Charlie Kolar Parents: Meet Randy and Maria Kolar, the Family Behind the Chargers Tight End

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Charlie Kolar recently expressed frustration following the team’s 44-22 loss to the Houston Texans, acknowledging the challenges of playing in a struggling offense. The former Baltimore Ravens player has continued contributing as both a blocker and receiver during his first season in Los Angeles. Away from football, his upbringing in an academically accomplished family remains an important part of his story.

Charlie Kolar’s parents are Randy Kolar and Maria Kolar, both university professors with backgrounds in engineering, law and athletics. Raised in Norman, Oklahoma, Charlie grew up in a household that emphasized education alongside sports. His older brother, John Kolar, also pursued college football, making athletics a shared interest within the family.

Who Are Charlie Kolar’s Parents?

Charlie Kolar was born on February 10, 1999, to Randy and Maria Kolar. He grew up in Norman, Oklahoma, where both parents worked at the University of Oklahoma.

His father, Randy, is a civil engineering professor, while his mother, Maria, is a law professor and former college volleyball player.

Their professional backgrounds gave Charlie an unusual combination of academic and athletic influences.

The family placed considerable importance on education, something reflected in Charlie’s achievements throughout high school and college.

He became a National Merit Scholar and later graduated from Iowa State University with a 3.99 grade point average in mechanical engineering.

Despite growing up in a university-centered environment, Charlie developed a strong interest in football and eventually established himself as one of the country’s leading collegiate tight ends.

His parents’ influence helped him balance academic expectations with the demands of competitive sports.

Who Is Charlie Kolar’s Father Randy Kolar?

Charlie Kolar’s father is Randall “Randy” Kolar, an academic specializing in civil engineering.

He has worked as a professor at the University of Oklahoma, where his research and teaching have focused on engineering-related subjects.

His academic career contributed to the family’s connection with Norman, the city where Charlie spent his childhood.

Growing up with a father involved in engineering likely made Charlie familiar with technical subjects long before he selected his college major.

Charlie eventually chose mechanical engineering at Iowa State University, pursuing a demanding academic program while competing in Division I football.

His academic achievements became a major part of his identity as a student-athlete.

Randy’s professional background also helps explain why education remained important in the Kolar household, even as both Charlie and his brother pursued football.

Although Randy has generally maintained a private life outside his university career, his son’s success has brought attention to the family’s academic background.

Who Is Charlie Kolar’s Mother Maria Kolar?

Maria Kolar is Charlie Kolar’s mother, a university law professor and former collegiate volleyball player.

Before establishing her academic career, Maria attended the University of Notre Dame, where she competed on the women’s volleyball team.

Her athletic background gave the family a direct connection to college sports.

Charlie and his older brother grew up with a mother who understood the commitment required to compete at a high level while pursuing an education.

Maria later entered the legal profession and developed a career in higher education.

Her experience in both athletics and academics reflects the combination of interests that became important in her sons’ lives.

Charlie has followed a similar path by maintaining strong academic performance throughout his football career.

While Maria has not been a frequent presence in national sports interviews, her background remains a distinctive part of the tight end’s family story.

Does Charlie Kolar Have Any Siblings?

Charlie Kolar has an older brother named John Kolar, who also played college football.

John was a quarterback at Oklahoma State University before transferring to Iowa State for the 2019 season.

His move created an opportunity for the brothers to become teammates.

At Iowa State, Charlie was developing into one of the program’s leading tight ends, while John joined the quarterback group as a graduate transfer.

The brothers had grown up together in Norman and shared an interest in football from an early age.

John’s experience at Oklahoma State also meant that Charlie had a close family connection to major college football before beginning his own career.

Their shared time at Iowa State was particularly notable because both had originally pursued football at different universities.

Charlie eventually became the more prominent professional player, but John’s college career remains an important part of the family’s athletic background.

How Did Charlie Kolar’s Parents Influence His Education?

Education played a central role in Charlie Kolar’s upbringing.

With both parents working as university professors, he grew up in an environment where academic achievement was strongly valued.

At Norman North High School, Charlie distinguished himself in the classroom while becoming a standout football player.

He was recognized as a National Merit Scholar and participated in the National Honor Society.

After enrolling at Iowa State, he continued balancing academic responsibilities with an increasingly demanding football schedule.

He graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering and maintained a 3.99 GPA.

Charlie also pursued postgraduate studies in finance.

His academic achievements earned recognition beyond the football program.

In 2021, he received the William V. Campbell Trophy, an award presented to a college football player who demonstrates exceptional academic achievement, football performance and leadership.

The recognition reflected the values emphasized throughout his upbringing.

Charlie Kolar’s Childhood and Football Career in Oklahoma

Charlie Kolar attended Norman North High School, where he developed into one of Oklahoma’s leading football prospects.

Standing approximately 6 feet 6 inches tall, he became a difficult matchup for opposing defenders.

During his senior season, he recorded 66 receptions for 1,240 yards and 12 touchdowns.

His performances helped Norman North reach the Oklahoma Class 6A-I state championship game.

Despite growing up in the same city as the University of Oklahoma, Charlie did not receive a football scholarship offer from the Sooners.

He instead committed to Iowa State University, where he joined the Cyclones in 2017.

After redshirting his first season, he gradually established himself as a key offensive player.

Between 2018 and 2021, he recorded 168 receptions for 2,181 yards and 23 touchdowns.

He earned three consecutive first-team All-Big 12 selections and became one of the most accomplished tight ends in Iowa State history.

His combination of athletic ability and academic success made him a distinctive prospect entering the NFL.

Charlie Kolar’s NFL Career and Family Background

The Baltimore Ravens selected Charlie Kolar in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 128th overall pick.

He spent four seasons with Baltimore, developing a reputation as a dependable blocking tight end.

His responsibilities included supporting the Ravens’ running game and providing an additional receiving option.

During the 2025 season, he recorded 10 receptions for 142 yards and two touchdowns.

In March 2026, Kolar agreed to a multi-year contract with the Los Angeles Chargers.

The move marked an important professional transition after spending the beginning of his NFL career in Baltimore.

During the 2026 season, he has continued contributing to the Chargers’ offense.

Against the Los Angeles Rams on November 1, he recorded one reception for 20 yards.

His receiving responsibilities have also increased during stretches when the team needed additional offensive options.

Despite the challenges of professional football, Kolar’s background continues to distinguish him from many other NFL players.

His parents’ careers in higher education, his mother’s experience as a college athlete and his brother’s football background all contributed to the environment in which he developed.

For Charlie Kolar, the influence of Randy and Maria Kolar remains evident in his commitment to preparation, education and professional achievement.