Lethbridge football player Tanner McLachlan drafted by the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals
Years of hard work paid off for Tanner McLachlan after he heard his name called at the NFL draft last Saturday.
The Bengals picked the 25-year-old tight end in the sixth round with the 194th overall pick.
That made McLachlan the first ever player from Lethbridge to be drafted by an NFL team.
On Wednesday over 100 people packed in the gym at McLachlan’s old high school, Lethbridge Collegiate Institute, to celebrate McLachlan’s accomplishment.
“It's a blessing. (I'm just) super grateful to represent southern Alberta and all the people here," said McLachlan. "I hope i keep making people proud and just keep doing my thing,”
McLachlan finished his high school career as LCI's all time reception leader.
He started his college career at Southern Utah University before transferring to the University of Arizona.
He finished his career as Arizona’s all-time reception leader for a tight end, beating the record held by Rob Gronkowski.
A strong redshirt senior year helped convince the Bengals to spend a sixth round pick on McLachlan.
It's been a whirlwind few days for the entire family.
McLachlan’s parents are still wrapping their heads around their son being an NFL draft pick.
“It's honestly been surreal. It's been awesome to watch Tanner on his journey and for us to experience that with him and be a part of that ride,” said Tanner’s dad, Sheldon.
LCI coaches still have fond memories of McLachlan.
Basketball was his first love but once he stepped onto the football field he dominated on both sides of the ball.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING 122 active wildfires burning across Canada, 32 considered 'out of control'
The 2024 wildfire season has begun, and it's shaping up to follow last year's unprecedented destruction in kind, with thousands of square kilometres already consumed.
B.C. parents sentenced to 15 years for death of 6-year-old boy
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has sentenced the mother and stepfather of a six-year-old boy who died from blunt-force trauma in 2018 to 15 years in prison.
Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died
Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'
Miller scores late as Canucks grind out 3-2 win over Oilers in Game 5
J.T. Miller scored in the final minute of the game and the Vancouver Canucks came back for a 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 of their second-round playoff series Thursday.
Think twice before sharing 'heartbreaking' social media posts, RCMP warn
Mounties in B.C. are urging people to think twice before sharing "heartbreaking posts" on social media.
Police issue Canada-wide warrant for Regina homicide suspect
Police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a man wanted in a homicide which occurred in Regina on May 12.
Trudeau calls New Brunswick's Conservative government a 'disgrace' on women's rights
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assailed New Brunswick's premier and other conservative leaders on Thursday, calling out the provincial government's position on abortion, LGBTQ youth and climate change.
Kevin Spacey receives star support as he fights to get his career back
Kevin Spacey is pushing back on the 'rush to judgment' against him and is being backed by some big names as he seeks to reclaim his acting career.
Speaker cuts ties with Sask. Party, alleges he faced threats, harassment from gov't MLAs
The Speaker of the Saskatchewan Legislature Randy Weekes has severed ties with the Sask. Party after accusing some members of harassment and intimidation tactics, including a situation he claimed saw the Government House Leader bring a hunting rifle to the legislative building.