National Football Foundation

Setting a bar that will be difficult to reach, Tyler Hamblin created an exceptional and impressive legacy in the Twin Cities that extends far beyond the accomplishments of all but the most gifted student-athletes. Not just a success athletically and academically, Hamblin is an accomplished author, speaker and performer. 

"Tyler was brought up to the varsity in the middle of his sophomore season and from that moment on, neither he nor I ever looked back," said Cretin-Derham Hall head coach Mike Scanlan. "His athletic ability was easy to see but was never his most outstanding quality. Moving on to the varsity as a 10th grader is always a potential train-wreck, yet Tyler immediately earned the respect of his teammates with his humble and hardworking approach. He was never one to seek the spotlight and lacked the usual swagger that accompanies athletic success. He has made an impact in our community, both on and off the field. It is refreshing to find that this unique young man continues to do so no matter where he finds himself." 

Hamblin started three years at wide receiver and defensive back while helping the Raiders to a 34-4 mark at the varsity level and a state championship in 2009. In 2010, the team captain was named an all-state player by the Minnesota State High School Football Coaches Association, the Minnesota Associated Press and by the Minnesota Vikings. He was a two-time all-conference player, and he earned Academic All-State honors as a senior. 

A member of the National Honor Society, Hamblin posted a 4.42 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale. A veritable renaissance man, his extracurricular activities included a starring role as the lead in school's production of "Romeo and Juliet"; playing in the band, primarily as a percussionist; and participating on the school's mock trial team. He served as an emcee and facilitator at the national conference for the National Urban Institute and as an emcee and organizer for the Youth Education Empowerment Conference. A published author, with two children's books to his credit, Hamblin wrote 15 Ways to Get A's as a high school sophomore and follow-up book Putting Your A's to Work for Life as a senior. 

A stalwart in the community, Hamblin volunteered at the Cretin-Derham Hall Football Camp and with the Books for Africa program. He was the keynote speaker for the Louisiana Department of Health and Tobacco Free Living, the Statewide Graduation Summit, Operation Reach: New Orleans and the Obama Impact. He is also the president of The Point for Youth. 

Hamblin attended Columbia University and is currently a fund analyst intern for Portland House Group, one of Australia’s largest private funds management groups.