Division III athletes face steep odds when chasing NFL dreams, but Thomas Perry is writing his own story.
The versatile offensive lineman from Middlebury College in Vermont first turned heads at January’s East-West Shrine Bowl.
Though draft day came and went without hearing his name called, Perry’s phone didn’t stay silent long.
He landed two minicamp invitations, giving him precious opportunities to showcase his abilities against NFL-caliber competition.
After wrapping up his stint with the Baltimore Ravens last week, Perry shifted focus to the Pittsburgh Steelers camp. Early buzz suggests he’s making quite an impression in the Steel City.
“Standout OL Thomas Perry from D3 Middlebury in Vermont has some buzz around him, and he hopes this weekend, he is able to earn a contract. Perry said his dad is a Steelers fan, and he watched Maurkice Pouncey and David DeCastro a lot. Says he loved the ‘violence’ of those two,” Nick Farabaugh reported.
Standout OL Thomas Perry from D3 Middlebury in Vermont has some buzz around him, and he hopes this weekend, he is able to earn a contract.
Perry said his dad is a Steelers fan, and he watched Maurkice Pouncey and David DeCastro a lot.
Says he loved the 'violence' of those two.
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) May 10, 2025
Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 310 pounds, Perry recognizes that technical refinement matters even more when jumping from Division III to the pros.
He’s been putting in work at Duke Manyweather’s training facility in Frisco, Texas.
The versatile lineman is taking reps at both guard and center during rookie minicamp, expanding his value to NFL teams.
Perry openly acknowledges areas for growth, particularly with his run blocking angles, but his dedication to improvement shines through.
With the Pittsburgh Steelers actively seeking to bolster their interior line depth, Perry’s timing couldn’t be better.
If his performance continues impressing coaches, the Division III standout might soon trade his underdog status for an NFL contract.
