Football Experience
Walk with Tyler Foster through his 15-year football journey
The cleats first hit the turf in third grade,
when football was just one of many sports competing for my attention alongside basketball and baseball. But even then, something about the gridiron felt different. The way eleven players moved as one unit, the intricate choreography of each play, the trust required between teammates – it spoke to something deep within me. Sports weren't just a pastime; they were going to be the foundation of my life.
I had made the pivotal decision to channel all my athletic energy into football. The choice meant sacrificing other sports I loved, but the pull of the gridiron was undeniable. Hours in the weight room, countless practice sessions, and relentless film study became my routine. The gamble was significant, but by my junior year, the payoff arrived in the form of my first Division I full scholarship offer from Ball State University.
By the time I was in High School,
The recruiting process opened doors I had only dreamed of, but ultimately,
Ohio University felt like home.
Their offer of a full ride to study sport management and analytics in their prestigious college of business aligned perfectly with my academic and athletic aspirations. The Bobcats weren't just offering me a chance to play football at the highest collegiate level; they were providing a pathway to understand the business side of the sport I loved.
with the patience-testing redshirt year in 2019, followed by the unprecedented challenge of COVID-19 canceling the MAC football season in 2020 (yes, that is a mask under my helmet). What should have been my freshman season on the field was delayed until 2021, but the extra preparation time proved invaluable. When I finally stepped onto the field for my first official season, I was ready.
My college career began
The 2021 season saw me contribute in all 12 games as a tight end and special teams player, learning the intricacies of Division I football while earning my stripes.
But 2022 marked my true arrival.
Starting as a redshirt sophomore, I hauled in four touchdowns that season, including one that will forever be etched in Ohio University lore – the game-winning touchdown in overtime of the 2022 Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl. That catch didn't just secure a bowl victory; it helped the Bobcats achieve their first 10-win season in program history.
where consistency and growth defined my performance. Another 10-win season culminated in a victory at the Myrtle Beach Bowl, and my personal statistics reflected my development: 20 catches for over 200 yards and significant blocking improvement. I had the honor of serving as a team captain, and more importantly, I had completed my dual-bachelor's degree. Getting these notches in my belt helped set the stage for my next chapter.
The momentum carried into 2023,
for my final year of eligibility, and the interest from major programs validated years of hard work and team success. Power 4 offers from Oklahoma State, Duke, West Virginia, and other elite programs represented the culmination of a dream that began in third grade. Oklahoma State's full-ride scholarship offer felt like the perfect fit for my final collegiate season.
The transfer portal Came knocking
was filled with highs and lows. Our team could’ve been more successful, but overall it was an invaluable experience that taught me an abundance of life lessons. It also helped me grow my knowledge for the game exponentially. Playing tight end and contributing on special teams in all 12 games for the Cowboys, I experienced football at its highest collegiate level while simultaneously pursuing a Master's Certificate in Sport Communications. The academic rigor matched the athletic demands, and I was able to complete half the necessary credits during my single season there with plans to go back and fully complete the program down the road.
My Year In Stillwater, Oklahoma
following my year at Oklahoma State represented the ultimate leap of faith. Participating in both the Big 12 Pro Day in Dallas and Ohio University's Pro Day in Athens provided platforms to showcase the skills honed over the last 15 years of playing ball. The measurements, the drills, the interviews – every moment was an opportunity to prove that a journey beginning in youth football could reach professional heights.
The NFL draft declaration
While a roster spot ultimately eluded me following the 2024 draft,
the end of my playing career marked the beginning of a new mission.
Fifteen years of football had taught me more than just X's and O's; they had provided a blueprint for success that extended far beyond the field. The fundamentals, techniques, and mental framework that carried me from third-grade youth football to Division 1 weren't just personal achievements – they were tools that could benefit the next generation of football athletes.