Shane Zylstra

Shane Zylstra (born November 16, 1996) is an American professional football tight end for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Minnesota State Mavericks.

Zylstra was a member of the Minnesota State Mavericks for five seasons, redshirting his true freshman season. Zylstra finished his collegiate career with as Minnesota State school records of 227 catches, 4,297 receiving yards, and 54 touchdown receptions.

Zylstra signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent on May 7, 2021. After signing with the team he was moved from wide receiver to tight end. Zylstra was waived by the Vikings on August 31, during final roster cuts.

Zylstra was signed to the practice squad of the Detroit Lions on September 1, 2021. He was elevated to the active roster on October 10, 2021, for the team's week 5 game against the Vikings. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Lions on January 10, 2022.

On October 1, 2022, Zylstra was waived by the Lions and re-signed to the practice squad. Zylstra was activated along with his brother Brandon Zylstra for Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers, Shane finished with his first professional touchdown, a one-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Jared Goff. He was signed to the active roster on November 13. On December 24, Zylstra caught three touchdown passes during a game against the Carolina Panthers.

On August 1, 2023, Zylstra was waived/injured by the Lions after suffering a knee injury in training camp, and placed on injured reserve.

Zylstra was waived by the Lions on August 27, 2024, and re-signed to the practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster on November 9.

In Week 2 of the 2025 season against the Chicago Bears, Zylstra suffered an ankle injury while blocking on a punt return; he was placed on injured reserve on September 16, 2025.