Tucker Kraft’s on-field NFL presence with the Packers is quite indomitable! His potential this season is evident, with his performance in Week 12 gaining significant attention and culminating with the Green Bay Packers victory. Hailing from the small town of Timber Lake, South Dakota, with a population of just 513, challenges were rife. But, with his parents’ support and taking forth the lessons he had learned, he entered the NFL world successfully in 2023.

Playing as a TE, Tucker has a domineering presence at a 6-foot-5 stature, weighing 254 pounds. But, his story is incomplete without mentioning his parents, Doug Kraft and Tausha Walter. Be it their sacrifices or support, or dealing with his father’s loss, Tucker never fails to acknowledge what they’ve done for him.

Who are Doug Kraft and Tausha Walter?

Being born to Doug Kraft and Tausha Walter in South Dakota, Tucker did not have an easy childhood. His father, Doug Kraft, died in a plane accident when he was just 12 years old. Tucker adds, “I’ll never forget the noise my mom made when my brother said, ‘It was Dad. He’s not coming home.’” But, nonetheless, Tucker continues to get athletic inspiration from him.

Doug Kraft had also made a huge name for himself as a track star and football athlete, gaining All-American honors at Huron College. Tucker’s tragedy was exacerbated when Tausha, his mom, was also simultaneously facing an autoimmune disease in 2014. Thankfully, now she has eventually recovered.

Talking about it, she said, “My lung functions stopped deteriorating… I’m back to being able to walk without oxygen and work again.” Battling through the challenges, she was also supporting the family as a nurse in Eagle Butte. Having fought hardships, she taught similar values to Tucker, adding, “You always give 100 percent in whatever you do, even if it’s something you don’t want to be doing. You can’t quit.”

As he talks about his upbringing, Kraft reflects that he had to be self-reliant. He adds, “I spent a lot of that time alone, at my house. And I realized like, OK, I’m not gonna rely on anybody to pay for my college tuition but myself.” But, despite this, his mom and brother Tanner have stood by him to help him succeed in life.

How did Tucker Kraft overcome his father’s passing and make it big in the NFL?

When Tucker made it to the NFL on April 28, 2023, his family and community members were by his side as he signed with the Packers. He stated, “People tell me a lot — he’s up there watching. And I’m like, ‘Yeah, I know.’” Even though he lost his father at an early age, he always carries his memories in his heart.

Instead of being devastated, he chose to work on his father’s aspirations. Playing with South Dakota State University (SDSU), a small FCS school, he stayed loyal to it despite receiving multiple NIL deals to switch to larger Power 5 schools. And, in 2021, he had a breakout season with fascinating records. While he suffered a leg injury in 2022, it did not deter him from entering the NFL.

Tucker has vivid memories of his father, remembering him as someone who deeply immersed himself in the community. And he carries similar spirits with him. “That’s who I am. That’s my community. That’s my family.”

Recalling the last moments he spent with him, he has fond memories of it, “Going trucking with him, waking up in the sleeper to doughnuts and Gatorade. Spending countless hours on the tractor.” And, touring across Timber Lake, he always finds bits of his father everywhere. There is also a sign at “Air Kraft Spraying” honoring Doug, including a football field in Timber Lake that has his name.

Seemingly, Tucker knew that his father would be ecstatic at all his wins. He gets the feeling that “he lives through me and my brothers in a lot of ways.” This eventually pushes him to be his best version every day.