Perseverance and Passion: Tyran Dixon’s Journey Through Football and Life

Tyran Dixon’s story is one of resilience, adaptation, and an unwavering love for the game of football. Born in Heidelberg, Germany, to a military family, Tyran’s early life saw him moving between states in the U.S., splitting his childhood between North and South Carolina. From a young age, football wasn’t just a game for him – it became the foundation upon which he built his dreams.

“I fell in love with the game when I was under 10 years old, playing Pop Warner football,” Tyran shared. That early passion never left him, even when the path to success seemed more like an uphill battle than a smooth road. From the challenges of growing up in a single-parent household to playing at small, often overlooked schools, Tyran’s journey into professional football was anything but easy. He recalls how his mom, struggling to make ends meet, couldn’t always afford to let him play. “I had to sit out a season because we didn’t have the funds,” he remembered, but that only fueled his drive to succeed later in life.

The Rough Road Overseas

Fast forward to 2024, and Tyran finds himself reflecting on his first season playing overseas in Finland with the Lohja Crusaders. It wasn’t the fairytale debut he might have imagined, with the team finishing a difficult 1-11 season. “It was probably the toughest season I’ve had in professional football,” Tyran admitted. Playing in a foreign country, adapting to a new culture, and dealing with a team facing multiple adversities would test anyone’s mettle.

Yet Tyran’s perspective on the experience remains positive. “For me, I loved Finland. I came here with the mindset to not only achieve my goals but also to give back,” he said. Football, for Tyran, isn’t just about personal accomplishments. It’s about passing down knowledge and mentoring others. “I wanted to share what I’ve learned over the years with anyone willing to accept it.”

A Rocky Start: High School to College

Tyran’s football career began in the States, where he navigated a turbulent high school experience, attending three different middle schools and three high schools. He fondly remembers his coaches, who pushed him beyond his limits, teaching him lessons about perseverance and personal growth. “One of my coaches moved me from the offensive line to the defensive line,” Tyran recalls with a laugh. “That change shaped my career.”

By the time Tyran reached college, he was ready to push himself harder than ever. He earned a full scholarship to play at Newberry College, a Division II school in South Carolina. “We were the underdogs, but we competed with Division I schools, and that’s where I grew,” Tyran explained. His time at Newberry instilled in him the grit and determination that continue to define his career.

The Harsh Realities of Professional Football

After college, Tyran’s sights were set on the NFL, but the journey was anything but straightforward. He recalls the excitement of being invited to the Tropical Bowl, an All-Star game where he competed against Division I athletes in front of NFL and CFL scouts. “I was one of only a few Division II players there,” Tyran said. “I showcased my talent, and I thought I had done enough to get noticed.” Despite his hard work and impressive performances, Tyran’s NFL dreams didn’t come to fruition as expected. He was invited to the NFL Academy, trained with NFL-level talent, and even made it to the final cuts of the XFL’s Vegas Vipers, but the brutal reality of professional sports hit hard when he was released.

“I made it to the last cut, and then I was let go,” Tyran shared. “I didn’t understand why. I had given everything, and it still wasn’t enough.” That rejection sent Tyran into a year-and-a-half-long struggle with depression, where he questioned his worth and his future in the sport. “I had to start all over again,” he admitted. “I stopped working out for a month, I was lost.”

Rebuilding from the Ground Up

Despite the darkness of that time, Tyran picked himself up. “I realized no one else was going to pull me out of this but me,” he reflected. “I had to rebuild my confidence and remind myself why I started in the first place.”

The turning point came when he began receiving encouragement from his former teammates and coaches. “One of my teammates told me, ‘Don’t give up. You just need the right eyes on you.’ That lit a fire in me,” Tyran said. Slowly, he got back to training, focusing on perfecting his craft, even though the path forward was uncertain.

Giving Back in Finland

Now playing in Finland, Tyran’s focus has shifted slightly. While he continues to pursue his dream of playing professionally at the highest level, he’s equally committed to giving back. “I just want to make a difference,” he said. Whether mentoring younger players or sharing his knowledge with teammates, Tyran views this chapter of his career as a chance to contribute to the growth of the sport in countries like Finland.

“I haven’t reached my ceiling yet,” Tyran said, “but when the time comes, I want to leave a legacy, whether that’s coaching here or building something that lasts.” His passion for football is as strong as ever, and now it’s combined with a desire to impact the lives of others.

A Message for Those on the Verge

As our conversation with Tyran wrapped up, his message to others was simple but profound: “Be where your feet are. No matter where you are or what you’re going through, focus on making a difference right there.” Whether he’s on the field, coaching, or inspiring the next generation, Tyran Dixon’s journey is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the power of never giving up.

Listen to the full interview with Tyran Dixon on Episode 7 of The Stride Podcast to hear more about his journey, lessons learned, and what’s next for this dedicated athlete.