After graduating from high school, Conklin was awarded a full-ride basketball scholarship to Northwood University. He stayed for one semester and played in seven games, averaging 2.6 rebounds, 1.9 points and 1.4 assists per game. However, midway through his freshman year, he transferred to Central Michigan University, where he walked on to the football team.[3] Coming in weighing less than ideal for the tight end position, Conklin sat out his first season with the Chippewas in order to gain weight. After gaining 25 pounds during the offseason, he earned a backup role in 2015, catching six passes for 95 yards.[4]
During the first one-on-one drill of training camp in August 2017, Conklin broke a bone in his left foot. He was cleared to return to the field on October 7 for the game against Ohio in which he set career-highs with 10 catches for 136 yards and two scores in a 26–23 victory.[5]
Conklin was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round (157th overall) of the 2018 NFL draft.[10] On May 5, 2018, Conklin signed a four-year contract worth $2.741 million, including a signing bonus of $281,032.[11] In the Vikings' season opener against the San Francisco 49ers, he had one reception for six yards in his NFL debut.[12]
In Week 15 of the 2020 season against the Chicago Bears, Conklin recorded 3 catches for 57 yards and his first career receiving touchdown during the 33–27 loss.[13]
New York Jets
On March 18, 2022, Conklin signed a three-year, $21 million contract with the New York Jets.[14]
