Purdue Football: Tyrone Tracy drafted by Giants

Former Purdue football running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. has accomplished a dream he first heard about during his days at Decatur Central High School (IN).

Tracy was drafted in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. It marked the second time in as many years the Giants drafted a running back in the fifth round, as New York selected Eric Gray last year.

The running back room in New York is a crowded one. After the departure of standout Saquon Barkley, who left for the Philadelphia Eagles, New York signed veteran Devin Singletary. In addition to Singletary, the room features Gary Brightwell, Jashaun Corbin, Gray and Tracy.

After starting his college career at Iowa, Tracy transferred to be a part of Purdue football.

“Out of high school, everyone’s talking about you know, ‘three and out, three and out, three and out’,” Tracy said. “But, you know, that wasn’t the plan. For me personally, and looking back at it I see why. I don’t think I would have had the confidence I have now if I would have went three years ago. I don’t think I would be able to say I’m a complete wide receiver or complete football player three years ago.”

The move back to the Hoosier State paid off nicely for both parties. Tracy finished as an All-Big Ten selection, rushed for 854 yards and reeled in 47 passes for 330 yards. He also added nine total touchdowns.

“It was a huge benefit coming here. When Coach Walt came here, he was the main one who wanted me to switch to running back. He also wanted me to play special teams and he knew my receiver background would help me at the end of the day,” Tracy told the media at the NFL Combine.

The former Purdue football player drew plenty of attention from NFL teams at the NFL Combine earlier this spring in Indianapolis.

Tracy ran a 4.48 in the 40, posted a 40-inch vertical jump, a broad jump of over 10 feet and showed his strength on the bench.

At the combine, Tracy was asked what letter grade he would give his efforts, and he said, “an A.”

“I’m hard on myself and have been through a lot, and this is one of those moments where I want to sit back and witness what God has done. I give myself an A because not only did I go through a lot, I did it the right way. I smiled and made sure I had positive impacts on those around me,” Tracy said.