ST #44

Sean Tucker

Running Back · Syracuse

A once top-100 draft prospect who went undrafted after a heart condition scare, then fought his way into Tampa Bay's backfield rotation.

Sean Tucker's path to the NFL is a story of a draft-day fall and a steady climb back. A record-setting back at Syracuse, he was projected as a top-100 pick before a previously undiagnosed heart condition surfaced at the 2023 Combine and scared teams off entirely. Signed by Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent, he has since made himself a productive complementary back.

★ Two-time All-ACC selection and 2021 All-American at Syracuse

★ Rushed for 1,496 yards in his 2021 All-American season

★ Surpassed 300 rushing yards in a reserve role in each of the last two NFL seasons

Path to the league

Tucker starred at Syracuse from 2020 to 2022, piling up 3,801 yards of total offense and 31 touchdowns, earning two All-ACC selections and All-American honors in 2021 after rushing for 1,496 yards. Despite that resume, he went undrafted in 2023 after his heart condition was flagged at the Combine, and he signed with the Buccaneers as a free agent.

Career highlights

After a limited rookie season, Tucker carved out a bigger role in 2024, rushing for 628 yards and nine touchdowns on 136 carries while adding 17 catches for 143 yards and two more scores. He has topped 300 rushing yards in a reserve role in each of the past two seasons and re-signed with Tampa Bay for 2026.

2025 season recap

Tucker again served as a key complementary back in 2025, leading the Buccaneers with eight total touchdowns. He posted a career-high performance in a Week 11 win at Buffalo, carrying 19 times for 106 yards and two touchdowns while adding two catches for 34 yards and another score.