MyCole Pruitt Bio
MyCole Pruitt (born March 24, 1992) is an American professional football tight end who has played in the National Football League (NFL) since 2015. He played college football for the Southern Illinois Salukis, where he was a two-time first-team FCS All-American and set conference records for tight ends. He was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round, 143rd overall of the 2015 NFL draft. Currently, he is signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, continuing a career that has spanned multiple franchises.
Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing around 252 pounds, Pruitt is regarded as a versatile tight end known for both his receiving skills and blocking ability. Over the course of his professional journey, he has contributed as a pass catcher, a blocker in the run game, and a reliable special teams presence. His path from a small-school standout to a long-tenured NFL journeyman reflects his durability and adaptability.
Early Life and Background
MyCole Pruitt was born to Colette Bonds and Carlos Pruitt on March 24, 1992, in South Bend, Indiana. He grew up with a strong athletic foundation and developed his competitive instincts from an early age. He went on to attend Kirkwood High School in Kirkwood, Missouri, where he quickly established himself as a multi-sport athlete.
At Kirkwood, Pruitt was a three-time All-Conference defensive end and a first-team All-Conference tight end in 2009. He caught seven passes for 148 yards and three touchdowns as a freshman and helped lead his team to a 10–1 record during his sophomore year. In his junior season, he caught 30 passes for 397 yards with six touchdowns, while also posting 50 tackles, 14 for loss, and six sacks. He was recognized as a four-year honor roll student, balancing academics with athletics.
Beyond football, Pruitt also played basketball, volleyball, and competed in track and field. He helped lead the basketball team to a 2008–09 district championship, and on the track team, he was a state qualifier in the discus with a top throw of 47.90 meters. He also competed in the shot put and long jump, recording bests of 13.40 meters and 5.55 meters, respectively. Rivals.com rated him as a two-star recruit at tight end before his college career began.
Path to American Football
Following high school, Pruitt attended Southern Illinois University, where he played for the Southern Illinois Salukis football team from 2010 to 2014. He was redshirted for the 2010 season and used that year to develop his skills, earning SIU’s Offensive Scout Player of the Week during the Quincy game week. His transition to the college level marked the beginning of a record-setting career in the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC).
As a redshirt freshman in 2011, Pruitt played in 11 games and hauled in 43 passes for 562 yards and three touchdowns, earning a spot on the MVFC All-Newcomer team. In 2012, he became a starter and was named a Third-team All-American by The Sports Network, leading the team in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches for the second straight year. His steady development positioned him as one of the top tight end prospects in college football.
Pruitt’s junior and senior seasons elevated his profile nationally. In 2013, he was named a First-team All-American by the AFCA, The Sports Network, AP, and the FCS Athletic Directors Association, leading the MVFC in receptions and receiving yards by a tight end. In 2014, he repeated as a First-team All-American, set a school record with 81 receptions, and led all Division I tight ends in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. He finished his college career as the MVFC’s all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns among tight ends, graduating in December 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology.
MyCole Pruitt Career
Early Career (2015–2016)
MyCole Pruitt entered the NFL after a standout senior season at Southern Illinois, where his Combine performance further boosted his draft stock. At the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.58 seconds, the fastest among tight ends, and posted the top vertical jump at 38.0 inches. His broad jump of 9 feet 10 inches was the fourth best, and he recorded the third-best times in both the 20-yard and 60-yard shuttle drills.
Selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL draft, Pruitt signed a four-year rookie deal worth $2,510,588, including a fully guaranteed $230,588 signing bonus. His first NFL catch came against the Detroit Lions in Week 7, a 13-yard gain that helped convert a key third down. He finished his rookie season contributing as a blocker and rotational tight end before being released on November 8, 2016, and later added to the practice squad.
Minnesota Vikings Era (2015–2016)
During his time with the Minnesota Vikings, Pruitt served as a depth tight end and developmental prospect. He saw limited action early in the 2015 season, recording just four offensive snaps in each of the first two games. His role grew when injuries opened opportunities, including a season-high 28 snaps against the Chicago Bears in Week 8, where he caught two passes for 15 yards in a 23–20 Vikings victory.
Pruitt’s most productive game that season came in a Week 14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, where he caught two passes for a season-high 36 yards. Though his statistical impact was modest, he earned praise for his blocking, including a key block that helped Adrian Peterson break free for a 75-yard gain. He was released by the Vikings in November 2016 and remained on the team’s practice squad.
Chicago Bears Era (2016–2017)
On December 13, 2016, Pruitt was signed off the Vikings’ practice squad by the Chicago Bears. His time in Chicago was brief, as he was released on September 2, 2017, during final roster cuts. Although he did not appear in regular-season games for the Bears, the stint represented another step in his journeyman path through the league.
Buffalo Bills Era (2017)
Shortly after his release from the Bears, Pruitt was signed to the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad on September 4, 2017. He was released just ten days later on September 14, 2017. His short stay in Buffalo underscored the challenges of remaining on an active roster in a competitive league.
Houston Texans Era (2017–2018)
Pruitt found a more stable role with the Houston Texans, signing to their practice squad on September 18, 2017. He was promoted to the active roster on December 5, 2017, before being placed on injured reserve two weeks later. He returned to the practice squad in 2018 before being waived in early September of that year.
