Minnesota Gophers Tight End Makes Cowboys Final Roster

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Brevyn Spann-Ford
Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings did bring in one Minnesota Gophers GOAT last weekend, but cut him after the final preseason game. Nonetheless, there are graduated Gophers now littering the NFL, since PJ Fleck took over the program seven seasons ago.

That doesn’t mean other organizations didn’t find a way to keep former Gophers, and one will wear the iconic Dallas Cowboys star.

From UDFA to Dallas Cowboys roster for former Minnesota Gophers tight end

And the list now includes Brevyn Spann-Ford, who made the Dallas Cowboys roster on Tuesday, after signing as an undrafted free agent. Spann-Ford spent six seasons with the Minnesota Gophers.

Brevyn played 60 games during his long-tenure Gophers career. A big body out of St. Cloud, MN, he came to Dinkytown with big expectations that he never really met. Even with all those years and games under his belt, Spann-Ford totalled just 95 receptions in Minnesota, for a grand total of 1,061 yards and 7 touchdowns.

Nonetheless, his catching ability is there and he has the perfect body and skillset. Clearly, the Cowboys think they can bring his talent out of him in ways that PJ Fleck and his staff never could. We’ll see if that proves true.

Related: Sudden Change in Gophers vs Tar Heels Line Brings Questions… and Opportunity

With the Dallas Cowboys, this preseason, Brevyn Spann-Ford hauled in five of his seven targets, for 41 yards. His longest reception went for 17-yards. He’ll look to bring a multi-faceted approach to the next level.

Could Minnesota Gophers tight end start for the Dallas Cowboys?

The St. Cloud kid landed in a pretty great spot, with the Cowboys. Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker, and John Stephens Jr are the other tight ends on Dallas’ roster. Outside of Ferguson, that’s not exactly “stout” competition.

Ferguson was a fourth round pick in 2022 and worked as the starter last year. Dallas took Schoonmaker in the second round last year, but he logged just eight receptions as a rookie. Special teams could give Brevyn a chance to shine, as well.

Of course any UDFA will have an uphill battle ahead of them. With Brevyn Spann-Ford making the roster, he has already overcome a substantial hurdle. As he continues to settle in at professional speed, how he can differentiate himself from the group will be the next step.

Related: Gophers Projected to Play in Familiar Bowl Game to be Named Later

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