Bucs Rookie Joe Tryon Spends First NFL Paycheck on Sister's Med School Tuition

For many football players, being selected in the NFL Draft changes not only the athlete’s life forever but also their families. In the case of Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie linebacker Joe Tryon, his first professional paycheck will help one of his siblings begin their career.

Tryon, drafted in the first round with the No. 32 overall selection out of Washington, will spend his first NFL paycheck to pay for his sister Julia’s medical school tuition. According to a story from ESPN, full-time tuition at the University of Washington School of Medicine — where Julia will attend this fall — costs $37,887 annually for in-state residents. The cost does not include room and board or books.

“Growing up, we just always competed, always just trying to be the best at what we do,” Tryon said of his sister. “It’s motivation, because she’s doing big things and I’m doing big things, too.

“I kind of like see it as a race to success, but you know, we’re cheering each other on. It’s never a competition, but it really is a competition between me and her. I’m glad I have my sister in my life.”

Tryon’s gesture took Julia by surprise.

“I was pretty floored,” Julia said. “Medical school is one of the most expensive professional schools out there. For him to offer that -- it like means the world to me, because he knows how hard I’ve been working for this goal. It just shows his support for me."

Tryon’s mother, Andrea, said she was not surprised by her son’s generosity.

“It was not shocking because he’s such a laid-back, humble kid,” Andrea said. “That’s just kind of who he is. If he can help someone out, he will. I’m really looking forward to where his career takes him and to see what he can do to help other people in the future as well."

Ordinarily, the expectation for first-round picks like Tryon is for them to start at some point during their rookie seasons. However, the defending Super Bowl champion Buccaneers will return all 22 starters from last year.

Tryon’s professional journey at Bucs rookie minicamp earlier this month, and he expressed respect — but confidence — when asked about taking a back seat to the likes of veterans Shaquil Barrett and Jason Pierre-Paul.

"Most definitely (prepared to be patient) — but at the same time, still preparing like I'm the starter," Tryon said May 14. "Got to come in with that mindset because you never know when your card's going to be called."

With versatility as his No. 1 goal, he hopes to add another pass-rushing threat in Tampa Bay's stout defense under coordinator Todd Bowles.

"Just overall strength, just overall working on my durability — just doing anything I can off the field to improve my performance on the field," Tryon said.

The 6-foot-5, 262-pounder opted out of the 2020 season after a breakout sophomore season

in 2019 with a career-high 41 tackles (12 1/2 for loss) and eight sacks over 13 games.