Being a fan favorite doesn't require being the best player on the field. Of course, LA Chargers fans love the likes of Justin Herbert and Derwin James because of how talented they are. But not every fan favorite is Herbert or James. Sometimes, a fanbase latches onto a player for other reasons.
One of the more surprising fan favorites of recent years was tight end Donald Parham. Parham's six-foot-eight size with his lengthy frame make him a unique player. As a result, the former XFL tight end (and Madden superstar) became a favorite who fans called, "Chicken Parm".
Unfortunately, Parham did not stick around with a new Chargers coaching staff in 2024. With Parham's limited ability as a blocker, the Chargers released the fan favorite prior to the 2024 season (despite having a thin tight end room). Parham wound up signing to the Denver Broncos practice squad but would never see any game action.
The Broncos didn't re-sign Parham to a futures contract after the 2024 season, putting his NFL career in jeopardy. However, a month later, the Pittsburgh Steelers decided to give Parham a chance, signing him to a one-year contract.
Steelers sign former Chargers fan favorite Donald Parham
Parham will have to earn his shot at a roster spot during training camp. There are five tight ends currently on the Steelers roster, but behind Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington, the door is wide open for Parham to be TE3.
Blocking is the biggest hole in Parham's game and that may ultimately hold him back on a Mike Tomlin team. However, Parham does add receiving value and for a team with little of that on the roster, Parham may impress enough during camp to earn a roster spot.
The Steelers also have two tight ends on the roster who Chargers fans thought would be together in Los Angeles. Washington was a draft crush for many Chargers fans because of his size and his menacing presence as a blocker.
Washington, who is six-seven with just as much length, is essentially the blocking version of Parham. He has developed some as a pass-catching weapon, but his real bread and butter is his play as an in-line blocker.
Chargers fans thought they would see this duo in Los Angeles when Washington was in the 2023 NFL Draft. Instead, if Parham makes the roster, Chargers fans will see what it could have looked like in Pittsburgh.
If Parham doesn't make the roster then he may be destined to be a practice squad player who eventually drifts away from the NFL.