Princeton Fant Bio
Princeton De’leon Fant is an American professional football tight end for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). Born on March 11, 1999, in Nashville, Tennessee, Fant played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers before entering the 2023 NFL Draft. Despite going undrafted, he signed with the Dallas Cowboys and has worked his way onto the active roster through persistence and special teams contributions. Fant is the cousin of New Orleans Saints tight end Noah Fant and has a daughter named Aaliyah.
Early Life and Background
Fant grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, and attended La Vergne High School. As a sophomore, he emerged as a dual-threat weapon, recording 14 receptions for 326 yards while also rushing for 141 yards on just nine attempts. His early success suggested a promising future in football. However, his junior season faced significant setbacks when Fant tore his ACL during spring practices, prematurely ending his year. He underwent additional surgery on the same knee and missed most of his senior season of high school football. These injuries represented serious obstacles to his football career.
Despite the physical challenges, Fant demonstrated resilience and determination. He recovered sufficiently to become a top recruit from the state of Tennessee. His combination of size, athleticism, and versatility made him an attractive prospect for college programs. Fant ultimately decided to continue his football journey close to home, committing to play college football at the University of Tennessee.
Path to the NFL
Fant redshirted during his freshman season at Tennessee in 2017, using that year to adjust to the college level and develop his skills. He spent the next two seasons primarily playing running back, seeing limited opportunities. The coaching staff recognized his potential as a mismatch weapon and transitioned him to tight end. This position change proved pivotal to his collegiate career and future professional prospects.
During the 2020 season, Fant began to establish himself as a contributor at his new position. He recorded 12 catches for 103 receiving yards and one touchdown. His first career touchdown came on a six-yard pass from Harrison Bailey in a game against Vanderbilt. The following season as a redshirt senior, Fant posted 13 receptions for 149 yards and another touchdown, showing improved consistency. He surprised observers by announcing his return to Tennessee for a sixth season of college eligibility.
The 2022 campaign became Fant’s most productive at Tennessee. He was accountable for nine total touchdowns, demonstrating his versatility by scoring five on the ground, three through the air, and one via passing. Notably, he threw a 68-yard touchdown pass to Jalin Hyatt on a trick play against UT Martin. His diverse skill set and playmaking ability made him an attractive prospect despite his injury history. Following the season, Fant announced he would enter the 2023 NFL Draft, concluding his collegiate career with valuable experience at multiple positions.
Princeton Fant Career
Early NFL Career (2023)
Fant went undrafted during the 2023 NFL Draft but caught on with the Dallas Cowboys quickly. He signed with the team as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2023. This opportunity represented a chance to prove himself at the professional level despite not hearing his name called during the draft. Fant began working to earn a roster spot during Organized Team Activities and training camp.
The Cowboys waived Fant on August 29, 2023, during final roster cuts, but he cleared waivers and joined the practice squad. Throughout his rookie season, Fant was elevated from the practice squad twice to the active roster. During those opportunities, he appeared exclusively on special teams, showcasing the aspect of his game that translated immediately to the NFL level. His ability to contribute on special teams units kept him in the organization and provided a pathway to the active roster.
Dallas Cowboys Era (2024-Present)
Fant signed a reserve/future contract with the Cowboys on January 15, 2024, ensuring he would remain with the organization heading into his second professional season. This signing represented a reward for his contributions on special teams and his continued development during his rookie year. The coaching staff saw value in his versatility and willingness to accept any role assigned to him.
The Cowboys waived Fant on August 27, 2024, as part of their final roster reductions before the regular season. He rejoined the practice squad the following day. His persistence continued to pay off when the organization promoted him to the active roster on November 27, 2024. This late-season promotion demonstrated that the coaching staff continued to believe in his potential and saw opportunities for him to contribute.
Fant began the 2025 season on the practice squad after being waived during final roster cuts on August 26 and re-signing with the team the next day. His journey from undrafted free agent to practice squad fixture to occasional active roster member illustrated his determination to carve out an NFL career. The Cowboys have valued his special teams ability and positional versatility throughout his tenure.
Driving Style and Strengths
Fant brings a unique background to the tight end position, having played running back early in his college career. This experience provides him with ball-carrying instincts and contact balance that not all tight ends possess. His collegiate transition demonstrates football intelligence and adaptability. His ability to line up in multiple positions creates matchup problems for defensive coordinators. Fant has shown particular value on special teams, an area where young players can earn roster spots through consistent effort and execution.
Notable Events and Milestones
Fant’s most notable professional milestone remains earning a promotion to the active roster in November 2024 after spending most of that season on the practice squad. His career has been defined by persistence in the face of setbacks. In college, his signature moment came when he threw a 68-yard touchdown pass on a trick play, showcasing his playmaking ability and creativity. Each step of his journey, from overcoming ACL injuries in high school to signing as an undrafted free agent to reaching the active roster, has required determination and resilience.
Princeton Fant Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Fant comes from a football family through his cousin Noah Fant, who plays as a tight end for the New Orleans Saints. The familial connection to the NFL provided Princeton with additional exposure to professional football expectations and standards. Having a relative who has navigated the challenges of professional football offered him guidance and perspective as he pursued his own career path.
Personal Life
Outside of football, Fant is a father to a daughter named Aaliyah. Balancing the demands of professional football with parenting requires significant dedication and time management. Fant has navigated these responsibilities while continuing to pursue his football career. His social media presence includes an Instagram account where he shares glimpses of his life with family and teammates. He remains connected to his Tennessee roots while building his professional career in Texas with the Cowboys.
2025 Season Performance
Fant entered the 2025 season with the Dallas Cowboys on the practice squad following final roster cuts in late August. He had been waived and re-signed to the practice squad, a familiar pattern that demonstrated the team’s continued interest in his development. The Cowboys saw value in maintaining him on the practice squad where he could continue refining his technique and learning the offensive system. His special teams experience provided a foundation for potentially earning another promotion during the season.
The coaching staff utilized practice squad roster flexibility to keep Fant sharp and available throughout the early portion of the season. His versatility as a tight end who could contribute on special teams remained his primary value to the organization. The Cowboys offense continued to evolve, and Fant worked to stay ready for any opportunity that might arise. His persistence and professionalism throughout this period reflected his commitment to earning a more permanent spot on the 53-man roster.
Fant’s journey exemplifies the challenges facing undrafted players trying to establish themselves in the NFL. From overcoming significant knee injuries during high school to accepting an undrafted free agent contract to working through multiple practice squad stints, he has shown remarkable determination. The 2025 season represents another chapter in his ongoing quest to secure a lasting role in professional football. His focus remained on special teams contributions and demonstrating the positional versatility that could eventually earn him a consistent place on the Cowboys roster.