Zylstra was a member of theMinnesota 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.[1]
Zylstra signed with theMinnesota Vikings as anundrafted free agent on May 7, 2021.[3] After signing with the team he was moved from wide receiver to tight end.[4] Zylstra was waived by the Vikings on August 31, during final roster cuts.[5]
Zylstra was signed to thepractice squad of theDetroit Lions on September 1, 2021.[6] He was elevated to the active roster on October 10, 2021, for the team's week 5 game against the Vikings.[7] He signed a reserve/future contract with the Lions on January 10, 2022.[8]
On October 1, 2022, Zylstra was waived by the Lions and re-signed to the practice squad.[9] Zylstra was activated along with his brotherBrandon Zylstra for Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers,[10] Shane finished with his first professional touchdown, a one-yard touchdown reception from quarterbackJared Goff.[11] He was signed to the active roster on November 13.[12] On December 24, Zylstra caught three touchdown passes during a game against theCarolina Panthers.[13]
On August 1, 2023, Zylstra was waived/injured by the Lions after suffering a knee injury in training camp, and placed oninjured reserve.[14]
Zylstra was waived by the Lions on August 27, 2024, and re-signed to the practice squad.[15][16] He was promoted to the active roster on November 9.
In Week 2 of the 2025 season against theChicago Bears, Zylstra suffered an ankle injury while blocking on a punt return; he was placed on injured reserve on September 16, 2025.[17]
Injured reserve