Luke Deal
| No. 82 – Detroit Lions | |
|---|---|
| Position: | Tight end |
| Personal information | |
| Height: | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Weight: | 259 lb (117 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school: | Emerald (Greenwood, South Carolina) |
| College: | Auburn (2019–2024) |
| Undrafted: | 2025 |
| Career history | |
| |
| Roster status: | Active |
Luke Deal is an American professional football tight end for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Auburn Tigers.
Early life and high school
[edit]Deal attended Emerald High School in Greenwood, South Carolina. Coming out of high school, he was rated as a three star recruit and the 18th best tight end, and held offers from schools such as Auburn, Clemson, Notre Dame, Michigan, Ohio State and North Carolina State.[1] Ultimately, Deal committed to play college football for the Auburn Tigers.[2]
College career
[edit]Heading into the 2023 season, Deal was named one of the four team captains for the Tigers.[3] Instead of declaring for the 2024 NFL draft, he returned to play his final collegiate season with the Tigers for 2024.[4] Deal finished his six-year career with the Tigers from 2019 through 2024, appearing in 64 games, hauling in 17 receptions for 116 yards and two touchdowns, where he finished as a two-time captain, and a semifinalist for the Jason Witten Man of the Year award.[5]
Professional career
[edit]After not being selected in the 2025 NFL draft, Deal signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent.[5]
Personal life
[edit]Deal is married to his wife Ansley, where they have one son named Christoper James Deal.[6]
References
[edit]- ^ Green, Tom. "Decision Day for 3-star tight end Luke Deal". AL.com. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
- ^ Green, Tom. "3-star tight end Luke Deal commits to Auburn". AL.com. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
- ^ Silva, Richard. "Luke Deal comes to decision regarding possible sixth year with Auburn football". Montgomery Advisor. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
- ^ Blackerby, Zak. "REPORT: Luke Deal will return for his sixth season". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
- ^ a b Booher, Christian. "Lions Sign Three Minicamp Tryout Players, Waive UDFA Tight End". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
- ^ Lee, Ainslee. "How Auburn veteran TE Luke Deal is juggling fall camp and becoming a dad 'any day now'". AL.com. Retrieved May 21, 2025.