Jack Bech’s childhood in Lafayette, Louisiana, was heavily influenced by his admiration for his older brother, Tiger. Despite facing opponents who were significantly older and more skilled, Bech was undeterred in his pursuit of following in Tiger’s athletic footsteps. This dedication has brought him to the brink of an NFL career.
On Saturday, Bech will participate in the NFL’s annual scouting combine alongside numerous receivers. However, his journey is uniquely emboldened by the spirit of his late brother Tiger, a former Princeton kick returner who tragically passed away in a New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans. “I know his wings are going to be on me from now until the end of time,” Bech expressed. “It’s pushed me to new heights, and even though I’ve worked hard my whole life and done things others aren’t willing to do, I feel like I’ve taken a whole new step doing that and I know, like I said, he’ll be with me. He’ll have the best seat in the house from here on out.”
As Bech transitions from his college career, he enters this new chapter amid emotional upheaval. Following an impressive season with 62 catches, 1,034 yards, and nine touchdown receptions, he was absent from TCU’s bowl game due to a knee injury. Although he had embarked on his pre-draft preparations and accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl, the abrupt loss of Tiger weighed heavily on him. In a poignant tribute, Bech posted on social media, expressing his commitment to honor Tiger’s memory. “Love you always brother!” he wrote. “You inspired me everyday now you get to be with me in every moment. I got this family T, don’t worry. This is for us.”
By the time of the Senior Bowl, Bech was well-known for both his on-field talents and the personal story that accompanied him. During the event, he paid homage to Tiger by wearing the No. 7 jersey, Tiger’s number at Princeton, instead of his usual numbers from LSU and TCU. In a remarkable occurrence, Bech made a decisive 2-yard touchdown catch with 7 seconds remaining, clinching a victory for the American team and earning the game’s MVP title. “I call it a Tiger wink, just coming down from my brother,” Bech reflected. “It was awesome. Just all the love and support I got, not only from my teammates but everybody on the National team, too. It was definitely a super special moment, one I’ll never forget.”
At the Indianapolis combine, Bech’s determination is unwavering, even as jersey numbers are allocated alphabetically, leaving him with WO 04 gear. Saturday’s workout marks exactly two months since Tiger’s passing, and Bech will be joined by five other players who were present on that fateful New Orleans morning. These athletes, including quarterback Riley Leonard and receiver Beaux Collins from Notre Dame, and running back Trevor Etienne with receivers Dominic Lovett and Arian Smith from Georgia, are participants due to their involvement in the Sugar Bowl. While scouts and general managers assess his skills, Bech remains focused on making Tiger proud.
Reflecting on their shared journey, Bech noted, “I always wanted to be better than him in everything he did. Your big brother pulls out of you and sees what you can’t see in yourself quite yet, and that was always him for me, just pushing me to the edge, making me grow, get stronger, and helping me be the best version of myself. So, I’m forever indebted to him. His wings will hold me forever, so I’m a two-for-one deal now.”
