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Tra Fluellen’s Renegades Journey

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Tra Fluellen’s journey to the Dallas Renegades is a classic “gridiron grit” story, moving from a standout receiver in East Texas to a versatile defensive playmaker in the UFL.

Background and Early Life

Tra (Travion) Fluellen was born and raised in Gilmer, Texas, growing up as one of nine children. That large, competitive household likely shaped the drive he displayed on the field.

 

At Gilmer High School, he was a multi-sport athlete, competing in track, basketball, and football. While he is now a professional defensive back, his senior year for the Buckeyes was marked by offensive dominance; he racked up over 1,000 receiving yards on 46 catches, helping maintain Gilmer’s reputation as a Northeast Texas powerhouse.

 

College Career: A Two-Stage Climb

Despite his high school production, Fluellen had a modest recruitment path:

 

  • Houston Baptist University (2019–2020): He quickly proved he belonged at the collegiate level. As a freshman safety, he recorded 101 tackles and was a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award (given to the top freshman in the FCS).

     

  • Middle Tennessee State (2021–2023): Seeking a bigger stage, he transferred to MTSU. Over three seasons, he became a defensive anchor and a permanent team captain. By 2023, he was on major watch lists like the Bronco Nagurski and Jim Thorpe Awards.

     

His momentum hit a major roadblock late in his senior year when he suffered an ACL tear in game nine. The injury significantly impacted his draft stock, shifting him from a potential mid-round pick to an undrafted prospect.

 

The Road to the Renegades

Fluellen’s path to professional football was defined by perseverance during his injury recovery:

 

  1. The “Real World” Grind: While rehabbing his knee and waiting for an NFL call that had gone quiet, Fluellen took jobs at Dillard’s and Amazon to support himself, balancing shifts with grueling physical therapy.

     

  2. The Saints Stint: His persistence paid off in late 2024 when the New Orleans Saints signed him to their practice squad. He spent several months with the organization, learning from veterans like Tyrann Mathieu, before being waived in June 2025.

     

  3. Joining Dallas: Fluellen was selected in the 2026 UFL Draft. Standing $6’2”$ and weighing $210$ lbs, his size and versatility made him an ideal fit for the Renegades’ secondary.

     

Today, he is an active cornerback for the Renegades, bringing that East Texas ” Buckeye” work ethic back to his home state.

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