Tyree Gillespie Bio
Tyree Gillespie, born September 5, 1998, is an American professional football safety. He played college football at Missouri and was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Standing 6 feet 0 inches tall and weighing around 202 pounds, Gillespie has spent his career transitioning between several professional rosters while contributing primarily on special teams and in defensive depth roles. He is currently listed on the roster of the Orlando Pirates of the Indoor Football League.
Over the course of his professional journey, Gillespie has been associated with multiple NFL franchises, including the Las Vegas Raiders, Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, and Kansas City Chiefs. He later signed with the Michigan Panthers of the United Football League before joining the Orlando Pirates. His path reflects the resilience required to remain active in professional football despite frequent movement between active rosters, practice squads, and injured reserve designations.
Early Life and Background
Tyree Gillespie grew up in Ocala, Florida, where he developed an early interest in football. He attended Vanguard High School, where he played for the Knights as a versatile defensive and offensive contributor. During his senior season, Gillespie recorded 40 tackles and two interceptions on defense, while also handling punt return duties. On offense, he rushed for 555 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 14.2 yards per carry, showcasing the speed and athleticism that would later attract college recruiters.
Coming out of high school, Gillespie was a sought-after recruit who received scholarship offers from several college programs. He ultimately committed to play college football at Missouri, choosing the Tigers over competing offers from Iowa State, Marshall, New Mexico, and Troy. His decision to join the Southeastern Conference program reflected his ambition to test himself against top-tier competition and to develop his skills at a program with a strong tradition of producing NFL defensive backs.
Path to American Football
Gillespie’s path to professional football began in earnest at Vanguard High School, where his combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability positioned him as a Division I prospect. His senior statistics, including 555 rushing yards and multiple interceptions, demonstrated his two-way capability and football intelligence. The recruiting interest from multiple programs confirmed his status as one of the notable defensive prospects from the Ocala area.
At Missouri, Gillespie spent four seasons developing within the Tigers’ defensive system. As a freshman, he appeared in seven games, gradually adjusting to the speed and complexity of Southeastern Conference competition. By his sophomore season, he had earned a starting role, finishing the year with 48 tackles. His continued growth through his junior and senior seasons, including contributions in tackles, tackles for loss, and pass breakups, helped solidify his draft prospects heading into the 2021 NFL cycle.
Tyree Gillespie Career
Early Career (2017–2020)
Gillespie’s early career was defined by his development at the University of Missouri, where he played for four seasons with the Tigers. He progressively increased his production each year, beginning with a limited freshman role and expanding into a starting safety position. His sophomore campaign saw him start the final eight games and record 48 tackles, establishing himself as a reliable presence in the secondary.
As a junior, Gillespie continued to develop, recording 50 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, one sack, seven pass breakups, and a forced fumble. In his senior season, he played in nine games and tallied 46 total tackles along with four pass breakups. Throughout his college career, he also became a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, balancing his athletic and personal development. His consistent production and physical tools made him an attractive prospect for NFL teams evaluating depth in the secondary.
Las Vegas Raiders (2021)
Gillespie’s NFL career began when the Las Vegas Raiders selected him in the fourth round, 143rd overall, of the 2021 NFL Draft. On May 17, 2021, he signed his four-year rookie contract with the organization. He entered his rookie season as the backup strong safety, with most of his playing time coming on special teams units as he adjusted to the professional level.
His rookie campaign was interrupted on November 17, 2021, when he was placed on injured reserve. He was later activated on December 25, closing out his first professional season with the Raiders. Though his role was limited, the experience provided a foundation for his continued pursuit of a roster spot in the league.
Tennessee Titans (2022)
On August 16, 2022, Gillespie was traded to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for a conditional 2024 seventh-round pick. The move offered an opportunity for a fresh start within a new defensive scheme. However, his time with Tennessee was brief, as he was waived on August 30, just two weeks after the trade.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2022–2023)
One day after his release from Tennessee, on August 31, 2022, Gillespie was claimed off waivers by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He remained with the organization through the end of the 2022 season, appearing in a depth role before being waived on December 19. He was subsequently re-signed to the practice squad, providing him another opportunity to contribute within the Jaguars’ system. On February 9, 2023, he signed a reserve/future contract with Jacksonville, but was waived on May 1 as the team reshaped its roster.
