Matthew Ben Mulligan (born January 18, 1985) is a former American football tight end. He played college football at The University of Maine. Mulligan was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He was also a member of the Tennessee Titans, New York Jets, St. Louis Rams, Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots, Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals, Buffalo Bills, and Detroit Lions. He currently serves as a volunteer strength and conditioning coach for the Maine Black Bears.

Early life

Mulligan lived in Enfield, Maine and attended high school at Penobscot Valley High School in Howland, Maine. After high school, he enrolled at Husson University. Despite never playing the sport in high school, Mulligan joined Husson's football team as a tight end and thrived, transferring to the University of Maine the following season.

Professional career

Miami Dolphins

Mulligan was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He was released from the Dolphins on August 30 during final cuts. However, the Dolphins re-signed him to the practice squad the following day. Mulligan remained on the practice squad until his release on November 5.

Tennessee Titans (first stint)

Mulligan was signed to the practice squad of the Tennessee Titans on November 19, 2008. Following the season, he was re-signed to a future contract on January 12. The Titans waived him on September 4.

New York Jets

Mulligan was claimed off waivers by the New York Jets on September 6, 2009. He was waived on September 23. He was re-signed to the practice squad on September 24. He was promoted to the active roster on December 2.

St. Louis Rams

The St. Louis Rams signed Mulligan on March 26, 2012. After one season with the team, Mulligan was released on March 23, 2013.

Green Bay Packers

Mulligan was signed by the Green Bay Packers on April 9, 2013. On August 31, 2013, he was released by the Packers during final team cuts.

New England Patriots

On September 3, 2013, the New England Patriots signed Mulligan, but released him just two days later. The Patriots re-signed him on September 10. On September 29, 2013, he caught the last touchdown pass of Tom Brady's 52 straight games (two shy of the NFL record) with at least one passing touchdown.

Chicago Bears

On April 8, 2014, Mulligan was signed by the Chicago Bears to a one-year deal. On September 16, 2014, his contract was terminated by the Chicago Bears.

Arizona Cardinals

Mulligan signed with the Arizona Cardinals on November 18, 2014. He was released on December 5, 2014.

Tennessee Titans (second stint)

On December 16, 2014, Mulligan signed with the Titans.

Buffalo Bills

On June 18, 2015, Mulligan signed with the Buffalo Bills. On December 8, 2015, Mulligan was released by the Bills after Nick O'Leary was promoted from the practice squad.

Detroit Lions

On April 4, 2016, Mulligan signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Lions. On August 29, 2016, Mulligan was released by the Lions. He was re-signed by the Lions on November 1, 2016.