Will Dissly is a name that has steadily gained recognition in the National Football League (NFL) as a versatile and reliable tight end. From his beginnings in college football to his time with the Seattle Seahawks, Dissly’s journey through the NFL has been filled with both triumphs and challenges. This article will provide an in-depth look at Will Dissly, exploring his career, notable performances, playing style, and his potential future in the league.
Will Dissly: Overview
Will Dissly is a professional football player who plays as a tight end for the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL. Born on July 15, 1996, in Bozeman, Montana, Dissly quickly became known for his athleticism, versatility, and work ethic. Standing at 6’4” and weighing around 250 pounds, Dissly possesses the physical attributes that make him a strong presence both as a blocker and as a receiver.
Dissly’s journey to the NFL was a bit unconventional compared to many of his peers, but his impressive skill set quickly made him a standout in the league. While he may not have been a top college prospect at first, his work ethic and performance during his time at the University of Washington caught the attention of scouts, ultimately leading to his selection in the 2018 NFL Draft.
College Career: Building a Strong Foundation
Before making a name for himself in the NFL, Dissly spent several seasons with the University of Washington Huskies, playing in both offensive and defensive positions. He originally started his college career as a defensive end but was later converted to tight end, a move that proved pivotal in his football development.
During his time with the Huskies, Dissly was able to showcase his talents in a variety of roles. As a tight end, he demonstrated solid blocking skills, becoming an essential part of Washington’s offense. His ability to both block and catch passes allowed him to be a versatile weapon for the Huskies, which made him stand out among his peers.
Entering the NFL: The Seattle Seahawks and the 2018 Draft
Will Dissly’s journey to the NFL began when he was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. With the 120th overall pick, the Seahawks recognized his potential as a two-way tight end who could be used in both the passing and running game.
His selection came as a bit of a surprise, as many experts had pegged him as a mid-to-late round pick. However, the Seahawks saw something special in him—his size, his ability to block, and his potential as a pass-catching threat. Dissly’s skill set made him a perfect fit for the Seahawks’ offense, which at the time was transitioning into a more balanced and dynamic unit under head coach Pete Carroll.
NFL Career: Early Success and Injury Setbacks
Will Dissly’s first year in the NFL was promising, as he quickly emerged as one of the Seahawks’ key contributors on offense. In his rookie season, Dissly caught 22 passes for 251 yards and 2 touchdowns, showing his potential as both a blocker and a pass catcher. He was particularly effective in the red zone, making himself a reliable target for quarterback Russell Wilson.
However, his promising rookie campaign was cut short by a torn patellar tendon in his knee, an injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the 2018 season. While this injury was a setback, it was not the end of his career. Dissly’s determination to recover and his relentless work ethic helped him return to the field the following season.
2019 Season: A Strong Return
Will Dissly’s return in 2019 was nothing short of impressive. Despite the challenges he faced in recovering from a significant injury, Dissly showed that he still had the skills to be a major contributor in the Seahawks’ offense. In just six games, Dissly recorded 23 receptions for 262 yards and 4 touchdowns. His ability to both block and catch passes made him a valuable asset for Seattle’s offense.
Unfortunately, Dissly’s 2019 campaign was again marred by injury. He suffered another setback, this time with an Achilles injury, which required surgery and forced him to miss the remainder of the season. The injury was another devastating blow to his career, but Dissly was once again determined to come back stronger.
2020 Season: Consistency and Development
In 2020, Will Dissly played a full season for the Seahawks, appearing in 16 games. Though his statistics were not as eye-popping as those from his earlier seasons, Dissly continued to prove himself as a reliable, all-around tight end. He caught 24 passes for 231 yards and 1 touchdown, contributing both as a blocker and as a receiver.
While his role in the Seahawks’ offense had shifted due to the emergence of other playmakers like DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, Dissly remained a key part of their offensive scheme. His ability to contribute in both the passing and running game was vital to the Seahawks’ success, and his blocking remained one of his standout skills.
2021 and Beyond: Looking to Rebuild and Make an Impact
As of the 2021 and 2022 seasons, Will Dissly was continuing to solidify his role within the Seahawks’ offense. Though he faced competition for playing time, Dissly’s consistency and dependability made him an important member of the tight end group. His blocking skills were still highly valued, especially in the running game, and he was an effective safety valve in the passing game when needed.
FAQs
Who is Will Dissly?
Will Dissly is an NFL player who plays as a tight end for the Seattle Seahawks. Born on July 15, 1996, in Bozeman, Montana, Dissly was drafted in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Washington, where he originally started as a defensive end before transitioning to tight end. His blocking ability, combined with his receiving skills, has made him a key contributor to the Seahawks’ offense.
What was Will Dissly’s college career like?
Dissly started his college career as a defensive end at the University of Washington. However, he transitioned to tight end during his college years, where he showcased strong blocking and pass-catching skills. Over his three seasons at Washington, Dissly caught 517 yards and 6 touchdowns. His performance in both the running and passing game was vital to Washington’s offense, setting the stage for his NFL career.
How did Will Dissly perform in the NFL draft?
Will Dissly was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft (120th overall). The Seahawks were looking for a tight end who could contribute both in the blocking game and as a pass-catching option, and Dissly fit that mold. His draft selection surprised some analysts, but Seattle recognized his potential to make an immediate impact on their offense.
What injuries has Will Dissly faced in his career?
Dissly’s NFL career has unfortunately been interrupted by injuries. In his rookie season (2018), he tore his patellar tendon, which ended his season prematurely. He made a strong return in 2019 but suffered another injury, tearing his Achilles tendon. This kept him out for the remainder of the 2019 season. Despite these setbacks, Dissly has shown incredible resilience, returning to full form and continuing to play at a high level.
In Summary
Will Dissly’s career has been a testament to resilience, determination, and versatility. From his time at the University of Washington to his up-and-down career in the NFL, Dissly has continually proven that he has the skills and work ethic to succeed at the highest level. Despite facing setbacks with injuries, his potential as a two-way tight end remains undeniable. His contributions to the Seattle Seahawks’ offense—both as a blocker and a receiver—make him an indispensable part of the team’s future success.
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