James Proche II Bio
James Proche II is an American professional football wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the SMU Mustangs and was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL draft. Known during his college years as one of the most productive pass catchers in the country, Proche has built a professional career as a reliable depth receiver and special teams contributor across multiple organizations.
Early Life and Background
James Proche II was born on September 21, 1996, in Dallas, Texas. He grew up in the Dallas area and originally attended Red Oak before transferring to DeSoto High School for his senior year. The move was prompted by academic concerns related to Prime Prep, the school he had previously attended.
At DeSoto High School, Proche played a single season with the Eagles, suiting up for only seven games. During summer training camp, he suffered kidney failure, limiting his playing time as a senior. Despite the setback, he caught 18 passes for 335 yards and a touchdown and emerged as a three-star recruit. He ultimately committed to play college football at SMU, choosing the Mustangs over programs such as Colorado State, Louisville, Maryland, TCU, and Wake Forest.
Path to American Football
Proche’s path to professional football began on the practice fields of North Texas, where he developed into one of the most productive wide receivers in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). At DeSoto High School, he showed enough skill to attract attention from multiple college programs, even while navigating the medical challenges that had cut his senior season short.
His commitment to SMU provided him with the platform to refine his route running and pass-catching technique. By the time he completed his college career, Proche had transformed from a lightly recruited three-star prospect into a record-setting receiver, setting the stage for his selection in the 2020 NFL draft.
James Proche II Career
College Career (2016–2019)
Proche redshirted his true freshman season at SMU before breaking into the rotation the following year. In his redshirt freshman campaign, he finished second on the team with 57 receptions for 709 yards and six touchdowns, establishing himself as a dependable target in the Mustangs offense.
As a redshirt sophomore, Proche caught 40 passes for 816 yards and six touchdowns. His average of 20.4 yards per reception ranked 13th in the nation, foreshadowing his future as a big-play threat. He was named first-team All-AAC in his redshirt junior year after leading SMU with 93 receptions for 1,199 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Baltimore Ravens Era (2020–2023)
At the 2020 NFL Combine, Proche ranked fourth overall in the bench press with 20 repetitions and 14th in the 20-yard shuttle with a time of 4.40 seconds. He was selected in the sixth round with the 201st overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft by the Baltimore Ravens, beginning his professional career alongside some of the league’s most respected coaches and veterans.
Proche made his NFL debut on September 13, 2020, in the season opener against the Cleveland Browns, returning two punts for 26 yards. In Week 11, he caught his first pass of the season for a 14-yard gain during a 24-30 overtime loss to the Tennessee Titans. He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list in December 2020 and activated three days later, and was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team for his special teams contributions.
In 2021, Proche had 16 receptions for 202 yards in 14 games. He appeared in 15 games during the 2022 season, continuing to serve as a depth receiver and core special teams player. In 2023, he changed his jersey number from #3 to #10, allowing new addition Odell Beckham Jr. to wear #3. He was waived by the Ravens at the end of the 2023 preseason.
Cleveland Browns Era (2023–2024)
On October 31, 2023, Proche was signed to the Cleveland Browns practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster on November 7, appearing in ten games during the 2023 season. Proche re-signed with the Browns on March 19, 2024, looking to build on his late-season momentum from the prior year.
He was released on August 27, 2024, and re-signed to the practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster on September 14, released again on October 12, and re-signed to the practice squad three days later. Proche appeared in nine games during the 2024 season, continuing to contribute on special teams and as a depth option at wide receiver.
Tennessee Titans Era (2025–Present)
On March 26, 2025, Proche signed with the Tennessee Titans, joining a young receiving corps and giving the team additional depth and special teams experience. He was released on August 26 as part of final roster cuts and re-signed to the practice squad the following day. On November 18, Proche was promoted to the active roster, where he has continued to serve in a complementary role.
Driving Style and Strengths
Proche has built his professional reputation on reliable hands, precise route running, and consistent special teams play. His college production at SMU demonstrated an ability to generate yards after the catch and stretch defenses vertically, and his combine testing reflected the upper-body strength that has helped him succeed as a blocker and gunner on coverage units.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the defining moments of Proche’s career are his record-setting 112-reception senior season at SMU, his selection in the 2020 NFL draft, and his PFWA All-Rookie Team honor with the Baltimore Ravens. His perseverance through kidney failure as a high school senior also stands out as a key personal milestone that shaped his approach to the game.
James Proche II Career Wins
While individual receiving statistics remain the clearest measure of Proche’s professional impact, his All-Rookie Team selection and contributions to multiple postseason-caliber rosters reflect a career defined by consistency and team success. His 112-reception senior season at SMU led the nation and stands as the most decorated individual achievement of his career to date.
College and Professional Highlights
At SMU, Proche earned first-team All-AAC honors in both 2018 and 2019, and was named a second-team All-American by the Football Writers Association of America in 2019. His 112 catches in his final college season led the nation, and he finished his Mustangs career among the most productive receivers in program history.
In the NFL, Proche’s primary highlight came with his 2020 PFWA All-Rookie Team recognition, a tribute to his work on special teams and as a depth receiver. He has appeared in games with the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, and Tennessee Titans, building a reputation as a dependable team contributor.
Other Wins and Performances
Proche’s path through the NFL, from sixth-round pick to active roster member with three different organizations, reflects his durability and professionalism. His resilience in bouncing back from a college medical scare and multiple practice-squad movements at the professional level underscores a player who has consistently earned his opportunities.
James Proche II Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Proche goes by the nickname “Channel 3,” a reference to his favorite number and longtime jersey choice. He has stated in interviews with SMU that he wants to put on the best show whenever he is on the field, which is the origin of the nickname. In May 2023, Proche’s mother, Tasha Le’Shel Seastrong, passed away, a moment he has acknowledged publicly as a profound personal loss.
Personal Life
Born and raised in the Dallas area, Proche maintains strong ties to his Texas roots. His career has taken him from the Metroplex to Baltimore, Cleveland, and Nashville, but his early football journey in North Texas remains central to his identity as a player and as a person.
2025 Season Performance
James Proche II’s 2025 campaign began when he signed with the Tennessee Titans on March 26, offering the team a veteran presence in the wide receiver room. He was released as part of final roster cuts on August 26 and re-signed to the practice squad the next day, a familiar path that has not slowed his pursuit of an active-roster spot.
On November 18, Proche was promoted to the active roster, signaling continued trust from the Titans’ coaching staff in his special teams abilities and his value as a depth receiver. His role within the offense has complemented a young pass-catching group, and his experience in multiple offensive systems has made him a versatile piece for Tennessee.
Looking ahead, Proche’s combination of size, route-running precision, and special teams reliability positions him well to remain a contributor down the stretch of the 2025 season. His journey from SMU standout to dependable NFL role player continues to evolve as he works to extend his professional career in Tennessee.