Green Bay, Wis. – Tyron Herring, an undrafted rookie cornerback out of Delaware, is making waves in the Green Bay Packers’ training camp, and his game-saving play against the Indianapolis Colts in Saturday’s 23-19 preseason victory might just be the spark that forces the Packers’ front office to rethink their roster plans. With a combination of raw athleticism, academic brilliance, and an unrelenting drive to seize every opportunity, Herring is proving he’s not just a feel-good story—he’s a legitimate NFL talent who’s quickly becoming unstoppable.
A Heroic Moment Against the Colts
In the final seconds of Saturday’s game, with the Colts facing a critical fourth-and-10, Herring delivered a thunderous hit on Indianapolis tight end Jelani Woods, dislodging the ball and preserving the Packers’ victory. The play, described as a “bang-bang” moment, left fans and coaches holding their breath as the officiating crew reviewed whether Woods had caught the ball at the 1-yard line or scored. After a tense pause, the call went Green Bay’s way, and Herring emerged as the hero.
“Yeah, I’m like, what happened? I’m not really sure,” Herring said, recalling the long wait for the officials’ decision. “Once they signaled it was out, that was awesome. It was good.”
This is why the Woods play was ruled incomplete to end Colts vs Packers pic.twitter.com/5lux86riUQ
— Trenten Scheidegger (@TrentScheids) August 16, 2025
That hit wasn’t just a game-saver—it was a statement. On his 23rd and final snap of the night, Herring showcased the “mentality to finish” that has defined his journey. “All my thought was just make the tackle,” he said. “I had the speed turned, came down, all I’m thinking is make the tackle.” The play left his teammates electrified, and Herring called their reaction “exhilarating.”
From Ivy League to NFL Dreams
Herring’s path to the NFL is as unconventional as it is inspiring. A transfer from Dartmouth to Delaware, Herring was a semifinalist for the William Campbell Trophy, often dubbed the “Academic Heisman,” while pursuing a master’s degree in public administration at Delaware’s Joseph R. Biden School of Public Policy and Administration. His academic prowess led to a legislative fellowship in Delaware’s state government in spring 2024, where he worked on two committees under Gov. John Carney, commuting three days a week to the state capital of Dover.
OK @Colts fans I slowed down the video and you can clearly see that Jelani Woods did in fact have 2 feet down and had 100% control of the ball as soon as it hit his hands how can the @NFL Refs say other wise
someone please educate me #ColtsNation @CJColtsFan @ColtsClyde… pic.twitter.com/g8QfGdP1vK— Patrick Doerflein (@BigPColts) August 17, 2025
“The MPA program and legislative fellows play a big part in demystifying the political law-making process,” Herring told the Delaware athletics site. His time at Dartmouth, where he took courses like American Inequality, laid the foundation for his passion for public service, while the MPA program provided practical experience. But football remained his first love, and Herring’s stellar final season at Delaware, coupled with a standout performance at the East-West Shrine Game, caught the attention of NFL scouts.
Despite going undrafted, Herring signed with the Packers as a free agent, determined to prove he belongs. “I definitely want to see how far football can go first and foremost,” he said in a Delaware athletics story. “I’m not about knocking down opportunities; I take advantage of opportunities. If that opportunity presents itself to go pro, I want to take that route.”
A Preseason Star on the Rise
Herring’s performance against the Colts wasn’t a fluke—it’s the latest evidence of his potential to disrupt the Packers’ roster plans. With training camp entering its final week, Herring’s momentum is undeniable. He’s not just vying for the No. 5 cornerback spot on the 53-man roster; he’s making a case to be a key contributor, whether on the active roster or the 17-man practice squad as part of the extended 70-man roster.
This week’s joint practice against the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday and the preseason finale on Saturday will be critical for Herring. If he continues to make plays like he did against the Colts, the Packers may have no choice but to keep him in their plans. His speed, instincts, and physicality—evident in that jarring hit on Woods—make him a versatile asset in a secondary that’s already stacked with talent.
A Future Beyond Football
What sets Herring apart isn’t just his on-field prowess but his long-term vision. While he’s fully committed to his NFL dreams, he has his eyes set on a bigger goal: public office. “Eventually, my ultimate goal is to run for office one day and serve publicly, whether that be state, federal, or local levels,” he said. “Whatever opportunities open up and present themselves, I will make the most of it.”
For now, though, Herring is focused on making the most of his opportunity with the Packers. “It’s a blessing, man,” he said after Saturday’s game. “I’ve dreamt of being in the NFL. I’ve had a great supporting cast and family behind me. I’m just excited to be here and make the most of it.”
Forcing the Packers’ Hand
Herring’s explosive preseason is putting the Packers in a tough spot. An undrafted rookie wasn’t supposed to make this kind of noise, but his combination of athleticism, intelligence, and relentless work ethic is impossible to ignore. As one NFL analyst put it, “Herring’s not just playing for a roster spot—he’s playing like he belongs in the starting lineup.”
With one week left to prove himself, Herring is on the cusp of turning his NFL dream into reality. If he keeps delivering game-changing plays, the Packers may have to rethink their entire roster to make room for this undrafted gem. One thing is clear: Tyron Herring is unstoppable, and Green Bay is taking notice.
“It’s exciting,” Herring said. “Worked my entire life to get in this position. I’m just so thankful to God for it. This is what you play football for, make big plays.”