College football fans are likely familiar with Jack Bech’s tragic story.
The TCU wide receiver worked out at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis last week where the heartbreaking story about his older brother, former Princeton star Tiger Bech, made one NFL Network reporter emotional.
Tiger was killed in the terrorist attack in New Orleans in the early hours of New Year’s Day morning.
Jack has been clear about honoring his brother’s memory throughout the build up to the Scouting Combine.
He rocked a pair of custom cleats during the combine that featured numerous Bible quotes with the number 7, Tiger’s old college number, attached to a halo.
“I’ve got angel wings on me,” Bech said during the leadup to the Senior Bowl, where he would catch the game-winning touchdown.
“I’ve got the greatest guardian angel of them all, pulling me to where I am now. This was his last test for me, knowing if I can get past this, anything that’s thrown at me will be nothing compared to this.”
NFL Network reporter Stacey Dales did her best to report the harrowing story during the Combine coverage, but understandably became emotional while telling it.
“I would not trade any of these moments because of the inspirational moments that we capture here at the Combine,” Dales said.
“And one of those inspirational moments for me here today, and it gets me a little emotional, so excuse me, TCU wide receiver Jack Bech, whose brother, his older brother Tiger, was brutally killed in the New Orleans terrorist attacks on New Year’s Eve.
“Jack told us this week, ‘I know my brother has got me now until the end of time. He pushes me to new heights. He will be with me. He’s got the best seat in the house here in Indianapolis.’
“As a tribute to his brother’s life and legacy, Jack wore his Senior Bowl Tiger cleats right here that you see on the screen with that beautiful Bible verse on there, angel wings on the other side, and the words on the front, right on the tip of the toe there, ‘seven to heaven.’
“Seven, of course, because that was the number that his brother wore. He did play for the Princeton Tigers. Just a very emotional moment.
“It has been quite a journey for Jack Bech. He is an incredible wide receiver, but what he has been through and his faith, a testament to how he performed today and the impact he will make in the National Football League at the next level.”
Bech, who recorded 1,034 receiving yards and nine touchdowns during the 2024 season, did his brother proud with his performance at the combine.
The 6ft 1n, 214lbs wideout logged 19 reps on the bench press, the second most of any wide receiver who participated in the drill.
Bech also recorded a 34.5-inch vertical leap, 10’5″ broad jump, 6.84 3 Cone Drill and 4.21 20-yard shuttle.
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