It wasn’t supposed to happen like this. A 25-year-old tight end, overlooked in the 2023 NFL Draft, signed as an undrafted free agent, playing in his 10th game of the season without a single start — then, with 1:42 left in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium, he caught a 4-yard pass from Dak Prescott and plunged into the end zone for his first career touchdown. That moment, in the Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles game on November 24, 2024, didn’t just shift momentum — it rewrote a story. Brevyn Spann-Ford had arrived.
From Sauk Rapids to the Big Stage
Born and raised in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, Spann-Ford graduated from St. Cloud Technical High School in 2018. Back then, no one predicted he’d become the first player from that school to score in the NFL. He wasn’t a five-star recruit. He didn’t get offers from powerhouses. But he played — hard, consistent, physical — and landed at the University of Minnesota, where he spent five seasons as a reliable target for the Golden Gophers. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 249 pounds, he was the kind of player coaches loved for blocking and making contested catches — but not the kind teams typically draft in the early rounds.When the 2023 draft came and went without a call, he didn’t quit. He showed up at Cowboys training camp with grit. He blocked for CeeDee Lamb, ran routes behind Dak Prescott, and stayed late after practice. By preseason’s end, he made the 53-man roster. His stats? Five catches for 22 yards through 10 games. Quiet. Unassuming. But always there.
The Comeback That Changed Everything
The Philadelphia Eagles were rolling. At halftime, they led 21-3. Dallas looked flat. Fans were already scrolling for the next game. But Prescott — calm, cool, relentless — started carving up the Eagles’ secondary. By the end of the third quarter, he’d thrown for 365 yards and three touchdowns. One of them? To Spann-Ford.The play itself wasn’t fancy. A quick slant, a step to the inside, then a leap over a diving linebacker. The ball was slightly off-target — Prescott admitted later he “threw it a little high” — but Spann-Ford adjusted, caught it with both hands, and dragged two defenders into the end zone. The crowd roared. The scoreboard read 21-17. The game had life again.
“I’ve waited for this my whole life,” Spann-Ford told reporters postgame. “I didn’t get drafted. No one expected me to be here. But I knew if I kept showing up, something like this could happen.”
Why This Matters Beyond the Stats
This wasn’t just a personal milestone. It was symbolic. In an era where undrafted players rarely stick, let alone score, Spann-Ford’s touchdown sends a message: perseverance matters. The Cowboys, under head coach Mike McCarthy, have built a reputation for finding hidden talent — think Dez Bryant or Amari Cooper after mid-career trades. Spann-Ford fits that mold.His touchdown also had real playoff implications. With the win, Dallas improved to 7-4, moving into a tie for second place in the NFC East. The Eagles fell to 5-6, all but eliminating them from division contention. With six games left, every win matters — and this one, fueled by a player nobody saw coming, might be the most important of the season.
The Legacy of a Small-Town Kid
St. Cloud Technical High School doesn’t have a football stadium that holds more than 5,000 people. But on Sunday night, in homes across central Minnesota, dozens of alumni watched the replay on their phones. Teachers posted clips on Facebook. Local news outlets like WJON and 1390 Granite City Sports ran special segments. One teacher told WJON, “We’ve had kids go pro, but never one who scored. He’s the first.”Even the Eagles’ official game recap — which listed the pass as 5 yards, not 4 — couldn’t diminish the moment. The discrepancy? Minor. The meaning? Monumental.
And then there’s the rivalry. Dallas has now beaten Philadelphia four straight times since 2022 — a streak Dallas historian David Phillips called “one of the quietest dynasties in NFC East history.” Spann-Ford’s touchdown didn’t just break a deficit — it extended a legacy.
What’s Next for Spann-Ford?
He’s not starting. He’s not the primary target. But now, he’s a weapon. With CeeDee Lamb drawing double coverage and Jaylen Waddle (acquired midseason) stretching the field, Spann-Ford’s size and hands make him a mismatch in the red zone. Coaches are already designing plays for him — not just as a blocker, but as a target.He’s wearing jersey No. 83. He’s still not on highlight reels. But after Sunday, everyone in the locker room knows his name.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Brevyn Spann-Ford go from undrafted to scoring his first NFL touchdown?
After going undrafted in 2023, Spann-Ford signed with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent and earned his spot through relentless performance in training camp and preseason games. He worked as a blocking tight end and special teamer, gradually earning trust from coaches. His first career touchdown came on a 4-yard slant in Week 12 against the Eagles — his 10th game of the season — proving that persistence can overcome draft status.
Is Brevyn Spann-Ford the first player from St. Cloud Technical High School to score in the NFL?
Yes. According to WJON and school records, Spann-Ford is the first alumnus of St. Cloud Technical High School — founded in 1917 — to record a touchdown in an NFL game. While other graduates have played professionally, none had previously reached the end zone. His achievement has sparked local pride and renewed interest in the school’s football program.
What impact did this win have on the NFC East standings?
The Cowboys’ 24-21 victory improved their record to 7-4, tying them with the Washington Commanders for second place in the NFC East. The Eagles dropped to 5-6, effectively ending their playoff hopes unless they win out and other results break their way. With six games left, every division win is critical — and this one, fueled by a comeback, gave Dallas momentum heading into December.
Why did the Eagles’ game recap list the touchdown as 5 yards while others said 4?
NFL play-by-play measurements can vary slightly depending on how officials mark the spot of the catch versus the point of the ball crossing the goal line. The Cowboys’ official video highlights and broadcast analysts confirmed the catch was 4 yards from the line of scrimmage. The Eagles’ site likely measured from the receiver’s initial contact point, leading to the one-yard discrepancy — a common, minor inconsistency in official recaps.
What’s Dak Prescott’s role in Spann-Ford’s success?
Prescott, who threw for 365 yards and three touchdowns in the game, has shown increased trust in Spann-Ford during the second half of the season. With CeeDee Lamb drawing attention, Prescott has targeted tight ends more often in key red zone situations. Spann-Ford’s touchdown was Prescott’s third of the game — a sign the quarterback sees him as a reliable option under pressure, not just a blocker.
Could Spann-Ford become a starter next season?
It’s possible. With veteran tight end Dalton Schultz entering free agency after 2024, Spann-Ford’s breakout performance gives him a strong case for a larger role. His blocking ability and reliable hands in traffic make him a perfect fit for Mike McCarthy’s offense. If he builds on this season, he could compete for a starting job next year — not as a star, but as a vital piece.