The Rise of Dallas Goedert: South Dakota State’s NFL Success Story

South Dakota State University (SDSU) is famous for producing NFL stars. Dallas Goedert is a great example. He went from being a walk-on to a top NFL tight end.

Goedert's journey began at SDSU, where he honed his skills. NFL scouts took notice. The Philadelphia Eagles picked him in the 2018 NFL Draft.

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This was a big moment for Goedert and SDSU. It showed SDSU's growing influence in football.

SDSU's football team is doing well, with a 7-2 record this season. They had a huge game against Murray State, gaining 595 yards. This shows they're still creating NFL-ready players.

Goedert's success inspires SDSU's tight ends. Young players like Davin Stoffel and Brody Gormley are showing great promise.

From Walk-On to NFL Star: Dallas Goedert's South Dakota State Journey

Dallas Goedert's journey to NFL stardom started at South Dakota State University. He went from being a walk-on to a standout tight end. His success in college football set the stage for his NFL career.

Early Years and Development

Goedert's time at SDSU was filled with growth and achievements. He started as a walk-on but quickly showed his talent. His dedication made him a crucial player for the Jackrabbits.

Breaking Records at South Dakota State

Goedert's college career was marked by outstanding skills:

• 198 receptions
• 2,988 receiving yards
• 21 touchdowns
• Two consecutive 1,000+ yard seasons

These stats made SDSU known as "Tight End U." Goedert received many awards, including being a two-time first-team FCS All-American and a three-time first-team All-MVFC selection.

NFL Draft Selection by Eagles

Goedert's success in college caught NFL scouts' attention. The Philadelphia Eagles picked him as the 49th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. This was the start of his professional career and made him an Eagles draft pick.

College Career	NFL Career (as of Jan 2025)
198 receptions	345 receptions
2,988 receiving yards	4,030 receiving yards
21 touchdowns	24 touchdowns

Career-Defining Performance: Goedert's 2024 Breakthrough Game

Dallas Goedert's NFL performance hit new heights on September 22, 2024, at Caesars Superdome. His outstanding play against the New Orleans Saints was a career highlight. It also boosted the Eagles offense.

117 Yards After Catch Against Saints

Goedert showed his talent with ten catches for 170 yards. His best stat was 117 yards after catch (YAC). This was 53 yards more than expected.

Impact on Eagles' Offense

Goedert's standout game was crucial for the Eagles. They had lost six of their last seven games. His play revitalized the offense and proved his worth to quarterback Jalen Hurts.

Breaking Personal Records

This game set new career highs for Goedert. His 2024 season stats show his growing impact:

Statistic	Value
Air Yards Per Game	34.4
Catch Rate	80.8%
Average Yards Per Route Run	2.33
Total Targets	52
Average Depth of Target	6.6 yards

Goedert's breakthrough game solidified his status as a top tight end. His consistent growth and ability to make big plays are key to the Eagles' success.

Leadership Evolution in Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Eagles are seeing a change in leadership. Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox have retired, starting a new chapter. This change brings a chance for players like Dallas Goedert to lead the team.

Goedert went from a small-school prospect to a key player. His growing influence shows he's becoming a leader in the Eagles. He's making a mark on and off the field.

The Eagles have a strong team with 7 players in the Top 101 list. This shows their talent. They're right behind the San Francisco 49ers, who had 8 players.

Goedert's growth as a leader matches the Eagles' success. Even with fewer players on the list this year, the team's talent is clear. They're good at keeping and growing top players.

"The retirement of key veterans creates opportunities for new leaders to emerge. It's a natural progression in the NFL, and we're seeing that with players like Goedert stepping into larger roles," noted an Eagles team insider.

The Eagles are moving forward with a mix of old and new talent. Goedert's rise shows the team's focus on growing leaders. This ensures a bright future for the Eagles.

South Dakota State's Tight End Legacy

South Dakota State University (SDSU) is known for producing top-notch tight ends. This has earned it the nickname "Tight End U." The Jackrabbits have made a name for themselves in college football.

