“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree”. And for Tyler Buchner, this is a good thing. This former four-star quarterback, once a Notre Dame golden boy, is now a walk-on receiver for the same team. Talk about a wild ride!

Two years ago, after a forgettable Gator Bowl, Buchner hit the transfer portal. He landed at Alabama, reunited with his old offensive coordinator, Tommy Rees. But things quickly went south. He slipped down the depth chart, got benched, and the writing was on the wall. He even toyed with the idea of quitting football entirely, seriously considering a switch to lacrosse! It was brutal for him, and honestly, heartbreaking for his parents to watch. But they stood by him, letting him navigate the choppy waters on his own.

Tyler Buchner’s father’s NFL Career and his mother’s support

Tyler has learned from the best, and it shows!! In the seventh round of the 1992 NFL Draft, Todd A. Buchner (Tyler’s father), a former collegiate football player, was chosen to take on the reins over at the Packers. Couldn’t have asked for better dad-lore!! Todd’s background in sports definitely helps him guide Tyler. He’s all about building resilience and making sure Tyler can bounce back from anything. And Tyler’s return to Notre Dame as a receiver? That’s a perfect example of how his dad’s approach is paying off.

Tyler’s dad, Todd, isn’t just an athlete—he’s got serious business cred. He boasts an MBA in finance from the University of Denver and a degree in political science from Colgate. Now he’s an investor and a bigwig at BxC Partners, and he’s also linked to Spellman Performance and enTrust Wealth Advisors. Basically, the guy knows a thing or two about success.

But Todd’s life goes beyond these intellectual and professional accomplishments. Tyler’s father is involved in community service outside of his work life. He’s on the executive board of Starlings Volleyball U.S.A., a program that empowers girls to learn the game. Tyler truly values having such an amazing person in his life. He and his dad are super close, and that bond inspires him to give back to the community and never give up on his dreams.

His dad was everything any kid would’ve wanted their father to be like while growing up but hey, let’s not forget the woman of the family: Tyler’s mother

Audrey Buchner was a member of the equestrian team at Yale University. She studied politics, economics, and ethics in college. Her profession might be a mystery, but her influence on Tyler is undeniable.

Tyler’s mother also shares Todd’s belief in giving back to society. Audrey supports local educational projects by volunteering and serving on the boards of the Rancho Santa Fe School Education Foundation Board and the La Jolla Knights Booster Group. These initiatives also benefit the athletic departments. As a mom of a famous athlete, she’s naturally super invested in Tyler’s success on the field. You’ll often spot her and his dad cheering him on from the stands. Tyler even posts pics of them at the games on his Instagram.

Where did Tyler grow up?

California is where Tyler Buchner was raised. But he was born in Evanston, Illinois, and then his fam relocated to Cal. Before moving to Helix High School in La Mesa for his senior year, he attended The Bishop’s School in La Jolla. However, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Buchner didn’t play in his senior season.

But he had a stellar season in his 2019 junior year, throwing 53 TDs and passing for 4,474 yards. He also scored 28 running touchdowns and ran for 1,610 yards. He then enrolled at Notre Dame in 2021. However, he transferred to Alabama and played for one season, and the former quarterback is currently back with Notre Dame as a walk-on receiver.

Reflecting on his journey, Buchner said, “There were a lot of bumps in the road to get past..I’m glad that Notre Dame gave me that opportunity. There were so many people along the way that helped me get in the position I am today.” Right now, he seems focused on making the most of this opportunity in the Orange Bowl against Penn State. We’ll see if this comeback story, fueled by his parents’ unwavering support, pays off in the coming weeks.