Mount Union former All-American running back Tyler Echeverry (Naples, FL/Barron Collier) received a call that all football players at any level dream of. An invitation to showcase his skills at the highest level, the National Football League.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers invited the OAC Back of the Year and First Team All-OAC selection to their 2025 Rookie Minicamp. Echeverry’s agent called during the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft to inform him that his dream was becoming a reality.
“It was very exciting knowing that an NFL team is giving me an opportunity, and I am super grateful,” Echeverry said. “I don’t come from much. I grew up in a poor, single-mother household in South Florida. I am a first-generation American. Football has taught me so much, and I am ready to make my dreams come true.”
The two-time Super Bowl champions was impressed with what they saw at Echeverry’s pro day and his tape—highlights including 30 rushing touchdowns in 2024, which led NCAA Division III.
“I cannot wait to go out and be myself and show them how hard of a worker I am,” he said. “I want them to see the raw passion I have for football on and off the field. I don’t have to do anything out of the ordinary, just be myself.”
Echeverry is one of only 10 NCAA Division III players to receive an invitation to compete in an NFL camp so far this offseason.
“All the work I put in isn’t the only thing that put me into this position. I am forever grateful for the University of Mount Union and its coaches, players, professors, and everyone who has helped shape me into the man I am today. I wouldn’t be who I am today if I didn’t take the four years during my undergrad to try to develop into the best man I could be on and off the field. That would not have been possible without the numerous mentors and leaders at Mount Union that have guided me along the way and set amazing examples for me to follow.”
Tampa Bay is only about two hours from his hometown, Naples, Florida. “It’s a really full circle moment,” Echeverry added.” The Bucs’ Rookie Minicamp is scheduled for May 9-10.