Jake Tonges with the San Francisco 49ers looks comfortable out on the football field. He scored the go-ahead touchdown Week 1 and planted a pivotal block in a Week 2 victory over the New Orleans Saints.
Tonges should look comfortable in the role because he is right at home. The Bay Area native starred at Los Gatos High School, near Levi’s Stadium, and also attended the University of California, Berkeley.
The third-year tight end was thrust into more snaps for the Niners after star tight end George Kittle strained his hamstring in the opener against the Seattle Seahawks and was moved to injured reserve, sidelining him through at least Week 5.
Good things are finally happening for 26-year-old Tonges. He hauled in a soaring, game-winning 4-yard touchdown against the Seahawks and pancaked New Orleans Saints safety Justin Reid in Week 2 to clear the way for an 11-yard score.
Just last season, Tonges — a 2022 undrafted free agent — had zero catches across 50 offensive snaps in three seasons spent on the fringes of NFL rosters. In his past five quarters, he’s already recorded seven receptions.
Tonges Talks Growing Up in Los Gatos, California
Tonges opened up about his success and growing up in northern California with 49ers’ reporter Briana Jeannel, also a Bay Area native.
“It’s been awesome,” Tonges said. “Heard from a lot of family and friends.
“It was such a classic high school experience,” he added. “They really care about the football team over there. I’ve been very fortunate to do pretty much every year of my life (there), besides a little hiatus in Chicago my rookie year.” Tonges was waived by the Bears in 2023.
Tonges’ former high school coach recently showed the current Los Gatos squad the replay of Tonges’ Week 1 touchdown. Tonges said his college coach did the same.
“I’m glad they showed that,” he said. “I’m fired up. I hope it can maybe inspire some guys to really just stick with it. I was a walk-on and I was undrafted. So just try and take advantage of your opportunities. It definitely makes me smile a little bit that they’re showing that.”
Tonges first played quarterback in high school but transitioned to defense and tight end.
Tonges Admits That He Grew Up a Bengals Fan
Tonges admitted that growing up he was not a fan of the Niners, but the Cincinnati Bengals, the team from where he was born.
“I was a Bengals fan because I was born in Cincinnati (Ohio) and we actually moved out to Los Gatos when I was about five or six years old,” Tonges said. “I think I also liked to root for the Bengals because it was different from everybody around me.”
Don’t worry Niners fans, he’s converted.
“I’ve kind of decided recently, I’ve spent enough time in Bay Area, I’ve played for the Niners for three years, it’s probably time to start being a Bay Area sports fan,” he said.
Tonges Participates on Bay Area-Specific Rapid-Fire Round
Tonges participated in some Bay Area-specific prompts from Jeannel, such as how big of a deal was In-N-Out Burger in Los Gatos?
Tonges said he never participated in the high school tradition of hitting the popular fast food restaurant after a Friday night game. He found himself at Jack in the Box often, though.
“The In-N-Outs were kind of far way,” he said. “I’m sure we would go if they were in town.”
Does Tonges listen to popular Bay Area rappers Mac Dre, Too Short, or E-40?
“At Cal they played a lot of E-40,” he said. “I don’t personally listen to those guys too much, they’re a little older, but I definitely heard of lot it being at Cal.
“SOB X RBE was huge when I was in high school. I saw him perform at Snow Globe one year, which is festival in Tahoe.
And what about earthquake drills growing up California?
“We did some earthquake drills,” he said. “I do remember that.”
“Cal’s football field is actually on a fault line.”