Jack Bech dedicates his NFL career to his late brother after being drafted by the Raiders

TCU wide receiver Jack Bech runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. Photo by: ASSOCIATED PRESS

After Jack Bech was selected in the second round of the NFL draft Friday night, he dedicated the rest of his career to his brother.

Bech’s older brother, Tiger, was one of 14 people killed during the New Year’s terrorist attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans.

Bech has vowed to keep his memory alive ever since, and he was drafted No. 58 overall by the Las Vegas Raiders.

"One of the best moments ever,” Bech said on the telecast. “Like I've been saying, it's a two-for-one deal. Not only do they get me, they get Tiger, too. It's a dream come true. Everybody in this room are the people I love most, the people who got me here. I can't wait to go put on for Raider Nation."

Watching the draft from his hometown of Lafayette, Bech was surrounded by family and friends, including LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and former LSU teammates Malik Nabers and Maason Smith. He hugged his parents after he got the call.

Bech’s older brother was on his mind, as he has been ever since his death. After Martin "Tiger" Bech died, Bech got two tattoos on the left side of his chest that were dedicated to him.

One reads “7 to Heaven,” a nod to the number Tiger wore at Princeton. The other, a series of Roman numerals — I.XXVIII.MCMXCVII — I.I.MMXXV — represents the day Tiger was born and the day he died.

"He's going to keep bringing me further and further and further,” Bech said, “and I dedicate my whole career to him.

After going to St. Thomas More, Bech began his career at LSU. His uncles played football for the Tigers, and his parents went to school there. Bech led the team with 43 receptions his freshman year as a hybrid tight end, but after his role decreased the next season, he transferred to TCU.

Bech caught 62 passes for 1,034 yards and nine touchdowns last year for the Horned Frogs. He was then named the most valuable player of the Senior Bowl, helping further raise his draft stock.

Though Bech lost his brother in the midst of the draft process, he has kept Tiger at the forefront of his life and continued to work toward the day he would begin his professional career.

“We want to keep leaving his legacy,” Bech said. “We want everybody and more to know about him. That’s one thing that we promised, one thing that I promised is I’m never going to let his name die. I’m going to keep living it every day, every year, every month. I’m going to make sure everybody in this world knows Tiger’s name.”

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