The Shadow
Tyler Dressler has had quite the last year.
From his graduate football season for the Richmond Spiders to rookie minicamps with the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers.
It’s been quite the last year for him.
While Dressler, was not selected in the 2022 NFL Draft, he was offered a tryout at the Jets and Steelers rookie minicamps.
Dressler did leave both minicamps without a contract, however the Covington native is far from giving up on his dream especially after his most recent experience with the Steelers.
“It went extremely well. From what I understand I am on their short list which means, the first person who gets hurt, I’m the next man up. From what I understand, they really liked me and had positive things to say. Mike Tomlin (Steelers head coach), had nothing but nice things to say. Brian Flores (former Miami Dolphins head coach) was my linebackers coach there, he really liked me and so did the special teams coach. There just wasn’t a spot available for me. They ended up signing a wide receiver. The guidance coach Tomlin gave me, he told me to stay in shape. He said you need to stay in shape. He said it would be a shame if I gave you a call and your not in any type of physical condition and you waste an opportunity at the NFL. I know there’s still an opportunity at the NFL down the line, but at this point how far am I willing to spread when the distance is unknown (at making it to the NFL)”, said Dressler on his experience with the Steelers during rookie minicamp.
Dressler may not currently be on an NFL roster, so what does one do in the meantime. There are multiple other football leagues out there that are not the NFL, however, many have taken that path and still reached the NFL.
“The USFL (United States Football League) called me and I don’t know if I want to necessarily do that. They’re in the middle of their season right now. That for me would be skipping training camp (NFL) and going to week one. I talked to my coaches at Richmond and they thought it wasn’t the best idea because if I go in and get hurt (at the USFL) then the NFL definitely isn’t a possibility. Also, the CFL (Canadian Football League), I could get my foot in the door there and try and make my way to the NFL that way. Right now, it’s complicated. Because I also just got offered a surgical sales job which I’m on the verge of taking while staying in shape. I’m really trying to navigate through at what’s the best opportunity for me”, said Dressler on what’s next.
Dressler added on what’s next, “The fact of the reality is in the NFL, people do get hurt. When coach Tomlin comes and tells you to stay in shape and that the opportunity is a lot closer than you think, you take his advice. Understanding the NFL, I have to give it a year, I have to be able to stay in shape because I never know when that call is going to come. The thing is do I want to play football or do I want to work a 9-5 job while staying in shape and right now I’m split between those two.”
Dressler on why he thinks he did not get an offer or selected in the draft, “The biggest issue is was with the COVID year, all the NCAA athletes stayed an extra year. So basically it’s two classes now trying to make it to the NFL and there’s just not enough room”, said Dressler on why he felt he did not get drafted or signed.
Despite not having that contract yet, Dressler, has done something many wish they had a chance at and that’s getting an opportunity. While he may not be at the next level yet, Dressler, was able to get his name out there and in front of the most important people on a football organization during his two minicamps.
“I learned a lot. It was an awesome opportunity and I got to compete with some of the best players in the world. Obviously it was disappointing not signing a contract, but there is still room in the future. Once I got out and competed with those guys whether they’re power-5, FCS, D2, D3, I’m in the same boat as them. And even though I’m not on the team right now, I’m still coming after their jobs, that’s just a fact of it. After going in and getting the feedback I got from the coaches, there’s still a chance and that’s just going to keep me motivated for the next year”, said Dressler.
The emotional rollercoaster of the last few weeks Dressler has had can take a toll on anyone. It’s about what you do next with that toll and how you handle it. Dressler has the right attitude to overcome all adversity.
“Personally, I’m pretty devastated it didn’t work out. I feel I let a lot of people down. I feel I let my family, friends, and community down. There’s a lot of people cheering for me. I really wanted to make this happen not just for myself but for a lot of others too because if a small town kid from Covington and a small town at the University of Richmond can get it done then that means more people at my position can do the same. Knowing I still have an opportunity at making this happen, I’m still going to stay motivated. Once I get over the hump, I need to start working again because that’s always been part of the story, I’ve always been the underdog. Coming out of high school the day before signing day, Richmond made an offer to me and I almost didn’t go D1. That was a hard opportunity. So for a kid that was signed very last to three year first-team CAA and a captain, I’m back to where I started. I just got to continue to scratch and crawl for life if I want to make the same thing happen. I’m not ready to give up just yet”, said Dressler on how he feels overall.
If it’s any consolation prize and something I told Dressler when talking to him, there’s no question in my mind and I think in anyone else’s mind, that he did not let down anyone. He has an entire community cheering him on and continues to cheer him on. If anything, I believe Dressler reaching the heights he’s already reached is a motivator for those watching and following him. To quote Dressler, “Just because you’re from small town, if you put the work in, you will succeed, I can promise you that.” Dressler has the right attitude to reach the next level and he’s not done yet!
