Student of Game The ISU College of Education Alumnus Tanner Conner Enters the NFL Playing for the Miami Dolphins

by Laurel Owens

Being a student athlete is one of the biggest challenges a student can take on, but in his time at Idaho State University, Tanner Conner almost made it look easy. He was the Bengals’ wide receiver, a two-time Big Sky Champion in Track and Field (hurdles), and a dedicated student. His athletic and student accomplishments have led him to the National Football League (NFL).

Originally from Kent, Washington, Conner comes from a family of athletes and he entered ISU on a track scholarship. He joined the ISU Bengal football team as a freshman in 2017, recording 34 catches for 685 yards and three touchdowns in only six games during his final season. Excelling throughout his time at ISU, Conner’s highlights included breaking the Big Sky record in the 60m hurdles event in track and field, and ending his ISU Bengal football career in 2021 with a season-high of 208 receiving yards against the University of Idaho. He met his wife Kelsey Breer at ISU, and earned both his bachelor’s degree in criminology with a minor in psychology and a master’s degree in athletic administration from the ISU College of Education.

After graduating from ISU in 2022, Conner signed as a free agent with the Miami Dolphins. However, upon joining the team’s 53-man roster, he faced a big challenge; Conner would be changing positions from college wide receiver to NFL tight end. Conner faced a steep learning curve as he began working with Dolphins tight end coach Jon Embree to transition his skills.

The decision to put Conner on the 53-man roster surprised many in the NFL community.

Still, the Dolphin’s general manager Chris Grier says that Conner’s athleticism was a big draw. Conner is a uniquely impressive athlete, boasting a 39.5-inch vertical leap and a 4.37-second 40-yard dash time. He also has a unique build, standing 6’3” and weighing 230 pounds, giving him an ideal combination of bulk and speed.

Conner knows that athleticism alone isn’t enough to succeed in his new position. He is grateful for his experience at ISU, specifically the athletic administration knowledge he gained, saying, “While being in the athletic administration program, I got to see how all the cogs in the machine work from the administration to the players, to the team, to the fans. Being an NFL player and having this education has helped me understand and gain insight into the athletic administration side. I will always see my education as an opportunity.”

Conner appears to be exceeding the expectations of his coaches during this transition, and to those who knew Conner at ISU, that is no surprise. “So many people look at Tanner, and they see this incredible athlete,” said Dr. Caroline Faure, professor, and chair of the Department of Human Performance and Sport Studies. “But what some people don’t realize is how gifted he was as a student. He had the same work ethic, and his leadership was exemplary. He put together one of the most remarkable master’s projects I have seen in the past ten years.”

Conner’s coaches indicate that his success depends on his dedication as “a student of the game.” Conner has shown time and time again that he’s an exceptional student. Conner said, “I’m enjoying the moment in the NFL and blessed to be here. However, I am grateful for professors like Dr. Faure, who equipped me with the knowledge and skills that will last me in my post-football career.”

Conner, his wife Kelsey, and their puppy currently reside in Miami, Florida. Entering his second year in the NFL, Conner is excited to see the impact and influence he can have. The College of Education wishes Conner the best of luck in the NFL!