FORMER TENNESSEE VOLS OFFENSIVE LINEMAN LANDS ROOKIE MINICAMP INVITES FROM TWO NFL FRANCHISES: A JOURNEY OF PERSEVERANCE AND POTENTIAL…

In the world of American football, opportunity often comes to those who wait—and work. While not every college standout hears their name called during the NFL Draft, many carve out professional careers through grit, resilience, and a refusal to let their journey end on a quiet note. One such story is now emerging out of Knoxville, Tennessee, as former Tennessee Volunteers offensive lineman Gerald Mincey has landed rookie minicamp invitations from two NFL franchises following the 2025 NFL Draft.

Though undrafted, Mincey’s path remains very much alive, and his story is now one of hope for every athlete who refuses to let a temporary setback define their football fate.

A HIGHLY RECRUITED TALENT WITH A CHALLENGING JOURNEY

Gerald Mincey’s football life began in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he emerged as a top prospect at Cardinal Gibbons High School. A 6-foot-6, 330-pound tackle with an imposing frame and strong footwork, Mincey was a four-star recruit by the time he signed his National Letter of Intent with the University of Florida in 2020.

He redshirted in Gainesville and later transferred to the University of Tennessee in 2022 in search of more consistent playing time and a better fit within a pro-style offense under then-head coach Josh Heupel. At Tennessee, Mincey developed quickly, playing both left and right tackle over the course of his two seasons, and emerging as a reliable presence on an offensive line that protected quarterbacks like Hendon Hooker and Joe Milton III.

Despite solid tape, Mincey wasn’t among the 257 names announced during the 2025 NFL Draft. But his phone wasn’t quiet for long. Within hours of the draft’s conclusion, two NFL teams extended rookie minicamp invitations, recognizing potential in the powerful lineman that draft boards had overlooked.

THE TWO FRANCHISES BETTING ON MINCEY’S UPSIDE

Though neither team has publicly confirmed the tryouts, sources close to the situation report that the Chicago Bears and the Los Angeles Chargers are the two franchises inviting Mincey to their respective rookie minicamps.

Both organizations are rebuilding or retooling their offensive lines and are looking for developmental talent with starting potential. In Mincey, they see a prospect who, while raw in certain aspects, brings the size, versatility, and SEC pedigree to warrant serious consideration.

The Chicago Bears, coming off a transformative draft centered around No. 1 overall pick quarterback Caleb Williams, have expressed the need to reinforce their offensive line depth. General Manager Ryan Poles has openly stated that protecting their new franchise signal-caller is the top offseason priority, and bringing in young, coachable linemen is a key part of that plan.

The Los Angeles Chargers, under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, are returning to a run-first identity and value mauling, physical linemen who can dominate the trenches. Harbaugh’s experience developing offensive linemen at Michigan and the San Francisco 49ers has many believing that Los Angeles could be the ideal environment for a player like Mincey to thrive.

MINCEY’S TIME AT TENNESSEE: MORE THAN JUST A STOPGAP

While Gerald Mincey may not have been an All-SEC selection or a projected Day 2 pick, his collegiate career deserves respect. At Tennessee, he played in 22 games across two seasons, starting 15 of them. He was instrumental in some of the Vols’ biggest wins, including the memorable 2022 upset over Alabama in which Tennessee’s offensive line neutralized a top-ranked defensive front.

Mincey’s flexibility to play both tackle spots became a key asset for the Vols. Coaches frequently praised his footwork, ability to absorb bull rushes, and his patience in pass protection. While his technique still has room to grow, especially in run blocking, his raw tools are coveted in the NFL—a league where size, agility, and coachability form the holy trinity for linemen.

In post-game interviews and practice sessions, Mincey also emerged as a vocal leader and supportive teammate, known for mentoring younger offensive linemen and embracing Tennessee’s competitive culture.

WHY MINICAMP INVITES MATTER—AND WHAT COMES NEXT

While some fans may see rookie minicamp invitations as consolation prizes, they are far more significant than they appear. For an undrafted player like Mincey, these invites represent a golden opportunity to earn a spot on a 90-man training camp roster. And from there, anything is possible.

In recent years, the NFL has seen a number of undrafted offensive linemen rise through the ranks. The likes of Terron Armstead, David Andrews, and Ryan Jensen began their careers as overlooked prospects and blossomed into Pro Bowlers and Super Bowl champions. What they had in common was the hunger to prove people wrong—and the tenacity to outwork those drafted ahead of them.

At rookie minicamps, players are evaluated on more than physical talent. Coaches look for football IQ, adaptability, technique fundamentals, and mental toughness. In these high-pressure environments, Mincey will be expected to absorb complex playbooks quickly, perform in 1-on-1 and team drills, and showcase the kind of relentless work ethic that could earn him a spot on the 90-man summer roster.

