Carson Towt, a former Notre Dame basketball standout, is embarking on an audacious journey to make an NFL roster as a tight end, despite never having played football. His initial workout with the Indianapolis Colts was memorable, not just for his athletic potential, but because he forgot to bring cleats. Imagine showing up for a crucial job interview without the right gear-it's a rookie mistake, yet Towt's determination and raw talent earned him a pass.
Standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing 250 pounds, Towt hails from Gilbert, Arizona, and has always been more at home in basketball sneakers than football cleats. His athletic prowess caught the eye of a Colts scout during a basketball practice, sparking the idea of a transition to the gridiron.
Despite the footwear faux pas, Towt’s potential is undeniable. He’s never donned a football helmet or shoulder pads, but his athleticism and willingness to learn are compelling. Towt understands the challenges ahead and is ready to embrace the grind with humility and enthusiasm.
“I’ve got to put my ego aside,” Towt admits. He knows mistakes will happen, but he’s committed to the process.
Whether it’s a light-hearted moment like forgetting cleats or a critical error that might impact a game, Towt is all in. “Waking up, man, I’m doing it,” he says with conviction.
Towt’s journey from college basketball to potential NFL player is as bold as it is intriguing. He spent seven years in college, with a stint at Notre Dame where football was always in the background. Yet, it wasn’t until a chance encounter with a Colts scout during a basketball practice that the idea of playing professional football took root.
Encouraged by friends and former teammates, Towt decided to chase this new dream. His conversation with Tyler Hughes, the Colts’ Midwest regional scout, was pivotal.
Hughes saw enough in Towt’s basketball performance to suggest he could make it in the NFL. “To hear that validated that they see the athlete that I am,” Towt reflects.
After a tough loss to Duke, Towt found himself at the NFL Combine, laying the groundwork for his football aspirations. Supported by his basketball family at Notre Dame, Towt is ready to leap into the unknown.
As March unfolds, Towt will train in Arizona before heading to Indianapolis and Nashville to hone his skills. The path ahead is uncertain-he might secure a roster spot, land on the practice squad, or face other challenges. But for Towt, it’s about the journey and the chance to redefine himself.
“I don’t think we know yet who Carson Towt, the football player, is,” he says. “And that’s the beautiful part of it. I just want to be the best version of me in whatever I’m doing.”
With the right footwear, of course.