Marz NFL dream lives on with Carolina Panthers
Tyler Marz, a 2011 graduate of Springfield High School, is looking to break back into a National Football League roster after signing a futures contract with the Carolina Panthers on Dec. 31, 2019.
Marz’s NFL career as an offensive tackle began in 2016 when he signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent. He was subsequently released during the final roster cuts but was signed to their practice squad the following day.
He went on to be signed by the Los Angeles Chargers off the Titans’ practice squad in 2017, and later in the year was re-signed to the Titans’ practice squad where Marz stayed through August 2019 when he was waived. In that time period, though, he was brought up to start a game against the Houston Texans on Sept. 16, 2018. His start was even written about by ESPN Senior Writer Adam Schefter. All together, Marz played a total of six games for Tennessee.
Having shown he can play with the big boys, Marz was signed to the Panthers’ practice squad in December 2019 before they extended a futures contract to him at the end of the month.
“It’s been a dream come true,” said Marz about playing in the NFL. “Ever since being a little kid I wanted to play in the pros, whether it was basketball, baseball or football. Little did I know how much work it would take to get to this point. I wouldn’t change anything though. I have been to stadiums, cities, states and a country I never imagined I’d get to go to.”
He will now have to prove himself yet again, as a futures contract allows him to work out with the team prior to the season. Then he can either be signed to the team or their practice squad.
Since being waived, and until he travels to the Panthers in April, Marz has been back in his hometown of Springfield continuing his own workout routine.
“I am very thankful that a small town like Springfield has so many workout facilities for me to train in. It does get hard to stay in shape, especially this last season when I wasn’t with a team, but the possibility of another opportunity kept me motivated,” said Marz. “I know I can play in this league and I just need to get in the right place. It is so much different when you are at the college and pro level, and unfortunately it isn’t always the most talented person that wins the spot or makes the team.”
His happiness to return to Springfield is driven beyond his undeniable work ethic.
“There is no other place like Springfield, Minn.,” said Marz. “I am so proud to have been raised here and call this my hometown. Everyone in the community is always very supportive. It’s pretty cool to come home and hear from my mom and dad who all ask about me and cares to know how I am doing. Since entering the NFL I have had more people reach out to me via phone call or text than I could of ever imagined. I really enjoy coming back and trying to give back to the community or the football team in any way that I can.”
See complete story in this week's issue of the Springfield Advance-Press.