Tyler Roehl Went From West Fargo to the NFL
Tyler Roehl’s Journey of Grit and Growth Growing up in West Fargo, Tyler Roehl learned the value of hard work early— whether it was delivering newspapers in the dead of winter or pushing himself on the football field at West Fargo High. His journey from a determined kid with big dreams to a Division I
Tyler Roehl’s Journey of Grit and Growth
Growing up in West Fargo, Tyler Roehl learned the value of hard work early— whether it was delivering newspapers in the dead of winter or pushing himself on the football field at West Fargo High. His journey from a determined kid with big dreams to a Division I athlete and now a coach in the NFL shows his work ethic. Roehl has been guided by influential mentors, from high school coaches and teachers to college leaders at NDSU, to build a career rooted in discipline, character, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Now, as the tight ends coach for the Detroit Lions, Roehl is carrying those same lessons forward, determined to make an impact at the highest level of the game. Thinking back on his own short-lived professional playing career, which ended with a torn ACL in offseason training with the Seattle Seahawks in 2009, he said, “I’m hungry, ready, and willing to do whatever it takes to go and win a Super Bowl. And if I wasn’t able to do it as a player, but you know what, I’m finding a lot of joy in the coaching piece, and would probably find as much satisfaction reaching the highest of highs as a coach. How it ended as a player— it’s fueling me.”
With that fuel-power, Tyler Roehl is taking on the season ready to connect with the players and aim for the big win. We had the chance to chat with him about his new role and his journey in getting there.
Hometown Cravings: Sandy’s Donuts & JL Beers
No matter where life takes him, Tyler always makes time for his favorite West Fargo eats. At the top of his list? Sandy’s Donuts. “That’s not even a question,” he said. “They actually shipped donuts to me in Iowa… now I need to get a hold of them and have them ship some to Detroit.” His go-to order: a chocolate Long John with Bavarian cream—or a maple bacon donut. When it comes to burgers, JL Beers is the spot, with the Humpty Dumpty as his top pick. “If I’m feeling a little bit sporty, I put on peanut butter,” he said.
Midwest Roots & Work Ethic
For Tyler, growing up in West Fargo meant developing grit, discipline, and a relentless work ethic— lessons he carries with him today. “If you want to develop toughness, deliver the Fargo Forum in December, January, February, March, during a blizzard at 5:30 in the morning,” he said. From youth sports to high school football, he learned that success comes from hard work and holding himself to a championship standard. “No one thought I was going to play Division I football,” he said. “But if you want something, go work for it.” That mentality, shaped in his hometown, helped pave his way to the NFL.
Those Who Shaped Him
Behind every great athlete is a strong support system, and for Tyler, West Fargo provided just that. He credits longtime football coach Jay Gibson as a gamechanger. “He was ahead of the ball game… unbelievable football IQ,” Tyler said. Teachers like Mr. Willis from his middle school days and West Fargo High’s Mr. Preston, whom Tyler stays in touch with today, also played key roles. “Mr. Preston put me in the front row, forced me out of my shell,” he said. “We talked more about life than anything.” Whether on the field or in the classroom, these mentors helped shape his mindset: work hard, stay humble, and always strive to be better.
Life As An NFL Coach
Tyler’s passion for football didn’t end when his playing career did with a torn ACL during offseason training with the Seattle Seahawks instead, it evolved. Now the tight ends coach for the Detroit Lions, he’s fully embracing the grind. “Change can be hard, but when you change with the right people for the right reasons, it can be exponential in your growth,” he said. Learning under top coaches like Matt Campbell at Iowa State, he’s committed to leading with high standards. “My goal is to be the best tight ends coach in the National Football League and have the best position group in the league,” he said. “And we’re not going to get there by just sitting around.”
Advice For The Next Generation
Tyler’s journey proves that success isn’t about where you start—it’s about the mindset you bring. “It doesn’t matter where you’re from,” he said. “If you embody work ethic, low ego, curiosity… anything is possible.” He believes in surrounding yourself with the right people and embracing challenges. “Don’t let where you’re from limit you. Find the positives, put in the work, and hold yourself to a high standard. At the end of the day, the work works,” he said. “And I wouldn’t be where I am without West Fargo.”
Published May 20, 2025
