When Ty James arrived at Mercer University, the program was iconic for its ground-and-pound offense that specialized around running the football and leaning on the offensive line. Winning the trenches, running the ball, and physicality had molded itself as the golden standard in Macon, Georgia. However, James, a transfer from the University of Georgia (UGA), quickly became the catalyst for a monumental shift in the philosophy of Mercer football.
Under James’ leadership, the Bears evolved into a dominant air attack, with teams having James at the top of the danger list. However, when it came to Ty, accolades and the spotlight were never a priority- instead, it was about making the most of his opportunity day in and day out and proving that he is a force to be reckoned with.
Innovating the Future at Mercer
“I Wouldn’t necessarily say I’m the entire reason the style had changed, but it is a big achievement knowing coaches had that much confidence in my playmaking ability to change their tendencies. I always was big on beliving in myself, and to see it pay off that way felt like my hard work had finally come into fruition”
Ty’s success at Mercer helped redefine what was possible for the program. James’ 30 touchdowns and 3,300+ career receiving yards made it clear that the Mercer offense was no longer one-dimensional with the run game. Instead, Mercer’s offense became an air raid, and James wore the crown at the forefront of the revolution of a revitalized program.
Devoted my time to what mattered and it paid off… A great four years and a college career for the books🖤 pic.twitter.com/47ymFRXLoD
Before making his mark at Mercer, James was learning and developing at the University of Georgia, one of the most dominant forces in all of college football. Ty experiencing SEC football and competing against some of the greatest athletes in the country helped him polish his skills which would eventually lead him to be the highest-graded wide receiver in all of college football, and also lead him to play at the NFL and CFL.
“Playing at that level with the best of the best helped me figure out my weaknesses and focus on improving them. I was able to craft my game, which made me better than ever, and that paid off when I transffered.” – James
Despite the accolades and awards at Mercer, James knows that standing out at a smaller school requires more than just being talented.
“When I was at Mercer my first two years, I was an all-conference player, but that wasn’t enough. I didn’t get much attention until I started breaking records. For athletes from smaller schools, it’s about making yourself undeniable.” – James
Ty James’s talent and determination were on full display during his junior year when he posted a career-setting 351 yards in a double-overtime defeat against FCS powerhouse Samford. This breathtaking performance turned the tides when it came to the mental fortitude of Ty James. Ty began to realize that the NFL was without a doubt within his grasp.
“After that game, I knew I could take my career to the next level” – James
It was prevalent that the entire world was taking notice of Ty James. With 19.7 yards per catch, over 3,300 career receiving yards, and being elected as a team leader 4 times it was clear that the sky was the limit for Ty James.
Now, as a professional athlete, the transition from college football to the pros has presented its own set of challenges. James explained that although college football is a high-pressure environment, the elite focus that the NFL requires raises the notch to an even higher level.
“In college, alot of guys finish practice and go straight home, or get to practice 30 minutes before it starts. In the NFL, these guys are staying hours after practice watching film or spending hours in the trainning room to protect their bodies” -James
The discipline and attention to detail required at the professional level are unlike any other sport or profession. The dedication level is something that athletes should pay attention to without a doubt. Pressure bursts pipes yet forms diamonds. James handles it with an unwavering mindset.
“I just remeber that this is what I’ve always wanted. My whole life, I’ve been grinding to get to this point, and now I can just play ball” – James.
For any player who accomplished their dream of making it to the NFL, an official catch is something that you’ll remember forever. For Ty James, it was a monumental moment in his life.
“The catch was for 13 yards- the same jersey number I wore for most of my career. That’s something I’ll never forget” – James
This was a massive feat that the Mercer Hall of Famer accomplished without a doubt. All of the years of hard work, dedication, and hard work came to fruition at the highest level.
The discipline that James honed in the NFL has impacted him in ways beyond football.
“It helps me not be mentally lazy and keeps me much more organized.” – James
James enjoyed retirement and was able to connect with nature and truly discover himself. James has now signed a deal to become a Saskatchewan Roughrider in the Canadian Football League.
From Mercer to Mosaic, Ladies and gentlemen meet Ty James‼️
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed American wide receiver Ty James.
— Saskatchewan Roughriders (@sskroughriders) March 6, 2025
Reflections on an Incredible Journey
For James, football isn’t just about destroying records, scoring touchdowns, and signing lucrative contracts- it’s also about the career-defining moments as well. Throughout all of the cinematic moments Ty James has, his favorite comes from his senior year when he scored a 50 yard touchdown against ETSU.
“It had been a close and tiring game, and I was doing really well from a stats standpoint. So to put the dagger in the game with that 50 yard touchdown, I kind of blacked out after that” – James
The roar of the crowd and the cheer of his teammates are moments that will last with him forever.
Today, James is a professional athlete living his dreams, but his journey from UGA to Mercer to the Minnesota Vikings to the Saskatchewan Roughriders was far from easy. With dedication, hard work, and a relentless drive to prove himself as a Walter Payton Award finalist, an FCS All-American, and the holder of 10 school records, Ty James has already cemented his legacy as one of the greatest athletes to ever play in the FCS.
As he continues to chase his professional dreams, one thing is clear: Ty James is a player to watch, and he has barely scratched the surface of showcasing his skills at the highest level.
