Photo:American Idol/InstagramEx-NFL player Blake Proehl wowed the judges onAmerican IdolThe former Minnesota Vikings player suffered a knee injury after playing in the league for three years, and has now focusing on musicProehl’s father was a wide receiver in the NFL for 17 seasons, and his brother Austin played for the New York GiantsFormer NFL wide receiver Blake Proehl is catching praise onAmerican Idol!The 25-year-old, who played for the Minnesota Vikings before an injury sidelined his football career, also has a talent for singing, as evidenced in his audition that aired on Sunday on the Fox reality show.With his grandmother — “Nana” — in tow, Proehl’s version of Brett Young’s “In Case You Didn’t Know” had the show’s judges spellbound, includingKaty Perry, who got goosebumps.“I grew up and kind of dedicated everything I know to football, my dream was to make it to the NFL,” Proehl shared in his backstory.The North Carolina native’s father, Ricky Proehl, was a 17-year veteran wide receiver for a number of teams including the 2000 Super Bowl-winning St. Louis Rams. His brother, Austin, also played in the league for the New York Giants.But football was cast aside after the wideout wrecked his knee.Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.“I went through a really tough injury, I tore a bunch of stuff,” Blake toldRyan Seacrest. “I don’t want to get graphic.”He added, “They just said, ‘Hey it’ll be a success story if you’re able to run again.’ That was definitely the toughest time for sure.”That’s when music began to play a larger role in his life, he said.While seated at a piano, with his Nana alongside for the tryout, Blake impressed the judges and earned a Golden Ticket to advance.“I wasn’t able to walk for so long, that’s where music came in and saved me,” Blake said, holding back tears.In 2019, Blake’s version of Young’s songwent viral on TikTokafter he surprised Nana with his musical abilities.“Blake!” she exclaimed following his rendition, seemingly shocked while seated on a couch behind him.The athlete then let out a laugh to cap the sweet moment.
Photo:American Idol/Instagram
American Idol/Instagram
Ex-NFL player Blake Proehl wowed the judges onAmerican IdolThe former Minnesota Vikings player suffered a knee injury after playing in the league for three years, and has now focusing on musicProehl’s father was a wide receiver in the NFL for 17 seasons, and his brother Austin played for the New York GiantsFormer NFL wide receiver Blake Proehl is catching praise onAmerican Idol!The 25-year-old, who played for the Minnesota Vikings before an injury sidelined his football career, also has a talent for singing, as evidenced in his audition that aired on Sunday on the Fox reality show.With his grandmother — “Nana” — in tow, Proehl’s version of Brett Young’s “In Case You Didn’t Know” had the show’s judges spellbound, includingKaty Perry, who got goosebumps.“I grew up and kind of dedicated everything I know to football, my dream was to make it to the NFL,” Proehl shared in his backstory.The North Carolina native’s father, Ricky Proehl, was a 17-year veteran wide receiver for a number of teams including the 2000 Super Bowl-winning St. Louis Rams. His brother, Austin, also played in the league for the New York Giants.But football was cast aside after the wideout wrecked his knee.Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.“I went through a really tough injury, I tore a bunch of stuff,” Blake toldRyan Seacrest. “I don’t want to get graphic.”He added, “They just said, ‘Hey it’ll be a success story if you’re able to run again.’ That was definitely the toughest time for sure.”That’s when music began to play a larger role in his life, he said.While seated at a piano, with his Nana alongside for the tryout, Blake impressed the judges and earned a Golden Ticket to advance.“I wasn’t able to walk for so long, that’s where music came in and saved me,” Blake said, holding back tears.In 2019, Blake’s version of Young’s songwent viral on TikTokafter he surprised Nana with his musical abilities.“Blake!” she exclaimed following his rendition, seemingly shocked while seated on a couch behind him.The athlete then let out a laugh to cap the sweet moment.
Former NFL wide receiver Blake Proehl is catching praise onAmerican Idol!
The 25-year-old, who played for the Minnesota Vikings before an injury sidelined his football career, also has a talent for singing, as evidenced in his audition that aired on Sunday on the Fox reality show.
With his grandmother — “Nana” — in tow, Proehl’s version of Brett Young’s “In Case You Didn’t Know” had the show’s judges spellbound, includingKaty Perry, who got goosebumps.
“I grew up and kind of dedicated everything I know to football, my dream was to make it to the NFL,” Proehl shared in his backstory.
The North Carolina native’s father, Ricky Proehl, was a 17-year veteran wide receiver for a number of teams including the 2000 Super Bowl-winning St. Louis Rams. His brother, Austin, also played in the league for the New York Giants.
But football was cast aside after the wideout wrecked his knee.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
“I went through a really tough injury, I tore a bunch of stuff,” Blake toldRyan Seacrest. “I don’t want to get graphic.”
He added, “They just said, ‘Hey it’ll be a success story if you’re able to run again.’ That was definitely the toughest time for sure.”
That’s when music began to play a larger role in his life, he said.
While seated at a piano, with his Nana alongside for the tryout, Blake impressed the judges and earned a Golden Ticket to advance.
“I wasn’t able to walk for so long, that’s where music came in and saved me,” Blake said, holding back tears.
In 2019, Blake’s version of Young’s songwent viral on TikTokafter he surprised Nana with his musical abilities.
“Blake!” she exclaimed following his rendition, seemingly shocked while seated on a couch behind him.
The athlete then let out a laugh to cap the sweet moment.
source: people.com
