Mitch Van Vooren, Bus Ad ’23, was on Marquette University’s men’s Division I track team for four years, finishing 18th at nationals in 2023 for the 110 meter hurdles. A Peshtigo, Wisconsin, native, he decided to use his COVID eligibility to pivot to football and follow his longtime dream of playing in the NFL.
After enrolling at St. Norbert College, a private, Catholic Division III school in De Pere, Wisconsin, he became a standout two-year player on the football team, including leading the team in receptions and touchdowns as a senior. He has generated some draft buzz as a former track star and athlete and is hoping to be selected in the later rounds of the NFL Draft as a tight end. He’s still a very proud Marquette University alumnus and credits the relationships he made here with changing his life.
Below is a Q&A between Van Vooren and his Marquette adviser and mentor, Andy Hunt, director of the Vieth Institute for Real Estate Leadership, about his journey to the NFL draft.
You had a standout career as a track athlete at Marquette (and as a student in the real estate program). Take us back to that time. When did you first compete at the national level?
My senior year, I qualified for what’s called the first round of nationals. I came in ranked 48th and ended up finishing 18th. It was a great way to close out my track career at Marquette.
That’s an incredible finish. So, when did football start to creep back into your mind?
Even in my freshman year at Marquette, I missed it. My roommate and I had both played football in high school, and when the fall season rolled around, we felt that itch. I always had this dream in the back of my mind that maybe after my track career, I’d give football another shot. Then COVID hit, and the NCAA granted us an extra year of eligibility. That gave me the opportunity to actually play football before trying out for the NFL.
That’s a big leap to switch sports after college. Do you know of any other Marquette athletes who have done something like this?
Not that I know of, at least not from the track team. It’s pretty rare, which makes this journey even more special.
Once you decided to pursue football, how did you choose where to go?
During my last track season as a senior, I entered the transfer portal and explored both track and football options while getting my graduate degree. I talked to track coaches at schools like Wisconsin and Miami—both said I could run for them, and I even got accepted into their grad programs. But I realized this was my one shot to actually play football. I reached out to a bunch of DIII schools in Wisconsin where I knew I’d get a chance to play. St. Norbert checked all the boxes: great campus, close to home and a program where I could really contribute. My parents and grandparents could easily come to games, which was a huge bonus.
Give us the scoop on St. Norbert’s football program. What should Marquette folks know about it?
St. Norbert is a small Catholic college in De Pere, Wisconsin. The football program has a long history and has been competitive over the years. We made it to a bowl game and took second in our conference both seasons I was there. One of our biggest rivals, Aurora, has a strong program too—their coach is former Packer Don Beebe.
And you played for two seasons?
Yeah, I did a year of track in between, so it went football, track, football. In total, I played 22 games, had 65 catches for over 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns.
At what point did you start to believe the NFL was a real possibility?
Honestly, I always dreamed about it. I have Snapchat memories from my freshman year at Marquette where I’m talking about making it to the NFL. It was always in the back of my mind, but once I started playing again and performing well, it started to feel real.
How did you start getting on NFL teams’ radars?
I spent the last few months training in Marquette, Michigan with a trainer who connected me to an agent. That led to an invite to the College Gridiron Showcase in Texas, where I played against mostly FBS and DII players. I did really well there and caught the attention of CBS Sports’ Emory Hunt. He’s been amazing—shouting me out on TV and podcasts. I also had a pro day, though it snowed, and private workouts with two NFL teams.
What are your measurables?
I measured in at 6’4 5/8″, 245 pounds, with 9″ hands. My broad jump was 9’11”, vertical was 34.5″, and I ran a 4.70 40-yard dash. Not bad for a former track guy turned tight end!
What happens now as the NFL Draft approaches?
The draft is just down the road in Green Bay, which is pretty cool. I might go check it out for the first couple days, but Saturday is probably my biggest shot. My family is coming over and we’ll be watching together. Whether I get drafted or sign as a free agent, the goal is just to get a foot in the door.
What are the next steps if you do get that shot?
It depends—some players sign right away and join the 90-man training camp roster, while others get invited to rookie minicamp for a tryout. That’s the next stage, and from there it’s all about making the most of the opportunity.
When football ends, what’s next?
I’m one semester away from finishing my MBA. I’ve also been working part-time in real estate development, and that’s something I really enjoy. I’d love to keep building in that space once football runs its course.
Any final thoughts for the Marquette community?
Just a huge thank you. I talk to my Marquette friends every day and the support has been incredible. Marquette shaped me in so many ways—discipline, resilience, relationships. Some people ask if I regret not playing football right out of high school, but honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. Marquette made me who I am today.
Thank you so much for your time, Mitch. We couldn’t be prouder of you at Marquette. Good luck this weekend, our entire Marquette community is cheering you on!
Thank you! Go Marquette!
