Tucker John Kraft Bio
Tucker John Kraft is an American professional football tight end who plays for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). Born on November 3, 2000, in Timber Lake, South Dakota, Kraft emerged as one of the most reliable young tight ends in professional football. He played college football at South Dakota State University, where he developed into a dominant FCS-level player before the Packers selected him in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 78th overall pick. Kraft wears jersey number 85 for Green Bay and has quickly become a key component of the Packers’ offensive schemes under quarterback Jordan Love.
Early Life and Background
Tucker John Kraft was born on November 3, 2000, in Timber Lake, South Dakota, a small community within the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Reservation. His father, Doug Kraft, passed away in 2013, leaving Tucker to be raised alongside his two brothers, Cody and Tanner Kraft. Growing up on the reservation shaped Kraft’s character and community values, and in April 2024, he was honored as an honorary tribal member for his acts of service to the Cheyenne River Sioux community. Kraft displays the Cheyenne River Sioux tribal flag on his football helmet alongside the American flag as a tribute to his roots.
Kraft attended Timber Lake High School, where he excelled in multiple positions on the football field. He played running back, middle linebacker, and punter during his high school career. As a senior, Kraft delivered a standout performance, rushing for 1,405 yards and 24 touchdowns while earning first-team All-State honors. His impressive high school career attracted attention from college programs, and he ultimately chose to continue his football journey at South Dakota State University after receiving a late scholarship offer from Wyoming.
Path to American Football
Kraft’s transition from high school to the collegiate level began with his commitment to play football at South Dakota State, a program that would later become a national powerhouse at the FCS level. He redshirted his true freshman season in 2019, using that year to adjust to the speed and physical demands of major college football. During the spring 2021 season, which was shifted from fall due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kraft appeared in games and caught seven passes for 90 yards, showing flashes of his potential.
The 2021 season marked Kraft’s emergence as a top-tier collegiate player. As a redshirt sophomore, he started all 15 games for the Jackrabbits and recorded 65 receptions for 780 yards and six touchdowns. His exceptional performance earned him consensus FCS All-American honors and first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) recognition. Kraft’s combination of size, hands, and athleticism made him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. He continued his dominance into the 2022 season, helping South Dakota State capture the FCS national championship while earning All-American and All-MVFC honors for the second consecutive year.
Tucker John Kraft Career
College Career (2019–2022)
Tucker John Kraft spent four seasons developing at South Dakota State University, transforming from a redshirt freshman into one of the most complete tight ends in college football. His redshirt year in 2019 allowed him to learn the offensive system and build chemistry with teammates. The abbreviated 2020 season due to the pandemic gave him limited game experience, but he made the most of his opportunities in the spring 2021 campaign.
His breakthrough came in 2021 when he became a full-time starter and showcased his ability to contribute as both a receiver and blocker. The 2022 season represented the pinnacle of his collegiate career, as he helped lead the Jackrabbits to an FCS national championship while putting up impressive individual statistics. His 1,072 receiving yards over his final two seasons demonstrated his consistency and reliability as a pass-catcher. NFL scouts took notice of his polished route-running, reliable hands, and willingness to engage in blocking assignments.
Green Bay Packers Breakthrough (2023)
The Green Bay Packers selected Tucker John Kraft in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 78th overall pick, recognizing his potential to contribute immediately in their offensive system. Kraft signed his rookie contract on May 17, 2023, and quickly began learning the Packers’ playbook under head coach Matt LaFleur. His versatility and football intelligence allowed him to earn playing time early in his rookie season.
Kraft scored his first NFL touchdown in Week 11 against the Detroit Lions, a milestone that validated his transition to professional football. In Week 14 against the New York Giants, he delivered a career-high performance with 64 yards on four receptions, showcasing his ability to make big plays in crucial moments. Throughout his rookie campaign, Kraft appeared in all 17 regular season games with eight starts, finishing with 31 receptions for 355 yards and two touchdowns. His contributions continued into the playoffs, where he scored his first career postseason touchdown during the Divisional Round loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Green Bay Packers Era (2024–Present)
The 2024 season presented both challenges and opportunities for Tucker John Kraft. In May 2024, he suffered a torn pectoral muscle that forced him to miss part of Green Bay’s offseason training program. When starting tight end Luke Musgrave also dealt with injuries, Kraft stepped up and earned the starting role alongside quarterback Jordan Love for the 2024 season. His ability to remain productive despite the early-season setback demonstrated his resilience and dedication to his craft.
