Introduction: Who Is AJ Barner?
Albert Javonte Barner, widely known as AJ Barner, is an American professional football tight end for the Seattle Seahawks of the NFL. Born on May 3, 2002, in Aurora, Ohio, Barner combines elite size, athleticism, and rising scoring potential — making him a player of growing interest for fans, fantasy managers, and prop bettors alike.
Standing 6-feet 6-inches tall and weighing 251 pounds, Barner’s physical profile makes him a natural red zone threat and a matchup nightmare for defenders.
Most recently, in Super Bowl LX, Barner etched his name further into the NFL spotlight by catching the first touchdown of the game, a feat that shifted betting narratives on prop odds around the league.
Full Name and Middle Name: Legal Identity
Full Name: Albert Javonte Barner
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First Name: Albert
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Middle Name: Javonte
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Last Name: Barner
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Common Name/NFL Name: AJ Barner
Born in 2002, Barner’s full identity is confirmed through official records and professional bios. His nickname “AJ” simply derives from his first and middle names — a common practice in American football culture.
Height, Weight, and Physical Profile
Size — A Game Changer in the NFL
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Height: 6’6″ (1.98 m)
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Weight: 251 lbs (113 kg)
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Position: Tight End
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Jersey Number: #88
Barner’s stature is a massive advantage in the red zone. His wingspan and reach allow him to out-jump defenders on contested throws, especially near the goal line. At 6’6″, he’s taller than many cornerbacks and linebackers tasked with covering him — a key reason he’s become a frequent touchdown target.
College and Early Career
Barner began his collegiate career at Indiana University, where he developed his fundamentals and was viewed as a promising but under-the-radar tight end. Later, he transferred to the University of Michigan, starring for the Wolverines and helping lead the program to a national championship in 2023.
That championship performance significantly boosted his draft stock. In the 2024 NFL Draft, Barner was selected in the 4th round (121st overall) by the Seattle Seahawks — a team known for leveraging tight ends creatively in its scheme.
NFL Career Overview: Progress and Production
Barner’s NFL journey has been marked by consistent growth:
Rookie Season (2024–25):
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30 receptions
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245 receiving yards
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4 touchdowns
Barner showed flashes of playmaking ability in his first season, adjusting to the speed and complexity of the pro game.
Breakout Year (2025–26):
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52 receptions
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519 receiving yards
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6 receiving touchdowns
By his second season, Barner became a trusted red-zone weapon. His production earned attention not just from fans but also from prop bettors — especially given his red-zone presence and end zone prowess.
Barner also tallied a rushing touchdown, showcasing his versatility and athleticism.
First Touchdown Odds: Super Bowl and Prop Bet Context
Barner’s 2026 Super Bowl performance made headlines not only for his athletic play but also for prop betting value. Before the game, sportsbooks had Barner at long odds to score the opening touchdown — reflecting both his role in Seattle’s offense and his under-the-radar status among bettors.
2026 Super Bowl – First Touchdown Odds (Pre-Game)
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AJ Barner to score the first touchdown: +1200
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AJ Barner Anytime touchdown: +230
These odds meant a $100 wager on Barner to score first would have returned $1,200 — a significant payout if it hit. A more modest but still lucrative bet was his anytime scoring odds, paying +230.
Why These Odds Mattered
Barner was not the presumed favorite — established playmakers like Kenneth Walker III and Jaxon Smith-Njigba had shorter lines — but his role in the red zone and rapport with quarterback Sam Darnold made him an intriguing sleeper pick.
Then, in a defensive Super Bowl through the first three quarters, Barner delivered, snagging the first touchdown of the game and surprising many bettors and analysts alike.
Highlight: First Touchdown of Super Bowl LX
Barner’s Super Bowl breakthrough came in the fourth quarter, when quarterback Sam Darnold connected with him for the score, giving Seattle a decisive lead. The play became a key moment in the championship narrative — and a favorite clip in social feeds and highlight reels.
The touchdown also spotlighted Barner’s rise from a mid-round pick to a clutch scoring presence — a trajectory that can influence future prop and fantasy evaluations.
Fantasy Football and Prop Betting Potential
In fantasy football, tight ends who command red-zone targets are gold. Barner’s 2025 stats — particularly his 6 touchdowns and increasing yardage — make him a bargain pick in deeper leagues, especially when paired with favorable matchups.
From a prop betting perspective:
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First touchdown props offer high variance but huge payoff.
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Anytime touchdown props are safer and often still profitable if the player’s usage is consistent.
Barner’s Super Bowl performance may encourage sportsbooks to shorten his future lines in similar situations — a sign of respect and recognition of his growing role.
Analyzing Barner’s Athletic Profile
Barner’s size and athletic traits contribute to his red-zone value:
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6’6″ frame provides matchup advantages.
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Ability to high-point balls against defenders increases scoring opportunities.
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Growing chemistry with his quarterback enhances his threat on short and midrange targets.
Analysts often note that tall tight ends have more “catch surface” and are frequently targeted on fade and jump-ball situations — especially in critical scoring zones.
Spotlight: Key Career Moments
Here are some of Barner’s most defining on-field milestones:
NFL First Career Touchdown
Barner’s first NFL touchdown came in 2024 on a nine-yard reception, marking a key early milestone in his professional career.
Multi-TD Games in 2025
During the 2025 season, he recorded his first multi-touchdown game, raising his fantasy and scoring profile.
Super Bowl LX First TD
Scoring the opening touchdown in the Super Bowl, Barner cemented his rising star reputation — a play that significantly outperformed his pre-game odds.
FAQs About AJ Barner
Q: What is AJ Barner’s full name?
A: His full legal name is Albert Javonte Barner.
Q: How tall is AJ Barner?
A: Barner stands 6’6″ (198 cm) tall.
Q: What were his first touchdown odds in the Super Bowl?
A: He was priced at around +1200 to score the first touchdown and +230 anytime according to certain sportsbooks.
Q: Which NFL team does AJ Barner play for?
A: Barner plays tight end for the Seattle Seahawks.
Q: How has his NFL career progressed so far?
A: After modest production as a rookie, Barner broke out in 2025 with significant touchdowns and consistent receiving yards, becoming a more integral part of Seattle’s offense.
Q: What college did AJ Barner attend?
A: He played for Indiana University before transferring to the University of Michigan, where he won a national championship in 2023.
Final Thoughts
AJ Barner’s rise from a mid-round draft pick to a Super Bowl first-touchdown scorer embodies one of the most compelling narratives in the NFL today. His size, skill, and red-zone role make him a valuable fantasy asset and a high-upside prop betting target — especially when looking at first touchdown markets.
Whether you’re evaluating him for your fantasy roster, a future prop bet, or simply following the growth of a young star, Barner’s profile is one to watch closely in the coming seasons.
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