What is it about Adam Trautman that makes his on-field presence ever so significant? Selected by the New Orleans Saints, he has held 15 receptions for 171 yards and one touchdown, all as a rookie. In 2023, he was traded to the Denver Broncos, and in March 2024, he was offered a two-year contract extension with the team.

But, behind this talented TE’s story is a family that shaped his way to professional football. So who are his parents, and how did they support him? And what’s this family dynamic that helped him grow into what he is today?

Who Are Rod & Lori Trautman?

Rod Trautman, Adam’s father, has an impressive background as a former football coach at Elk Rapids High School in Michigan. His deep knowledge of the game shaped his athletic approach with his sons. His wife, Lori Trautman, brought her competitive spirit to the family as a former high school basketball player. Rod’s football expertise and Lori’s athletic prowess set high expectations for Adam and his brothers, influencing their sports careers from an early age.

Adam and his brothers were encouraged to excel as they grew up in a household of sports icons. While Lori supported their athletic endeavors, Rod guided them through drills and fundamentals. With their encouragement, Adam and his brothers pursued sports seriously. They practiced rigorously, knowing they had the support of their parents.

Rod and Lori taught Adam that perseverance in the face of challenges is essential, a lesson that would come in handy as Adam transitioned from high school football to larger competition levels. Their shared passion for athletics undoubtedly influenced the path Adam chose.

Despite their backgrounds, Rod and Lori had reservations about their son’s position choice for his long-term prospects. However, they always told their son to “do what makes him happy.” This support was crucial in helping Adam navigate his early career decisions. Ultimately, their acceptance of his transition into a tight end allowed him to flourish in that role.

Did Adam Trautman’s parents not want him to play TE?

Initially, Rod and Lori’s concerns about Adam playing tight end stemmed from his extensive background as a quarterback. Adam spent eleven years training as a signal-caller, and he was exceptional in that capacity. In high school, he set numerous records as a quarterback at Elk Rapids. The thought of switching from a position he knew so well to a tight end was alarming for his parents, as they worried that a change might hinder his chances at a football career.

The announcement of his decision to transition to tight end came as a surprise to Rod and Lori during his recruitment for college. They were understandably hesitant about his choice to play a position that could require different skills and approaches. Tight ends are typically expected to excel both in receiving and blocking, which demanded a new skill set that Adam would need to develop.

Yet, as Adam moved from high school into college football at Dayton, their perspective changed. Once Rod witnessed Adam’s performance as a tight end, it softened his earlier apprehensions. “It was hard to cover him,” Rod reflected. He quickly recognized that his son possessed a unique talent as a pass catcher. Adam’s speed and agility in his new role became apparent, showcasing skills that kept him at the forefront of defense concerns.

Lori later admitted that watching Adam succeed on the field as a TE alleviated many of their worries. They appreciated his transition, thinking back to their initial doubts as a distant memory.

Adam’s accomplishments are not solely his own but represent the dedication, fears, and triumphs experienced through his family’s evolution. Looking forward to Adam’s bright future, their bond proves that the passion for and support of the game can transcend any initial doubts.