TJ Vasher Bio
Tariq J. “T.J.” Vasher (born August 29, 1998) is an American football wide receiver who currently plays for the Houston Gamblers of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football at Texas Tech from 2016 to 2020 and has spent time with several professional teams, including the Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Brahmas, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and Houston Roughnecks. Standing 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 215 pounds, Vasher is recognized for his size, length, and pass-catching ability at the wide receiver position.
A native of Wichita Falls, Texas, Vasher developed into a four-star high school recruit before beginning his collegiate career. After going undrafted in the 2021 NFL Draft, he has continued to pursue his professional football career across multiple leagues in North America, including the NFL, XFL, CFL, and UFL.
Early Life and Background
T.J. Vasher grew up in Wichita Falls, Texas, where he attended S. H. Rider High School. At Rider, he was a multi-sport athlete, playing both football and basketball. His combination of size, athleticism, and coordination made him a standout on the gridiron and helped him draw early attention from college recruiters.
As a senior, Vasher recorded 1,169 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on 60 receptions, earning honorable mention Class 5A All-State honors and first-team Class 5A Dallas-Fort Worth All-Area recognition. His strong senior campaign established him as one of the top receiving prospects in the state of Texas.
Rated a four-star recruit, Vasher chose to play college football at Texas Tech over scholarship offers from Ohio State, Mississippi, and Mississippi State. He also received offers to play college basketball from SMU, Tulsa, and Boise State, reflecting his versatility as a two-sport athlete during his high school years.
Path to American Football
Vasher arrived at Texas Tech in 2016 as a true freshman and quickly showed flashes of his potential. In the season opener against Stephen F. Austin, he caught two passes for nine yards before suffering a season-ending injury that led to a medical redshirt. The setback did not slow his long-term development, and he returned the following season with a larger role in the Red Raiders’ passing attack.
During his second year, Vasher recorded 29 receptions for 545 yards and six touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to stretch the field and score in the red zone. His production continued to grow as a redshirt sophomore, when he posted 54 receptions for 687 yards and seven touchdowns, cementing his status as one of the Big 12 Conference’s most productive receivers.
Following his time at Texas Tech, Vasher pursued a professional career, beginning with an opportunity in the NFL as an undrafted free agent. His path has since carried him through multiple professional leagues, where he has continued to refine his craft and compete for roster spots.
TJ Vasher Career
Early Career (2016–2020)
Vasher’s college career at Texas Tech spanned five seasons due to his medical redshirt year. After his limited freshman appearance, he returned in 2017 to deliver a 545-yard, six-touchdown season. His role expanded significantly in 2018, when he led the Red Raiders with 54 receptions for 687 yards and seven touchdowns, becoming a primary target in the team’s offensive scheme.
As a redshirt junior, Vasher added 42 receptions for 515 yards and six touchdowns, and he closed his college career as a redshirt senior by playing in seven games and finishing with 19 catches for 227 yards and two touchdowns. Across his time at Texas Tech, he established himself as a reliable, big-bodied receiver capable of making contested catches.
Dallas Cowboys Era (2021–2022)
Following the 2021 NFL Draft, Vasher was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys on May 14. The opportunity marked his first entry into the NFL and provided a platform to compete for a roster spot at the highest level of professional football.
On August 31, 2021, Vasher was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list due to a meniscus injury he had suffered during his college career. He was waived by the Cowboys on August 30, 2022, ending his tenure with the franchise.
San Antonio Brahmas Era (2023–2024)
Vasher was selected by the XFL’s San Antonio Brahmas in the Group 1 ninth round, 67th overall, of the 2023 XFL Draft. He appeared in nine games with seven starts for the Brahmas, recording 16 receptions for 173 yards and two touchdowns. His performance earned him a re-signing with the team on February 1, 2024.
Vasher was released by the Brahmas on April 8, 2024, ending his second stint with the San Antonio franchise.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats Era (2024)
On May 6, 2024, Vasher signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League (CFL), expanding his professional experience to include Canadian football. His time with Hamilton was brief, as he was released on June 1, 2024.
Houston Roughnecks Era (2024–2025)
On October 3, 2024, Vasher signed with the Houston Roughnecks of the United Football League. The move gave him a fresh opportunity to showcase his skills in a spring football league and rejoin a Texas-based organization.
The Houston Roughnecks later became the Houston Gamblers, and Vasher is currently listed as a member of the franchise entering the 2025 UFL season.
Notable Events and Milestones
Vasher’s career has included several notable moments, including his 687-yard redshirt sophomore season at Texas Tech and his selection in the 2023 XFL Draft. His signing with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2021 marked his entry into the NFL, and his transition through the XFL, CFL, and UFL demonstrates his persistence and commitment to continuing his professional football journey.
TJ Vasher Career Wins
T.J. Vasher’s professional career has spanned multiple leagues, where he has contributed as a wide receiver rather than as a primary statistical leader in wins. Across his time with the Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Brahmas, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and Houston Roughnecks, he has built experience in varied offensive systems and continued to pursue opportunities to compete at a high level.
Texas Tech College Highlights
At Texas Tech, Vasher’s most productive season came during his redshirt sophomore year, when he recorded 54 receptions for 687 yards and seven touchdowns. His 545-yard freshman return season and his 515-yard redshirt junior campaign further highlighted his consistency as a receiving threat in the Big 12 Conference.
Other Performances
In the professional ranks, Vasher has produced 16 receptions for 173 yards and two touchdowns with the San Antonio Brahmas across the 2023 XFL season, providing a foundation of production as he continues his career in the UFL.
TJ Vasher Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Vasher comes from a family with a notable football background. His uncle, Nathan Vasher, is a former National Football League cornerback who played for the Chicago Bears, giving T.J. a direct family connection to the professional game.
Personal Life
T.J. Vasher was born and raised in Wichita Falls, Texas, and continues to be recognized for his Texas roots. Public details about his personal relationships, marital status, or children have not been widely reported.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 UFL season, T.J. Vasher is a member of the Houston Gamblers, the rebranded Houston Roughnecks franchise. His signing in October 2024 positioned him to compete for a role in the team’s receiver rotation heading into the new season.
Vasher brings size, experience across multiple professional leagues, and a productive college resume to the Houston Gamblers’ offense. His 6-foot-6 frame and pass-catching background make him a potential red-zone and contested-catch option for the team’s quarterback.
As the 2025 UFL season unfolds, Vasher’s storyline centers on whether he can translate his experience and physical tools into consistent production. With stops in the NFL, XFL, CFL, and UFL, he has demonstrated persistence, and the 2025 campaign represents another opportunity to establish himself at the professional level.