From Boiling Springs to the Big Apple

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Former Gardner-Webb Wide Receiver TJ Luther has been beating the odds his whole life. Now he wants to do it again, this time by making a NFL roster.

According to a 2020 report published by the NFL, of the 73,712 college football players in the United States, only 0.2 percent, or approximately 254, will wind up playing on Sundays. When he took the field on August 12 at Bank of America Stadium, suiting up for the New York Jets, Luther took one step closer to doing just that.

"I'm blessed to be in this position," Luther said after the Jets defeated the Panthers 27-0. "I'm feeling really good."

The game against the Panthers was actually Luther's second on a NFL roster as he also played in the prestigious Hall Of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio back on August 3.

"I felt a lot more comfortable on the field today," Luther said. "I got all the jitters out during the last game. Everything went slower for me today. I was just out there playing football."

Luther has yet to catch a pass in two games, but his play has still impressed his former coach, Gardner-Webb's Tre Lamb.

"We have had a few players from Gardner-Webb play in the NFL (19 since 1973), but TJ is the first of my tenure. I think we will have some more over the next few years,but I'm certainly happy for TJ and I am proud of him."

Luther had a stellar career for the Runnin' Bulldogs under Lamb's tutelage. After arriving as a transfer from Wofford in 2021, Luther had an immediate impact in Boiling Springs. In 19 total games with GWU, Luther amassed 1,419 yards and 11 receiving touchdowns. Luther was also the main deep threat last season during GWU's playoff run, leading the Runnin' Bulldogs to seven wins and a FCS playoff victory.

Even with all that success, Lamb admits it will be difficult for Luther to make the final cut and be included on New York's regular-season roster.

"Honestly, I think he is going to have to add value on Special Teams," Lamb said. "A veteran quarterback like Aaron Rodgers is going to want a group of veteran receivers to throw to. But if TJ does not make it with the Jets, he will stick somewhere."

In the meantime, Luther is bringing visibility to Gardner-Webb and the exposure is invaluable.

"The students at Gardner-Webb University are not afraid to dream big dreams and TJ Luther's efforts as a member of the New York Jets training camp team have inspired all of us to have the faith to do the work and make our dreams come true," GWU Athletic Director Dr. Andrew Goodrich said. "His presence in the NFL right now helps attract prospective students to choose Gardner-Webb because they know we have the faculty, staff and coaches to help develop the character and skills required to compete with the best in the world."

"When I was playing in college at Gardner-Webb, I always envisioned myself in this position (playing in the NFL). It's good to look back on all those accomplishments and see what God has done for me,"  Luther added. "It's a dream come true."

 While Luther's NFL journey is just beginning, he does offer advice for young players wanting to follow in his footsteps.

"Trust God, work hard and never give up on your dreams," he said. "Never give up no matter how hard things seem in the moment. Just never give up."

This article was contributed to Gardner-Webb University by alum Jacob Conley.