Tucker Kraft's journey to the Green Bay Packers started in a South Dakota town with barely 500 residents. There were no big football facilities or major college programs waiting around the corner. Yet, the tight end had a clear goal. He wanted to play in the NFL, and he wasn't ready to leave his roots behind to make it happen.
Today, Kraft is one of Green Bay's most important offensive players. His rise came through years of hard work, a major family loss and one decision that showed just how much he believed in himself.
Tucker Kraft Turned Down Alabama's $200,000 Offer To Stay At South Dakota State
Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (85) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Growing up in Timber Lake, Kraft learned to work for what he wanted. His high school graduating class had only 23 students, but that didn't stop him from chasing Division I football. He even convinced his coach, Ryan Gimbel, to leave fishing trips and join him in the weight room.
After catching 65 passes for 773 yards and six touchdowns in 2021, Kraft attracted interest from bigger college programs. Alabama reportedly offered him an NIL package worth more than $200,000. However, he chose to remain at South Dakota State.
The decision paid off. Kraft helped the Jackrabbits win the 2022 FCS national championship before the Packers selected him with the 78th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
His connection to home also played a major role in that decision. Kraft had invested years building relationships at South Dakota State and didn't want to walk away from them.
From Timber Lake's Favorite Son To A Packers Captain
Kraft's success hasn't changed his relationship with his hometown. Timber Lake has a billboard celebrating him, a museum display dedicated to his career and even local merchandise carrying his name and No. 85. He has also given back. Kraft donated a signed helmet that helped raise $20,000 for a local high school student battling cancer.
Much of his character comes from his parents. His father, Doug, died in a plane crash when Kraft was 12. Doug worked several jobs, helped neighbors, and coached football. His mother, Tauscha, worked as an emergency room trauma nurse while raising three sons.
Those lessons followed Kraft to Green Bay. Teammates voted him an offensive captain, alongside Jordan Love, ahead of the 2025 season.
His journey faced another difficult chapter when he tore his ACL in Week 9 of the 2025 season. But Kraft returned ahead of the Packers' nine-month recovery timeline. From a graduating class of 23 to leading one of the NFL's most iconic franchises, Kraft has carried Timber Lake with him every step of the way.
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