‘Touchdown Tommy’! Las Vegas Raiders rookie opens up about stunning switch from FCS title-game quarterback to NFL wide receiver — and the unexpected path that kept his football dreams alive - suong

 Las Vegas Raiders rookie wide receiver Tommy Mellott is one of the most unique players in all of football. 

Just a few months ago, Mellott was leading the Montana State Bobcats to the FCS National Championship game…as their star quarterback. 

But when the Raiders drafted Mellott in the 6th round, 213th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, they drafted him because they wanted to use his speed and athleticism at the wide receiver position. 

In a Q-and-A with Raiders team reporter Levi Edwards, Mellott opened up about all of the emotions that have come with his transition to the NFL, and to wide receiver. 

“I’ve had that perception that if I was going to go to the next level, I was going to be used in a unique way,” Mellott said. “I wasn’t going to be a clear-cut quarterback, but I didn’t know if I was going to be a receiver, I had no idea what it was going to be.” 

“I just had an open mind and an open heart. It’s just whatever the will is of God and whatever I can do to help this team out.”

Mellott explained that he thought the national championship game against North Dakota State would be his last game of football. He didn’t have any further opportunities as a quarterback. But he wanted to give himself a shot and showcase his skills at his pro day. 

It seems like if Mellott makes the roster, Raiders fans are getting a player that loves football and is willing to do whatever it takes to help Las Vegas win. 

Mellott Talks Montana Background 

Mellott was born and raised in Montana, so naturally, Edwards asked him about Big Sky Country during their conversation. 

He told Edwards that anyone visiting Montana should head to Yellowstone National Park. 

“Yellowstone is a beautiful place, it’s almost extraterrestrial,” Mellott said. “That’s how I would describe it. There’s a lot of beauty; there’s a lot of animals. But if you want to go see Montana glaciers, it’s the most beautiful thing – that general area.” 

Mellott also told Edwards how he got his “Touchdown Tommy” nickname that Bobcat fans loved to call him. Apparently, it was his NFL-bound teammate Troy Franklin that made it official after Mellott had a three-touchdown game out of the wildcat formation against Idaho. 

Mellott and Miller Reunited

Another interesting storyline about Mellott’s rookie season is that he is reunited with Cam Miller on the Raiders. 

Miller was the opposing quarterback in Montana State’s National Championship loss to South Dakota State.

Then, they somehow got drafted just two picks apart to the same team. Mellott went 213th and Miller went 215th. 

Now, Miller is battling for the backup QB job while Mellott is hoping to make the Raiders as a wide receiver. This also creates an interesting possibility: Miller throwing Mellott passes in-game. 

Miller and Mellott’s next opportunity to create a highlight together comes in their second preseason game. That is on Saturday August 16th versus the San Francisco 49ers. 

Raiders fans, do you think Tommy Mellott can make the transition from being a star FCS quarterback to an NFL receiver?