Houston Texans (2023)
On May 2, 2023, the Houston Texans claimed Gillespie off waivers, adding him to their defensive depth chart. His tenure with the Texans was short-lived, as he was placed on the waived/injured list on August 23, 2023, and subsequently released on September 1.
Kansas City Chiefs (2023–2024)
Gillespie signed with the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad on December 5, 2023, joining one of the league’s most successful recent organizations. He was released on January 5, 2024, but re-signed on February 22. He was waived on May 4, then re-signed again on July 22, 2024, in a series of moves typical of players competing for depth positions. His time with the Chiefs concluded when he was placed on the waived/injured list on August 27, 2024.
Michigan Panthers Era (2025)
On March 6, 2025, Gillespie signed with the Michigan Panthers of the United Football League, marking his transition to spring professional football. The UFL provided an opportunity for Gillespie to resume on-field activity in a competitive league, where his experience as a defensive back and special teams contributor could be utilized more consistently. His move represented a continuation of his professional career outside the NFL structure.
Orlando Pirates Era (2026–Present)
On May 18, 2026, Gillespie signed with the Orlando Pirates of the Indoor Football League, joining a new chapter in his professional journey. The Pirates’ indoor format offers a faster-paced environment, and Gillespie’s skill set as a safety aligns with the demands of the league. His role with the team positions him to contribute in both defensive packages and special teams units.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a safety, Gillespie has been recognized for his physicality, range, and special teams reliability throughout his professional career. His ability to contribute on coverage units and provide depth in the secondary has been a defining trait. His development under multiple defensive schemes across various organizations has allowed him to adapt to different playbooks and responsibilities.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most significant milestones in Gillespie’s career came in 2021 when he was drafted in the fourth round by the Las Vegas Raiders, validating his four-year development at Missouri. The frequency of his movement between active rosters, practice squads, and injured reserve lists also reflects the perseverance required to maintain a professional football career across multiple leagues and levels of competition.
Tyree Gillespie Career Stats
Tyree Gillespie’s professional career has spanned multiple NFL organizations, a UFL team, and now an Indoor Football League franchise. Through the 2023 season, his verified NFL statistics include 8 total tackles, reflecting his role as a rotational and special teams contributor during his limited active duty.
Las Vegas Raiders Highlights
During his rookie season with the Raiders, Gillespie served primarily as a backup strong safety and core special teams player. His contributions came in coverage and support roles, helping to bolster the Raiders’ depth chart during the 2021 campaign.
Other Teams and Performances
Beyond Las Vegas, Gillespie spent time with the Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, and Kansas City Chiefs, largely on practice squads or in short active stints. His career totals reflect the journeyman path common to many late-round or practice-squad defensive backs who continue to pursue on-field opportunities in alternative professional leagues.
Tyree Gillespie Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Tyree Gillespie was raised in Ocala, Florida, and has been a resident of the United States throughout his life. Publicly available information about his immediate family, including parents and siblings, is limited, and details have not been widely reported.
Personal Life
Gillespie’s personal life, including marital status, spouse, and children, has not been publicly disclosed in widely available sources. He has focused much of his public profile on his professional football career, training, and transitions between teams and leagues.
2025 Season Performance
Tyree Gillespie’s 2025 season was marked by his transition to the Michigan Panthers of the United Football League, where he signed on March 6, 2025. The UFL provided a platform for Gillespie to resume consistent on-field participation after several seasons of movement between NFL practice squads and active rosters. His role with the Panthers allowed him to apply his experience as a safety and special teams contributor in a competitive spring league format.
Throughout the 2025 UFL season, Gillespie contributed to the Panthers’ defensive efforts, providing depth in the secondary and supporting coverage responsibilities. His familiarity with various defensive schemes, gained from his time with multiple NFL organizations, allowed him to integrate effectively into the team’s system. The experience represented a stabilizing period in his professional journey after years of frequent roster movement.
Looking ahead, Gillespie’s signing with the Orlando Pirates of the Indoor Football League in May 2026 signals his continued commitment to professional football. The transition to indoor football presents new opportunities for on-field impact, and his versatility as a defensive back positions him to contribute meaningfully to the Pirates’ defensive and special teams units in the seasons to come.