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE CHICAGO AND LOS ANGELES FITS

CHICAGO BEARS

Chicago’s offensive line has been a revolving door in recent seasons. Injuries, inconsistency, and miscommunication plagued the unit in 2023 and 2024. The addition of rookie center Jackson Powers-Johnson in the draft addressed the interior line, but depth at the tackle position remains a concern.

Mincey’s ability to provide swing tackle depth could be enticing for the Bears. He’d likely compete behind projected starters Darnell Wright and Braxton Jones but could see himself leapfrogging veterans if he impresses during the minicamp and preseason reps.

With a new quarterback in Caleb Williams, the Bears know that giving their prized passer clean pockets is non-negotiable. A developmental tackle with a big frame like Mincey might not just be a camp body—he could be an important insurance policy.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

Jim Harbaugh’s vision for the Chargers includes a return to hard-nosed, physical football. That begins in the trenches. While Los Angeles has cornerstones like Rashawn Slater and Zion Johnson, there is a clear need for rotational linemen who can step in and push for starting roles.

The Chargers have also shown a willingness to carry developmental linemen on their 53-man roster or practice squad. Given Harbaugh’s reputation for developing offensive line talent, LA might be the best landing spot for Mincey long-term.

Furthermore, playing in the AFC West—against defensive juggernauts like Chris Jones (Chiefs) and Maxx Crosby (Raiders)—demands a deep and physically capable offensive line unit.

VOL NATION SHOWS SUPPORT

News of Mincey’s dual invites has resonated deeply with Vol Nation, the passionate Tennessee fanbase that follows former players as they transition into professional football.

On social media, fans have flooded his accounts with messages of support and congratulations. Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel also offered public praise during a post-spring practice media session, saying:

“Gerald was a cornerstone for us the last couple of years. He came in, worked hard, and helped solidify our line when we needed it most. We’re proud to see him get this opportunity. He belongs on an NFL field.”

Former teammates like Cooper Mays and Javontez Spraggins also expressed pride in seeing their friend and linemate get the recognition he deserves.

MINCEY’S PERSONAL STATEMENT: GRATITUDE AND DETERMINATION

In a message posted to his personal X (formerly Twitter) account, Mincey wrote:

“Didn’t hear my name called, but the dream is still alive. Blessed to receive rookie minicamp invites from two great organizations. I’ve been doubted before. Time to go to work again. Thank you to everyone who’s believed in me—especially Vol Nation.”

His message reflects the mindset of many undrafted players: a mix of humility, hunger, and fierce determination.

OVERLOOKED DOESN’T MEAN UNQUALIFIED

Gerald Mincey may not have been a Day 1 name. He may not have been a Combine standout or the darling of pre-draft analysts. But what he does bring is invaluable: durability in the trenches, SEC battle-tested experience, and a mindset honed by overcoming adversity.

Many linemen take time to blossom. The NFL is filled with players who weren’t ready on Day 1 but flourished by Year 2 or 3. Mincey could follow that path if given the right coaching, the right scheme, and—most importantly—the right opportunity.

In a league that rewards resilience as much as raw talent, the former Tennessee Volunteer is now in position to prove that being undrafted is only part of the story—not the ending.

A PATH FORWARD: HOPE, DEVELOPMENT, AND THE LONG GAME

The next few weeks will be critical. If Mincey impresses at either the Bears’ or Chargers’ rookie minicamp, he could earn a spot on the 90-man offseason roster. From there, the summer grind begins—training camp, preseason snaps, and positional battles.

Even if he doesn’t make a final 53-man roster immediately, practice squad opportunities offer a valuable runway for continued development. Many offensive linemen, especially tackles, need time to adjust to NFL speed and strength. By year’s end, he could be one injury away from making his pro debut.

The difference between a successful NFL career and an early exit often comes down to how a player uses that first opportunity—and by all indications, Mincey plans to make the most of his.

A NAME TO WATCH THIS SUMMER

As NFL fans begin to track rookies and potential breakout players in 2025, Gerald Mincey may not be a household name—yet. But for two NFL franchises, he’s already shown enough promise to earn a serious look.

Whether it’s in Chicago, Los Angeles, or perhaps elsewhere, the former Tennessee Vols offensive lineman is finally being seen. And as his journey continues, he carries with him the hopes of every undrafted athlete, every offensive lineman who’s had to battle for recognition, and every fan who loves an underdog story.

Gerald Mincey is no longer just a college standout. He’s now a professional in waiting—and with hard work and perseverance, he might soon become an NFL contributor.

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