Thomas Fidone II was born in Iowa and played high school football for powerhouse Lewis Central in Council Bluffs. But instead of becoming a Hawkeye or a Cyclone, he jumped across the river and went to Nebraska.
And for Fidone, it was the best decision he could have made.
The 6-foot-6, 255-pound tight end was selected in the seventh round of the recent 2025 NFL Draft by the New York Giants.
At Lewis Central, Fidone became a four-star recruit and was considered the No. 2 tight end overall in the Class of 2021. He was an All-American as a senior after catching 43 passes for 845 yards and 10 touchdowns.
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He finished his career with the Titans by recording over 100 receptions and more than 1,500 yards while scoring over 20 touchdowns.
Fidone had his choice of schools including Iowa, LSU, Penn State and Michigan, but went with the Huskers. He would play in 26 games over three seasons, including a shortened freshman campaign due to injury.
Over that time, Fidone caught 61 passes for 633 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 10 yards per reception.
During a recent interview with an Omaha television station, Fidone noted that his coach at Nebraska, Matt Rhule, was "the biggest thing" that got him prepared for the NFL.
Thomas Fidone II identified Matt Rhule as the single biggest reason why he's ready for the NFL.
— Matt Sottile (@MSottileTV) July 7, 2025
"The offense that he brought to Nebraska and the mindset that he brought definitely helped the transition."@KETV | @ThomasFidone | #Huskers pic.twitter.com/HOS2CozmMn
"The offense and the mindset that he brought helped the transition," Fidone said.
Fidone has already made a big impression on one standout in the NFL in all-pro tight end Travis Kelce. He competed at the recent Tight End U event and told KETV that Kelce told him he was "extremely athletic and moved extremely well."
"Being able to hear that from him was cool," Fidone added.
Thomas Fidone II identified Matt Rhule as the single biggest reason why he's ready for the NFL.
— Matt Sottile (@MSottileTV) July 7, 2025
"The offense that he brought to Nebraska and the mindset that he brought definitely helped the transition."@KETV | @ThomasFidone | #Huskers pic.twitter.com/HOS2CozmMn
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