In a league dominated by first-round picks and five-star recruits, Dallas Goedert is the exception who defied the entire process.
He had no Division I scholarship offers, no media hype, and no blue-chip pedigree. His early football career was plagued by injuries, skepticism, and a long list of coaches and scouts who told him — either directly or through silence — that he just wasn’t good enough.
But today, Dallas Goedert is not only a mainstay in the Philadelphia Eagles’ offense, he’s widely regarded as one of the top tight ends in the NFL. His journey to that status is nothing short of remarkable — a testament to perseverance, grit, and an unshakable belief in himself.
A Small-Town Beginning with Big-Time Doubt
Born and raised in Britton, South Dakota — a town with fewer than 1,500 people — Goedert’s football dreams started like many others: on small fields, with big ambition. But the exposure wasn’t there, and neither were the offers.
“I always believed I could play at the next level,” Goedert once said, “but nobody else seemed to see it.”
After receiving zero FBS scholarship offers, Goedert walked on at South Dakota State, an FCS program known more for grit than glamour. Even there, it wasn’t easy. He had to fight for reps, battle through injuries, and earn his place — every day.
But once he got on the field, the potential became undeniable.
The Breakout That Forced the NFL to Notice
Goedert’s final two seasons at South Dakota State were a clinic in dominance. In 2016 and 2017, he combined for 164 catches, over 2,400 receiving yards, and 13 touchdowns, showing off elite hands, body control, and deceptive speed for a tight end his size.
NFL scouts started paying attention — reluctantly at first — but Goedert turned doubters into believers with each performance. His combination of size (6’5”, 256 lbs), athleticism, and toughness was hard to ignore.
He was ultimately drafted in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles — a moment that validated every unseen hour of work.
From Backup to Breakout
Goedert started his NFL career behind veteran tight end Zach Ertz, a Super Bowl champion and Pro Bowler. Instead of complaining, he absorbed. He studied film. He refined his blocking. He became a complete player.
When Ertz moved on, Goedert didn’t just fill the void — he expanded it. By 2021, he had become the primary tight end in the Eagles’ system and one of the most reliable weapons in the NFC.
Despite battling multiple injuries throughout his career — including a fractured forearm and hamstring issues — Goedert has consistently produced. His toughness, both physical and mental, has come to define his career.
Through 2024, he’s recorded:
•Over 4,500 career receiving yards
•30+ touchdowns
•Multiple 700+ yard seasons
•Several clutch playoff performances, including during the Eagles’ 2022 Super Bowl run
Respected by Teammates, Feared by Opponents
Known in the locker room for his laid-back South Dakota charm and intense work ethic, Goedert is considered a core leader on a Philadelphia team that remains a contender in the NFC.
“He brings everything you want in a player,” Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said. “Tough, reliable, selfless. He makes big plays and blocks like an extra lineman. You win with guys like Dallas.”
Still Writing His Story
Now entering his eighth NFL season, Goedert is still in his prime — and still proving people wrong. While he’s no longer the unknown walk-on, the chip on his shoulder has never disappeared.
“I remember every coach that told me I wasn’t big enough, fast enough, or good enough,” Goedert said in a recent interview. “They gave me fuel. I’m still burning it.”
In a sport that worships stars from the moment they step on a high school field, Dallas Goedert is the story that reminds us greatness can come from anywhere — even from a forgotten town in South Dakota, even from a player no one wanted.
And now, everyone wants him.
