40 Facts About Tucker Kraft

Early Life and Family Background

Tucker Kraft's journey to the NFL is rooted in his small-town upbringing and the challenges he faced growing up.

1. Tucker Kraft was born in Timber Lake, South Dakota, a town with a population of just 513.
2. His father, Doug Kraft, passed away in 2013 when Tucker was only 12 years old.
3. His mother has been battling an autoimmune disease, adding to the family's challenges.

High School Career

Kraft's high school years were marked by versatility and impressive athletic achievements.

4. He attended Timber Lake High School, where he played running back, middle linebacker, and punter.
5. As a senior, he rushed for 1,405 yards and scored 24 touchdowns, earning first-team All-State recognition.
6. Besides football, he excelled in basketball, averaging 14.2 points, eight rebounds, and two steals per game, earning second-team all-state honors.
7. On defense, he accumulated 142 tackles and eight sacks during his high school career.
8. He even saw limited action at quarterback, throwing five touchdown passes.

College Recruitment and Career

Despite offers from bigger schools, Kraft chose to stay close to home for college, where he made a significant impact.

9. Kraft received NIL offers from Power 5 conferences but chose South Dakota State University to stay close to his roots and support his family.
10. He redshirted his true freshman season but quickly made an impact in his sophomore year.
11. In 2021, he caught 65 passes for 773 yards and six touchdowns, earning consensus FCS All-American and All-Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) honors.
12. He played in all 15 games of the 2021 season and was instrumental in the team's national championship win in 2022.
13. During the 2022 season, he played in nine games, catching three passes for 53 yards, including a 32-yard touchdown against North Dakota.
14. He recorded a career-long 57-yard reception and had a season-high six catches for 44 yards in one game against Illinois State.
15. In the FCS playoff semifinal against Montana State, he opened the scoring with a 36-yard touchdown catch.
16. He caught two passes for 30 yards in the national title game against North Dakota State.

Draft Selection and Professional Debut

Kraft's transition to the NFL began with his selection by the Green Bay Packers.

17. The Green Bay Packers selected Tucker Kraft in the third round (78th overall) of the 2023 NFL draft.
18. He signed his rookie contract with the Packers on May 17, 2023.
19. Kraft made his professional debut in Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season, appearing in all 17 games and making eight starts.
20. In Week 11 of the 2023 season, he scored his first NFL touchdown against the Detroit Lions.
21. In Week 14, he had a career-high game in yardage with 64 yards in four completions against the New York Giants.
22. Kraft made his postseason debut in the Divisional Round against the San Francisco 49ers, scoring his first playoff touchdown.

NFL Career Statistics

Kraft's performance in the NFL has been impressive, showcasing his potential as a reliable tight end.

23. In the 2023 season, he played 17 games, started eight, made 31 receptions, and gained 355 receiving yards.
24. His average yards per reception in 2023 was 11.5, with his longest reception being 43 yards.
25. He scored two touchdowns and had zero fumbles lost in 2023.
26. In the 2024 season, he played nine games, started nine, made 28 receptions, and gained 376 receiving yards.
27. His average yards per reception in 2024 was 13.4, with his longest reception being 66 yards (touchdown).
28. He scored five touchdowns and had one fumble lost in 2024.
29. Overall, he has played 26 games, started 17, made 59 receptions, and gained 731 receiving yards.
30. His total average yards per reception is 12.4, with his longest reception being 66 yards (touchdown).
31. He has scored seven touchdowns and lost one fumble in his NFL career.
32. In the postseason, he played two games, started two, made five receptions, and gained 24 receiving yards.
33. His average yards per reception in the postseason is 4.8, with his longest reception being 10 yards.
34. He scored one touchdown in the postseason.

Personal Life and Future Prospects

Kraft's personal life and future in the NFL are filled with promise and determination.

35. Kraft is a Christian and is engaged to Baylee Jandahl.
36. His strong faith and personal values have been instrumental in his journey, providing him with the resilience needed to overcome challenges.
37. Despite suffering a torn pectoral muscle in May 2024, which forced him to miss part of the Packers' offseason training program, he has been working diligently to recover and return to the field.
38. The Packers' coaching staff, particularly tight ends coach John Dunn, played a significant role in Kraft's development.
39. The Packers' team culture emphasizes toughness, grit, and athleticism, aligning with Kraft’s abilities to block and receive passes effectively.
40. With his strong performance in his rookie season and continued recovery from injury, Tucker Kraft is poised for a bright future in the NFL.

Tucker Kraft's Inspiring Journey

Tucker Kraft's rise from Timber Lake, South Dakota, to the NFL is nothing short of inspiring. His journey, marked by personal challenges and unwavering determination, showcases his resilience. From his high school days as a versatile player to his standout college career at South Dakota State, Kraft's dedication has always shone through. His decision to stay close to his roots, despite tempting offers, speaks volumes about his character.

Drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2023, Kraft quickly made his mark, scoring his first NFL touchdown in Week 11. His stats reflect his growing impact on the field. Even when faced with injuries, his commitment to recovery and improvement remains steadfast. With a promising future ahead, Kraft's story is a testament to hard work, faith, and perseverance. Keep an eye on this rising star as he continues to make waves in the NFL.