SDSU's Reputation as "Tight End U"

Since 2004, SDSU has been a leader in tight end talent. NFL scouts and fans notice the school's success. Alumni like Dallas Goedert have made a big impact in the NFL.

NFL Success Stories from SDSU

Dallas Goedert and Tucker Kraft are prime examples of SDSU's success. They were drafted into the NFL. Goedert's stats with the Philadelphia Eagles show the talent coming from SDSU.

Development Program Excellence

SDSU's tight end success comes from a great development program. The coaches focus on both receiving and blocking. This makes SDSU tight ends highly sought after in the NFL draft.

SDSU's tight end legacy keeps growing. Each NFL prospect adds to the school's reputation. As more Jackrabbits succeed, SDSU's standing in college football grows.

Professional Growth and Contract Status

Dallas Goedert's career in the NFL is truly impressive. He joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018 and has been a top tight end ever since. His stats show his growth, with 345 career receptions and over 4,000 receiving yards.

In 2021, Goedert signed a big contract with the Eagles. It's a four-year deal worth $57 million, with $35 million guaranteed. This deal makes him one of the highest-paid tight ends in the league, showing how much the Eagles value him.

Goedert's career has seen steady improvement. In 2019, he caught 58 passes for 607 yards. By 2021, he had 56 catches for 830 yards. His ability to catch passes makes him a favorite target for quarterback Jalen Hurts.

• 2019: 58 receptions, 607 yards, 5 touchdowns
• 2021: 56 receptions, 830 yards, 4 touchdowns
• 2023: 59 receptions, 592 yards, 3 touchdowns

Goedert's growth goes beyond just numbers. He's become a leader on the field, helping the team reach the playoffs five times in six seasons. His performance in big games, like the 2022 playoffs, shows his worth in high-pressure situations.

Playing Style and Offensive Impact

Dallas Goedert's versatility is key in the Eagles' offense. He can block and catch passes, making him a vital player. His skills fit perfectly with the Eagles' strategy, showing tight end versatility at its best.

Role in Eagles' Offense

Goedert's impact was clear against the Saints. He caught 10 passes for 170 yards, including a 61-yard gain in the final minute. This shows how crucial he is to the Eagles' offense, especially when others are out.

Blocking and Receiving Capabilities

Goedert opens lanes for runners like Saquon Barkley, who rushed for 147 yards in the same game. He also makes big plays downfield as a receiver.

Chemistry with Jalen Hurts

The connection between Goedert and Jalen Hurts is key for the Eagles' offense. Hurts, who passed for 311 yards against the Saints, relies on Goedert as a reliable target.

"Jalen Hurts is the same person every day and all he wants to do is win. He's gonna do everything he can to win and he gets us the ball so we can make plays," Goedert says about his quarterback.

Stat	Value
Career-high receptions in a game	10
Receiving yards vs Saints	170
Longest reception	61 yards
Hurts' passing yards	311

Philadelphia Eagles Culture and Fan Connection

The Philadelphia Eagles have a special team culture. It's deeply connected to the city's passionate sports scene. Dallas Goedert, the talented tight end from South Dakota State, has fully embraced this environment. He said, "Philadelphia is the best sports city and it's a blast to play here. The fans are passionate and they do a great job of holding you accountable."

The Eagles' fan base is known for its intense NFL fan engagement. They sell out every home game since 1999. This shows the strong team culture that has grown over 91 years. With 4 league championships, including a Super Bowl win in 2017, the Eagles have given their fans plenty to cheer about.

Goedert's journey from South Dakota to Philadelphia shows the team's diverse roster. The Eagles have players from 31 different states. Florida and Texas each contribute 8 players. This mix of talents has helped the Eagles reach the Super Bowl twice in three seasons. It has made them a big part of Philadelphia sports lore.

As the Eagles prepare for their 2024 season opener against the Green Bay Packers in South America, fans worldwide are gearing up to support their team. Whether watching on Peacock, NBC10, or at a beach party in Australia, the Eagles' global fanbase shows the team's wide impact on NFL culture.