Tennessee Titans First Stint (2018–2020)
On September 10, 2018, Pruitt was signed by the Tennessee Titans off the Texans’ practice squad after starting tight end Delanie Walker suffered a season-ending injury. He made an immediate impact, catching his first NFL touchdown from quarterback Blaine Gabbert in a Week 16 win over the Washington Redskins. He was re-signed by the Titans in March 2020, but his 2020 campaign was interrupted when he was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list in October before being activated later that month.
San Francisco 49ers Era (2021)
Pruitt signed with the San Francisco 49ers on June 2, 2021, looking to compete for a roster spot. He was released on August 31, 2021, as part of final cuts. Though his time in San Francisco was brief, it reflected the journeyman nature of his career, which has seen him move between several franchises.
Tennessee Titans Second Stint (2021–2022)
Pruitt returned to the Tennessee Titans on September 2, 2021, joining the practice squad before being promoted to the active roster on September 13, 2021. He went on to have his most productive NFL season, finishing with career highs of 14 catches for 145 yards and three touchdowns across 16 games and nine starts. However, his season ended prematurely after he suffered a dislocated and fractured right ankle in a Week 17 game against the Miami Dolphins, requiring season-ending surgery and a placement on injured reserve.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2022–2023)
On August 8, 2022, Pruitt signed with the Atlanta Falcons. After being released and re-signed to the practice squad, he was promoted to the active roster for the Week 6 game against the San Francisco 49ers, where he scored a touchdown. He was promoted to the 53-man roster the following day and re-signed with the Falcons on July 25, 2023, for another season.
Pittsburgh Steelers Era (2024–Present)
On April 4, 2024, MyCole Pruitt signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he continues to add veteran depth to the tight end room. His experience and blocking ability make him a valuable asset in multiple tight end sets. He remains active in the NFL, contributing to one of the league’s most storied franchises.
Driving Style and Strengths
MyCole Pruitt is known for his well-rounded tight end skill set, combining reliable hands as a pass catcher with physicality as an in-line blocker. His college testing numbers, including a 4.58-second 40-yard dash and a 38-inch vertical, highlighted his athleticism for the position. At the NFL level, he has been praised for his football IQ, work ethic, and willingness to contribute on special teams, making him a dependable rotational player across multiple offensive systems.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Pruitt’s most memorable career moments is his first NFL touchdown, scored with the Tennessee Titans in December 2018 against the Washington Redskins. He also recorded a career-best 14 catches, 145 yards, and three touchdowns during his second stint with the Titans in 2021, despite a season-ending ankle injury. His combine performance in 2015, where he led all tight ends in the 40-yard dash and vertical jump, remains one of the most impressive athletic showings by a tight end prospect in recent draft memory.
MyCole Pruitt Career Wins
While MyCole Pruitt’s professional profile centers more on his blocking and receiving contributions than on individual awards, his career is highlighted by several notable statistical achievements. He recorded his first NFL catch against the Detroit Lions in 2015 and his first NFL touchdown against the Washington Redskins in 2018. His most productive season came in 2021, when he set personal bests in receptions, yards, and touchdowns with the Tennessee Titans.
Team Highlights
Throughout his NFL career, Pruitt has been a part of multiple winning teams and postseason contenders, including the Minnesota Vikings, Tennessee Titans, and Pittsburgh Steelers. His presence in the tight end room has helped support strong rushing attacks, particularly during his time in Tennessee, where he blocked for one of the league’s top-ranked run offenses. He continues to serve as a reliable depth piece on the Steelers’ roster.
Other Wins & Performances
In the college ranks, Pruitt’s accomplishments were far more decorated. He was a two-time consensus FCS All-American, a three-time first-team All-MVFC selection, and the College Football Performance Awards Tight End of the Year in both 2013 and 2014. He set the MVFC career records for tight ends in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns, cementing his legacy as one of the most productive tight ends in conference history.
MyCole Pruitt Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
MyCole Pruitt was raised by his mother, Colette Bonds, and his father, Carlos Pruitt. His upbringing in South Bend, Indiana, and later Kirkwood, Missouri, helped shape his athletic identity from a young age. His family’s support was instrumental in his development as a multi-sport athlete during his high school years.
Personal Life
MyCole Pruitt has largely kept his personal life private, with limited public information available about his marital status or children. He has focused much of his public presence on his professional football career and his commitment to fitness and performance. His journey from a two-star high school recruit to a multi-year NFL veteran stands as a testament to his perseverance and dedication to the sport.
2025 Season Performance
As MyCole Pruitt enters the 2025 NFL season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, expectations remain centered on his role as a veteran depth tight end and special teams contributor. The Steelers have historically utilized multiple tight end sets, and Pruitt’s blocking reliability positions him well within offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s scheme. His experience in run-heavy systems, particularly from his time in Tennessee, aligns with Pittsburgh’s offensive philosophy.
Throughout the 2024 season, Pruitt served primarily in a complementary role, providing leadership in the tight end room and contributing on special teams units. With the Steelers continuing to develop their offensive identity, Pruitt’s ability to play in-line and offer a dependable target in the short passing game remains valuable. His presence also offers insurance against injuries to top tight end options on the depth chart.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Pruitt will aim to remain a consistent contributor while mentoring younger tight ends on the roster. His longevity in the NFL, spanning nearly a decade, speaks to his professionalism and football intelligence. As the Steelers pursue postseason success, Pruitt’s veteran presence could prove meaningful in both the locker room and on the field.