Kraft’s emergence as a reliable target for Jordan Love became a significant storyline for the Packers’ offense. His combination of size at 6-foot-5 and sure hands made him a valuable red-zone weapon and a consistent chain-mover on third downs. The Packers’ coaching staff praised his work ethic and adaptability as he continued to develop his rapport with Love.
Playing Style and Strengths
Tucker John Kraft has established himself as a complete tight end with excellent size and reliable hands. At 6-foot-5 and 259 pounds, he presents a large catching radius that quarterbacks trust in contested situations. His route-running has improved each season, allowing him to find soft spots in zone defenses and create separation against man coverage. Kraft is also a willing blocker in the running game, helping the Packers establish an effective ground attack. His football intelligence enables him to read defenses pre-snap and adjust his routes accordingly, making him a reliable option in critical situations.
Notable Events and Milestones
Kraft’s career has been marked by significant performances and challenging setbacks. His rookie season playoff touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers announced his arrival as a clutch performer in big moments. During the 2025 season, Kraft delivered a standout performance on National Tight End’s Day in Week 8 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, catching seven passes for a career-high 143 yards and two touchdowns. However, his season ended prematurely when he suffered a torn ACL in Week 9 against the Carolina Panthers, forcing him to miss the remainder of the campaign.
Tucker John Kraft Career Statistics
Through his first three NFL seasons, Tucker John Kraft has established himself as a productive receiving threat for the Green Bay Packers. His career trajectory shows consistent improvement, with his 2025 season on pace to be his most prolific before the injury setback.
NFL Regular Season Statistics
Kraft has accumulated 113 career receptions for 1,551 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns through the 2025 season. He has also contributed 9 rushing yards on limited carries. His per-game averages demonstrate increasing involvement in the Packers’ offense, particularly during his 2025 campaign when he was on pace to exceed 800 receiving yards before his season-ending injury.
2025 Season Highlights
The 2025 season represented Kraft’s most productive campaign before the injury occurred. In Week 8 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he delivered a career-defining performance with seven receptions for 143 yards and two touchdowns, earning recognition on National Tight End’s Day. Through eight games, he had recorded 32 receptions for 489 yards and six touchdowns, establishing himself as one of Jordan Love’s favorite targets. The ACL tear sustained in Week 9 ended a promising season and set the stage for his recovery heading into 2026.
| Season | Team | Games | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Green Bay Packers | 17 | 31 | 355 | 2 |
| 2024 | Green Bay Packers | 17 | 50 | 707 | 7 |
| 2025 | Green Bay Packers | 8 | 32 | 489 | 6 |
Tucker John Kraft Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Tucker John Kraft grew up in Timber Lake, South Dakota, as the son of Doug Kraft, who passed away in 2013. He has two brothers, Cody and Tanner Kraft, who have remained close throughout his football journey. Kraft’s connection to his Cheyenne River Sioux heritage has remained central to his identity throughout his professional career. His upbringing on the reservation and the values instilled by his family shaped his approach to football and community service.
Personal Life
Kraft married Baylee Jandahl, a graphic designer, on May 18, 2024. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Charlotte, in early 2025. Kraft frequently expresses his Christian faith and credits his family and spiritual beliefs for grounding him throughout his football career. He remains actively involved with his hometown community, particularly supporting youth members of the Cheyenne tribe through charitable initiatives including the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats campaign.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season began with high expectations for Tucker John Kraft and the Green Bay Packers offense. After a productive 2024 campaign where he emerged as a starting tight end, Kraft entered the season as a key component of Jordan Love’s receiving corps. His early-season chemistry with Love was evident as the quarterback looked to his tight end frequently in crucial situations. The Packers’ offense built its game plan around Kraft’s ability to stretch the middle of the field and create mismatches against smaller defensive backs.
Kraft’s performance peaked in Week 8 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where his 143-yard, two-touchdown game represented the best performance of his young career. The timing of his breakout on National Tight End’s Day brought national attention to his accomplishments. However, the momentum came to an abrupt halt in Week 9 when a serious knee injury occurred early in the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers. The subsequent MRI confirmed an ACL tear that ended his season immediately. The injury marked the second significant injury in his professional career, following the torn pectoral muscle he suffered in May 2024.
As Kraft begins his recovery process, the Packers face the task of rebuilding their tight end rotation for the remainder of the 2025 season and beyond. His absence creates opportunities for other players on the roster while highlighting the importance of depth at the position. Kraft’s work ethic and determination to return to the field will likely drive his rehabilitation process as he targets a full recovery for the 2026 season.