Dekker '06 catching on in Steel City

According to Jon Dekker '06, Old Nassau gives its students lessons in life skills useful in all walks of life. Yet Dekker's job is no conventional occupation.

"Princeton gives you a good idea [of not only] how to be disciplined, but also how to balance your life," Dekker said. "That's what Princeton taught me: How to prepare every week for my job."

While most Princeton graduates exit FitzRandolph Gate heading to investment banking firms or continuing their education in graduate school, Dekker had something slightly different in mind. Upon graduating, he signed as a free agent with last year's Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers and launched his dream of a career in the NFL.

Dekker joined Pittsburgh's practice squad in July after catching the eye of head coach Bill Cowher, the two-time Sporting News NFL Coach of the Year and father of Meagan Cowher '08 and Lauren Cowher '10. After learning from Steeltown's coaches and veterans for a season, Dekker hopes to now prove himself in the NFL. A six-foot, five-inch, 250-pound tight end, Dekker spent the majority of the season studying the play of talented teammates and tight ends Heath Miller and Jerame Tuman.

"I was a decent player coming out of college," Dekker said, "but having guys like Heath Miller and Jerame Tuman in front of you is really an experience and has really helped my game. I have so many more weapons and so many more tools to apply on the field."

In January, Dekker signed a reserve contract with the Steelers, meaning that he will have another opportunity to make the practice squad this year and progress through the ranks. Few Ivy League players are awarded the chance to break into the pros, and Dekker acknowledges his opportunity is rare and is one he should treasure.

"Because [the number of Ivy League players] is so small, I feel that it's important to represent well and to prove that we can play in the NFL," Dekker said. "A lot of people knock on the Ivy League, so it's good for the league to prove that we have guys who can play at the next level."

Dekker's current career is somewhat serendipitous. Originally convinced he was destined to play basketball in college, Dekker played junior varsity basketball for a year at Princeton before discovering his true calling in football. Realizing that the NBA was not in his future, he set his sights on football and was well on his way by the time his senior season rolled around.

"I signed with my agent, and everything kind of took off," Dekker said. "I love the game of football, and if it's a sport I can play for my job, I don't think there's anything greater in the world. I'm just living a dream right now."

Princeton was largely responsible for the realization of this dream, and the education he received in the classroom has served him well in the NFL. An NFL playbook is a lot thicker than a college one, but tackling this new obstacle in the same way he approached his textbooks has allowed him to succeed.

"The biggest thing [Princeton] taught me was how to prepare and how to approach my learning," Dekker said. "There are just so many little things in the NFL that are important to your game. Knowing those little things — knowing how to run routes and shake a linebacker off of you and how to block — it's more intense and more detailed."

Dekker credits his Tiger teammates and the Princeton football staff, including head coach Roger Hughes, for pushing him to his limits and encouraging him to exceed expectations as well. Varsity strength training coach Jason Gallucci exerted a particularly strong influence on Dekker and worked with him every day on the field and in the weight room to prepare him for the next level.

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Though both the academic and athletic resources of Princeton readied Dekker for the NFL, his innate ambition and drive for competition are what truly triggered his success.

"I love competing," Dekker said. "I think that's the best way to describe me. I just love to compete."

Dekker's drive allowed him to shine in the classroom and on the field during his time at Princeton. The Greenfield, Wis., native maintained a 3.0 GPA and graduated with a degree in psychology. In 2005, he was honored as a recipient of the Ronald A. Rogerson Award, given annually to the member of the football team whose sprit and love of the game have served as a special inspiration to fellow players.

Pittsburgh is an especially exciting opportunity for Dekker. Though he grew up an avid Packers fan, he found a familiar hometown feel in Pittsburgh.

"When Pittsburgh called my agent, our eyes lit up," Dekker said. "It's just a great organization with the Rooneys and the people of Pittsburgh. They are just awesome fans. They love their football, and they love their team. Game days are crazy in Pittsburgh. And [they were] the Super Bowl champs; why wouldn't anyone want to go there?"

Looking to the future, Dekker is focused on continuing his dream and taking each day as it comes.

"Right now my job is pro football," Dekker said. "Right now I'm just living in the moment, and when it's done, we'll see what happens, and we'll take it from there."