The path to an NFL dream for former TCU wide receiver Jack Bech has featured the utmost adversity.

From injuries and entering the NCAA transfer portal to enduring the tragic loss of his brother, Bech has leaned on his faith and resilience.

Every moment of pain, confusion and uncertainty led him to achieve his lifelong dream: becoming a Las Vegas Raider.

His journey began as a four-star prospect out of Lafayette, Louisiana. He came from a family that lived for football as his older brother, Tiger, was already a wide receiver at Princeton.

After graduating from St. Thomas More High School in 2021, he committed to LSU, a state powerhouse, where he found himself in a stacked wide receiver room.

There was little opportunity for Bech at LSU, but he held onto his dreams of playing in the NFL one day.

Ultimately, that led to the first pillar of adversity and leap of faith of Bech’s college football career — entering the transfer portal and leaving his home.

“In every stage of life there’s change and I feel that my opportunity to grow as a player is elsewhere,” Bech wrote in his transfer announcement. “This has been the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make and a lot of thought and prayer has gone into my decision,” Bech said. 

The transfer portal can be a realm of extinguished careers, broken hearts and limitless unknowns. 

TCU, however, was ready to gamble on a kid from Louisiana with little experience on the field but the potential to switch positions. After all, Bech’s greatest asset may have been his love for the game — something other programs overlooked.

“If you spend enough time in college football, you’ll find a few guys who live and breathe the game,” teammate Joe Laterza said. “Jack Bech is clearly one of those guys.” 

Bech’s first year at TCU in 2023 tested his passion for the game as it presented more challenges than results. Injuries for Bech, quarterback changes and team struggles piled on. Three years into his college career, Bech had accumulated just 835 receiving yards and four touchdowns. 

The golden opportunity finally opened up in 2024.

Bech finished his breakout season as the fifth 1000-yard receiver in TCU history, and added nine touchdowns to his total. This outburst in production displayed the work ethic, passion and talent that he had quietly been developing over the years. 

A 9-4 season for TCU that featured a New Mexico Bowl game win also meant a lot of attention from NFL scouts. Bech received a Senior Bowl and NFL Combine invite, coveted opportunities to prove himself as NFL worthy. Amid one of the most exciting times for any NFL Draft prospect, everything suddenly changed.

On an early morning in New Orleans, Bech and his family were struck by an unimaginable tragedy — the greatest adversity he had ever faced.

Tiger was among those killed in a deadly pickup truck attack on New Year’s Eve in New Orleans.

It happened just a few hours after the brothers had spoken on the phone.

“I told him to be safe and that I loved him, and he told me how much he loved me,” Jack said.   

Tiger left his brother Jack to continue their football legacy despite the hardships facing their family. Jack turned to his faith and to the football field to mourn this loss. Exactly a month after his brother’s death, Bech honored his brother with a magical performance at the Reese’s Senior Bowl.

Bech earned MVP honors at the 2025 Senior Bowl with six receptions for 68 yards.

On the game’s final snap, his 2-yard touchdown catch on a 4th-and-goal with 7 seconds left gave his American Team a 22-19 win over the National Team. All while he wore his brother’s No. 7 in the game.

The draft process continued for Bech, appearing in the NFL combine and meeting with multiple teams.

“Whatever team gets me, it’s going to be a two-for-one special. Not only do you get Jack Bech, you get Tiger Bech too,” Jack said. “I have a superpower now. I have another presence about me that I just can’t lose.”

And in just a few months, the two-for-one special will officially be on display in the NFL.

Bech was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft on Friday night.

“I always believe that God has a greater plan, no matter if you see it working or not,” Bech said. 

Through a storm of adversity and tragedy, Bech powered through the path to accomplishing a lifelong dream. 

With an angel in Tiger now by his side, the journey continues in the NFL.