Dartanyan Tinsley’s NFL dream is now officially underway.
The Owensboro native and University of Cincinnati offensive lineman signed with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent following the conclusion of the NFL Draft on Saturday. A 2019 graduate of Owensboro High School, Tinsley said he is simply grateful for the opportunity to continue playing football at the highest level.
“It’s a great opportunity, man,” Tinsley said. “That’s all I ever wanted. That’s how my career has been — just needing an opportunity. It felt like they had the best available spot for me. It felt right.”
Tinsley had been projected as a potential late-round selection but ultimately decided to sign quickly with the Browns after going undrafted rather than waiting through the final picks.
“We had that opportunity on the table and wanted to go ahead and get in front of it,” he said.
The next steps for Tinsley include traveling to Cleveland next weekend to participate in rookie minicamp and begin getting acclimated to the organization.
“Tonight I’m just enjoying it,” Tinsley said. “Tomorrow will be more paperwork stuff, and then I’ll get out there next weekend for rookie mini. Go out there, get accommodated, and settle in.”
Tinsley’s journey has been anything but conventional. He started his college career at Kentucky Christian University in Grayson, Kentucky, before transferring to Cincinnati and playing against top-level competition. He spent the offseason training at X3 Performance in Florida under the guidance of former NFL coach Eugene Chung and polishing his skills back in Cincinnati with a student coach he credits heavily for his growth.
Along the way, Tinsley met with a number of NFL teams, including the Bengals, Saints, Jaguars, Browns, Titans, and Buccaneers. In the end, Cleveland offered the chance he had been working toward.
With Cleveland just a few hours away from Cincinnati, Tinsley said he’s looking forward to being close enough that some of his college and hometown supporters might continue to follow his journey.
“I’ve got family out there, and I know some of my loyal fans will follow,” he said.
Known for his work ethic, humility, and versatility across the offensive line, Tinsley said he’s willing to do whatever it takes.
“We’re from Owensboro, Kentucky. We are not choosing,” he said with a laugh earlier this week. “Man, where you need me to go and what do you need me to do?”
Tinsley also said he plans to return to Owensboro soon after rookie minicamp to reconnect with the community and show young athletes what is possible through hard work and faith.
“This is a walking testimony,” he said. “Keep your mind and your eyes on the prize, and you can do it.”
