If Penn State tight end Tyler Warren gives off a throwback vibe, there is a clear reason why. His style is influenced by notable players, both past and present, adding an edge to his game.
“I wear 44 because when I was younger my dad put on John Riggins’ film and said, ‘This is how I want you to run the ball,'” shared Warren at the combine. Emulating the legendary Washington running back guided his early playing days, but as Warren developed, he also drew inspiration from others.
“Another guy I saw this summer was Jeremy Shockey,” Warren stated. “And the way he kind of played and his mentality running the ball, something I kind of liked and tried to do a little bit this year.” Warren even sports locks reminiscent of Shockey, who ended his career with the Panthers, Giants, and Saints.
Warren’s gameplay is a mix of these influences. Last season, he gained attention for his performance, achieving significant stats after modest contributions in his initial four seasons, including a redshirt year. Reflecting on his journey, Warren said, “When I got to Penn State, I wasn’t a fully developed tight end yet… Everybody’s looks different. Mine took a few years until I got into the flow of college football.”
Last season marked a breakthrough for Warren with 104 catches for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns, alongside 26 carries for 218 yards and four touchdowns. This performance earned him the John Mackey award, placing him in top-10 discussions for his position, one that is undergoing constant evolution.
Describing his adaptable style, Warren remarked, “I think I can do a lot of different things… I think I’m a guy that can do a lot of different things.”
The tight end position has evolved since Shockey’s time. Warren also draws from current players like George Kittle, Travis Kelce, and fellow Nittany Lion Pat Freiermuth as he plans his future.
Wherever his career takes him, Warren is ready to move forward with the inspiration and confidence characterized by John Riggins and Jeremy Shockey. He significantly values adaptability, stating, “What I try and do is be a guy that can kind of fit in a lot of different roles. I don’t know if I have one that really sticks out the best. That’s kind of fun about the tight end position is you get to do a lot of different things within the offense.”
