Who is Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell and what happened to him?
TANK Dell has only started his second season with the Houston Texans, but he's already made a name for himself as one of the NFL's best up-and-coming wide receivers.
Tank Dell's football career could have come to a heartbreaking end after he was reportedly just one of the many people who became victims of a mass shooting at a Florida restaurant and event venue on Saturday, April 27, 2024.
Who is Tank Dell?
Nathaniel Jasper Dell Jr., known as Tank Dell, is an American football wide receiver for the Houston Texans.
Dell was born on October 29, 1999, in Daytona Beach, Florida.
He's been a member of the NFL since 2023, when he was drafted in the third round, as the 62nd overall pick.
Dell's passion for sports began in high school, where he played football at Mainland High School in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Read More On Tank Dell
While he originally committed to playing college ball at Florida International University, he ended up attending Alabama A&M University instead.
After one year at Alabama, Dell transferred to Independence Community College in 2019.
In 2020, he transferred to the University of Houston, where he finally hit his stride.
In his first year, he led the team with 29 receptions for 428 yards and three touchdowns over eight games.
Most read in American Football
In 2021, he led the team with 90 receptions for 1,329 yards with 12 touchdowns.
In 2022, Dell returned to Houston as the school's number one receiver.
During his first season with the Houston Texans, he led the team with 47 receptions for 709 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging one reception per 15 yards.
What happened to him?
On Sunday, April 28, 2024, Fox 26 Houston reported that Tank Dell was a victim in a late-night shooting on Saturday, April 27, 2024.
Dell, who was in town visiting his family and friends, was reportedly caught in the cross-fire of the shooting as an innocent bystander.
A 16-year-old boy is "accused of shooting 10 people at an event venue near Sanford early Sunday, according to the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office," as reported by Click Orlando.
The teen, who was apprehended by a security officer at the venue, was reportedly booked into a nearby Juvenile Detention Center.
Click Orlando has identified the shooter as Christopher Bouie Jr..
The teen was allegedly part of a fist fight that turned violent, with security reportedly tackling Bouie Jr. mere seconds after he started shooting.
He "was arrested on charges of attempted homicide, discharging a firearm on public property, display and use of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a minor," as reported by Fox 26 Houston.
10 victims, including Dell, were reportedly transported to a nearby hospital with gunshot wounds.
The Houston Texans released a statement on their X, formerly Twitter account, on Sunday afternoon.
"We have been made aware that Tank Dell was a victim of a shooting in Sanford, Florida last night."
"He sustained a minor wound but has been released from the hospital and he is in good spirits."
"We are in contact with him and his family and will provide more updates when appropriate but we ask that you please respect his privacy at this time."
"Out thought and prayers are with everyone involved in the incident," they tweeted.
This isn't Dell's first injury during his time with the Texans.
In 2023, he suffered a broken fibula that interrupted an otherwise strong rookie season.
His speedy recovery was thanks in part to the Texans' offseason conditioning program and additional throwing and training sessions with his teammates.
What is Tank Dell's net worth?
Despite his young age, Tank Dell has managed to amass an impressive net worth for himself since joining the NFL just over a year ago.
Before joining the NFL, Dell also managed to add some money into his bank account via the NCAA's Name, Image, and Likeness deal.
His final college valuation reportedly earned him around $765,000.
Dell also reportedly bolstered his income via brand deals and social media posts, including making Cameos for his fans and followers.
His current contract with the Houston Texans is worth around $6 million through 2027, according to Over The Cap.
His yearly salary will continue to grow year-over-year:
- 2023: $750,000
- 2024: $958,000
- 2025: $1,217,000
- 2026: $1,475,000
Read More on The US Sun
In addition to his salary, he's guaranteed a $50,000 workout bonus in 2024, 2025, and 2026.
His signing bonus also added an additional $1,130,000 to his bank account.