SAUK RAPIDS — Brevyn Spann-Ford spent this past weekend waiting.
The former University of Minnesota tight end was hoping to be selected in the NFL draft, but his name was never called while he watched it with family and friends at his brother’s home in Sauk Rapids.
Despite not hearing his name, Spann-Ford finally knew who he was playing for late Saturday, April 27, when he signed a free-agent deal with the Dallas Cowboys.
“I’m excited to get this opportunity and play for such a great organization like the Dallas Cowboys,” Spann-Ford said in a phone interview with St. Cloud LIVE on Monday, April 29. “It’s disappointing not to get drafted, but I’m excited to be in the position I’m in. It’s a pretty surreal feeling to know I’ll have a Cowboys star on the side of my helmet when I get down there.”
Spann-Ford said the Cowboys were one of the few teams to meet with him in person during the draft process. Het met with Dallas passing game specialist Chase Haslett and talked about what his role might look like with the team during the NFL Combine.
“It was a full-circle moment for me when they reached out after the draft,” Spann-Ford said. “They showed that they cared about me and the relationship I had started with them and Coach Haslett. This whole thing has been crazy. I’m just excited to get down there and get to work.”
Spann-Ford, who spent six seasons with the Golden Gophers after graduating from St. Cloud Tech in 2018, will leave for Dallas on May 9 and will take part in the Cowboys’ rookie mini-camp the rest of that week.
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He will join a team that features a few Minnesota natives in ROCORI High School grad Matt Waletzko and Marshall native Trey Lance . Waletzko, an offensive tackle, played collegiately at North Dakota and is entering his third year in Dallas. Lance, who played collegiately at North Dakota State , was traded to the Cowboys last season after a few injury-riddled years with the San Francisco 49ers.
“It’s cool to have those Minnesota connections. (Waletzko) and I always knew of each other and have a lot of mutual friends. I’ve known Trey for a long time. It will be good to see him again. We’ve been close friends since high school,” Spann-Ford said. “They have a room full of Big Ten guys. I definitely know the style they want me to play.
“I feel like I can help, especially in run blocking and being able to catch the ball.”
Spann-Ford was told he could be drafted anywhere from the fourth to the seventh rounds, but he knew there was a chance he wouldn’t be picked. However, not being picked is something that is going to motivate him moving forward.
“One hundred percent it’s a motivating thing for me. I will never forget this feeling,” Spann-Ford said. “God had a different plan for me and I’m going to embrace this opportunity. There is definitely a chip on my shoulder.”
In the meantime, Spann-Ford is grateful for everyone that showed up at his brother Tristyn’s house, including former Tech head coach Gregg Martig, assistant coaches Mike Trewick and Wayne Schluchter and current Tech head coach Jon Benson.
“Having that support system in St. Cloud means the world to me. Those coaches had a big impact on me. And some of my high school teammates were there as well. We had a great time and a great meal together. I couldn’t be more thankful for what they all did for me.”
