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Setting Big Goals and Crushing Them: Tanner McLachlan's Path to the NFL

Monday, January 13, 2025

From Southern Alberta to the NFL: Tanner McLachlan's Story of Resilience and Triumph

"Who can suffer the longest? Those who can, succeed."

These words from Tanner McLachlan, tight end for the Cincinnati Bengals, aren’t just a quote—they’re a mantra. Tanner's journey, featured in the first episode of Challenger Deep: Athletes Rising Above Adversity, is a masterclass in resilience, grit, and the power of betting on yourself. If you think greatness is reserved for the naturally gifted or the lucky, think again. Tanner's story is proof that hard work, intentional goal-setting, and embracing adversity can propel anyone to unimaginable heights.

Let's dive into the highlights from this inspiring conversation with Tanner.

A Kid from Southern Alberta with NFL Dreams

Imagine growing up in a small Canadian town where football isn't king. Tanner McLachlan didn’t just imagine it—he lived it. As a basketball player turned tight end, his athletic dreams morphed over time. Moving from Southern Alberta to live with us in Arizona for a year of high school was culture shock enough, but seeing tenth graders out-lifting him in the weight room? That lit a fire.

​His takeaway? “Why not me?” Tanner dared to dream bigger than his circumstances. And he didn’t just dream—he acted.

Tanner McLachlan Arizona

Betting On Yourself

Adversity hit hard at Southern Utah University. Injuries. Doubts. A torn ACL. This was where Tanner learned what many don’t: comfort is the enemy of growth. Walking away from a full scholarship at Southern Utah to join the University of Arizona as a walk-on was a gamble most would shy away from.

But Tanner had a vision—and the guts to pursue it.

“I knew I had to be surrounded by greatness to become great,” Tanner shared. He bet on himself, doubling down on his goals, and it paid off. At Arizona, he earned his scholarship, set records, and laid the groundwork for his NFL career.

The Power of Why

Tanner didn’t always have clarity about his “why.” It evolved as he matured, shaped by setbacks and sacrifices. But one thing became clear: the right “why” can fuel relentless commitment.

Whether it was the intense workouts or pushing through the pain of injuries, Tanner found his drive by aligning his goals with a purpose bigger than himself. “Once you find your why, it’s not hard to stick to your routine and your goals.”

For Tanner, faith became his anchor. “I found God through my adversity,” he said. And that clarity transformed not just his game, but his life.

Your Support System Matters

From mentors to teammates, Tanner emphasized the importance of surrounding yourself with people who push you to excel. In sports, as in life, success isn’t a solo act. Tanner credits his family, coaches, and even the tight ends he competes with for his growth. He leaned into their support and used it to fuel his own relentless work ethic.

Tanner McLachlan and Family

What's Next for Tanner?

With a promising career in the NFL, Tanner isn’t slowing down. “I don’t want to put any ceilings on myself,” he said. His focus now? Becoming the best teammate, outworking everyone in the room, and maximizing every opportunity the Bengals give him.

Tanner McLachlan Challenger Deep Podcast
Tanner McLachlan football
Tanner McLachlan Bengals

Why This Story Matters to You

Tanner’s story is more than a tale of athletic achievement. It’s a roadmap for overcoming your own challenges, whether in sports, business, or life. His journey proves that:

  • Adversity is an opportunity, not a roadblock
  • Betting on yourself can lead to extraordinary results.
  • Surrounding yourself with the right people is key.

If Tanner’s story fired you up, there’s more where that came from. Catch the full episode on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform.

And don’t miss the free resources from Challenger Deep: Athletes Rising Above Adversity—visit www.ConfidentAthleteProgram.com/ChallengerDeep to access everything we offer from the book.

How would you like the strategies that elite athletes follow to perform at the highest level?! Tanner is an alumni of The Confident Athlete Program. Get a FREE 14 Day trial HERE!

Adversity visits everyone. How you respond determines everything. Tanner McLachlan rose above his challenges. Now it’s your turn.

Tanner McLachlan football Arizona
Tanner McLachlan football Arizona

This episode is brought to you by dōTERRA, the world leader in essential oils and wellness products. Listeners of this podcast can get 25% off dōTERRA products and supplements. Click HERE to start your journey to peak performance today.

We all face adversity. It's how we choose to respond to it that determines who we become...

Discover how to turn challenges into triumphs with Challenger Deep: Athletes Rising Above Adversity.

Get your FREE copy now!
Packed with strategies, stories, and tools to build resilience and success.

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