, and recorded 15 receptions for 133 yards and his first career touchdown.
Cade Stover Personal Life & Family
Cade Stover's life off the field is deeply connected to his family and his rural roots. He is the son of Trevor and Chelsi Stover and has two younger sisters, Gabby and Tatum. His father has been a significant influence, imparting both a love for football and the discipline of farm life. The family owns and operates a farm and two butcher shops in the Mansfield area. Stover maintains a close relationship with his girlfriend, Kennedie Barner, who he has been with since his time at Ohio State.
Awards and Achievements of Cade Stover
Big Ten Tight End of the Year (2023)
First-team All-Big Ten (2023)
John Mackey Award Finalist (2023)
Third-team All-Big Ten (2022)
Two-time Ohio State Team Captain (2022, 2023)
Ohio's Mr. Football (2018)
Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year (2018)
Cade Stover Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Cade Stover's net worth is estimated to be in the low millions. His primary source of income is his contract with the Houston Texans. Upon being drafted, he signed a rookie contract typical for a fourth-round pick, which includes a signing bonus and a yearly salary. As he continues his NFL career, his earnings and net worth are expected to grow significantly.
Legacy and Influence
Cade Stover's legacy is one of versatility, hard work, and a blue-collar mentality. He is often looked to as an example of a player who succeeded through dedication and a willingness to adapt for the betterment of his team. His transition from an All-State linebacker to an award-winning tight end is a testament to his athletic intelligence and coachability. Stover takes pride in representing the farming community, often speaking about how his upbringing on the farm shaped him as both a person and a player. His story resonates with many who appreciate his authentic, hard-nosed approach to the game.
Interesting Facts about Cade Stover
Stover was working on his father’s tractor when he received the call from the Houston Texans during the NFL Draft.
He was a multi-sport star in high school, excelling in both football and basketball, where he set school records.
Stover played three different positions (linebacker, defensive end, and tight end) during his time at Ohio State.
He has expressed a desire to own a large farm of his own one day.
His father, Trevor, also played college football as a tight end.
Social Media Presence
Platform
Handle
Instagram
@cstov8
Final Words about Cade Stover
Cade Stover's journey from the farms of Mansfield, Ohio, to the turf of the NFL is a compelling narrative of grit and determination. His career is still in its early stages, but he has already demonstrated the physical tools and mental fortitude required to succeed at the highest level. Reunited with C.J. Stroud in Houston, the future looks bright for the versatile tight end. As he continues to develop his game, Cade Stover is poised to become a significant contributor to the Houston Texans and a player who continues to honor his "blue-collar" roots through his relentless play on the field.
A passionate team of writers and researchers dedicated to sharing authentic life stories of celebrities, influencers, and public figures from around the world.
A passionate team of writers and researchers dedicated to sharing authentic life stories of celebrities, influencers, and public figures from around the world.
