Tucker Kraft is one of the rising stars in the NFL. A tight end for the Green Bay Packers, his journey from a small town to professional football, his performances, personal life, and off-field interests make him a subject of interest for fans everywhere. In this article, we’ll cover everything from his relationship status to his fantasy football value, clarify rumors about his connection to Robert Kraft, and break down his earnings.
Early Life & Football Beginnings
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Born: November 3, 2000, in Timber Lake, South Dakota.
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Grew up along the northern border of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Reservation. In April 2024 he was named an honorary tribal member due to his service to the community.
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In high school, he played multiple positions: running back, linebacker, punter. In his senior year, he rushed for 1,405 yards and 24 touchdowns; earned first team All-State honors.
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He chose to play college football at South Dakota State over other offers. At SDSU he developed into a top tight end at the FCS level.
NFL Career & Highlights
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Drafted in the 3rd round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 78th overall pick by the Green Bay Packers.
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Signed his rookie contract in May 2023.
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Performance highlights:
Season Receptions Receiving Yards Touchdowns Notes 2023 ~31 ~355 2 Solid rookie year, appeared in all 17 games, 8 starts. 2024 ~50 ~707 7 Clear improvement, bigger role in the offense. 2025 (so far) Early games showing potential, including scoring touchdowns. -
Attributes: He is known for his strength after the catch, good balance, ability to break tackles, and work ethic. Packers’ coaches and scouts have praised him for being reliable both as a blocker and receiver.
Personal Life / Girlfriend ‒ Now Wife
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Tucker Kraft is married to Baylee Jandahl.
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They were engaged on March 16, 2023, during a vacation in Lake Havasu, Arizona. Sportskeeda+1
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They married in an outdoor ceremony on May 18, 2024, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
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Baylee’s profession: She is a graphic designer / photographer; she has social media presence as Baylee J. Kraft.
So while earlier in his career people may have referred to a “girlfriend,” as of mid-2024, he is married.
Tattoos & Other Off-Field Interests
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There is some public evidence that Tucker Kraft has gotten tattoos. For instance, local tattoo shops in Green Bay posted that he visited and got inked.
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The details of those tattoos (designs, meanings) are not widely documented. One Reddit post suggests a tattoo of the Old Stone Church north of his hometown in homage to his father, but that is user commentary and not confirmed by primary sources.
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He has shown gratitude and respect for his hometown, for his family, and for community service. He wears the Cheyenne River Sioux tribal flag alongside the U.S. flag on his football helmet.
Fantasy Football Relevance
For fantasy football players, Tucker Kraft’s trajectory is interesting:
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Upside: As his role in the Packers’ offense grows, especially in 2024 and 2025, Kraft has become more involved in pass routes, especially red zone and intermediate levels. Big games can yield high fantasy point returns.
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Consistency: He is not always the top target in Green Bay’s passing game, but he contributes regularly. He also helps in blocking which doesn’t directly produce fantasy points but is valued in game plans.
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Injury and competition: Tears or injuries (like a torn pectoral in 2024) can affect play time and rhythm. Also competition at tight end and other receivers may reduce volume in some games.
In short: He’s a mid-to-high upside TE in fantasy, likely more valuable in PPR (points per reception) leagues, especially when he’s hot or used heavily.
Is Tucker Kraft Related to Robert Kraft?
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Robert Kenneth “Bob” Kraft is the well-known owner of the New England Patriots, businessman, etc. Many fans have wondered if Tucker Kraft is related to Robert Kraft due to the shared surname. He is not known to be related.
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No credible source or public record confirms any family connection between Tucker Kraft and Robert Kraft. Reddit threads have asked “Wait, Tucker Kraft isn’t related to Robert Kraft.. is he?” implying that the consensus is that there is no relation.
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The likelihood is that this is just a coincidence of surname (which is not extremely uncommon).
Salary & Contract Details
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Tucker Kraft’s salary in 2025 is reported at US$1,510,345 (base pay / roster salary).
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As a third-round draft pick, his rookie contract had standard provisions, including base salary, bonuses, etc. The contract is likely under the rookie wage scale with some incentives.
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In future seasons, assuming good performance and healthy gameplay, he may be eligible for contract extensions, which could significantly increase both base salary and bonuses.
Key Stats at a Glance
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Height / Weight | ~6 ft 5 in / 259 lbs |
| Draft | 2023, Round 3, Pick 78 |
| College | South Dakota State |
| 2024 Receptions / Yards / TDs | ~50 catches, ~707 yards, 7 touchdowns |
| Marital Status | Married (Baylee Jandahl) since May 18, 2024 |
Summary & What to Watch
Tucker Kraft is a player on the rise. For those interested in NFL storylines, fantasy football, or just personal athletic journeys, here are takeaways and things to watch:
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His continued development: If he improves his route separation, becomes more of a focal point in the red zone and passing offense, his fantasy value and earnings will both climb.
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Durability: Like many tight ends, injuries can derail opportunities. Watching how he handles health and workload is critical.
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Off-the-field aspects: His marriage, hometown roots, and community honors (like the tribal flag, honorary tribal membership) add character and fan interest.
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Avoiding misinformation: There are rumors (e.g. tattoos with specific meanings, relation to Robert Kraft) that are partially unverified. Be cautious about repeating those without strong sources.
Conclusion
From a hardworking kid in Timber Lake to a well-regarded NFL tight end, Tucker Kraft has made impressive strides. He’s married, performing well on the field, earning a solid salary, and gaining attention in fantasy football circles. He is not related to Robert Kraft. His tattoo situation shows he has some ink, but much of its meaning remains personal. As the 2025 season progresses, many fans will be watching to see if he cements himself among the top tight ends in the league.
