MOBILE, Ala. — Jack Bech has two new tattoos.
On his left breast is a series of roman numerals — I.XXVIII.MCMXCVII — I.I.MMXXV. Above that, in flowy script near his collarbone, reads “7 to Heaven.”
Jack Bech is here at the Senior Bowl, one of the premier NFL prospect showcases, to prove he belongs. In front of coaches, scouts and team executives, the Lafayette native and TCU receiver has impressed throughout the week with his toughness and skill. A good week could go a long way toward making his childhood dreams come true.
It would have been understandable if he was not here, though. Understandable, maybe, to everyone but the person to whom those tattoos are dedicated. Jack’s older brother, Martin “Tiger” Bech, was one of 14 people who were killed during the terrorist attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans earlier this month.
“My brother, if he could tell me one thing, it would be to get my ass ready, to keep on going, to keep pushing,” Bech said. “It’s just given me that extra motivation to come out here and chase greatness each day in his name and continue to live his legacy.”
Navigating this tragedy has obviously been difficult for Jack and the Bech family. And, for Jack, being in Mobile this week has meant answering a lot of questions about his brother, often with a microphone in his face. He has patiently handled all of it, using this as an opportunity to tell anyone who will listen how much his brother meant to him, and to tell them that it his faith that is allowing him to carry on.
“My best friend, my role model, the person I looked up to, the person I called first with good or bad news,” Jack said. “It’s definitely been hard, but God has built me up for this moment.”
The numerals on Jack’s tattoo represent the day Tiger was born and the day he died. The “7 to Heaven” is a nod to Tiger’s football uniform number, which he wore at Princeton.
“It’s only on the left side of my body, because he was my other half,” Jack said. “It was just something for me to be able to know and show he’s always going to be with me forever in every second of every moment. That’s just one of the ways I’m going to honor him.”
Seven has been a prominent number this week. Jim Nagy, the Senior Bowl’s executive director, has made sure of that.
Every player on the field this week has worn a special decal on the back of their helmet, featuring a tiger-striped number 7. And Nagy also made sure that Jack, who wore No. 18 at TCU, would get to honor his brother by wearing No. 7 this week.
“An amazing touch,” Jack said of the decal. “The love and support that Mr. Jim Nagy has given me and my family, giving me (No.) 7, to let me do all these things, it’s really been special.”
And Jack has made sure to make that No. 7 stand out, too.
He has been one of the most impressive players in practices this week, assembling an impressive highlight reel loaded with him consistently winning his one-on-one opportunities and making contested catches.
Playing football has, in a way, been therapeutic for Jack.
“I can get on this field and let my emotions run. Everything that has been built up inside of me, I can just let it loose out there on that field. I can be me. I can show people my inner self, which has been awesome. I do it all in my brother’s name, my family’s name, that’s who I do it for.”
He’s earned himself quite a few fans, including his offensive coordinator this week, New York Giants running backs coach Joel Thomas.
“I think he’s awesome,” Thomas said. “I’ve got a little crush on him, because he’s tough, he’s got personality, he checks all those things that are off the field. … He’s out here balling in practice and everything. I love the energy he brings. Whoever gets a hold of him, they have a positive player and somebody that can help his team overall.”
As Thomas said that, Jack was standing maybe 20 feet away, answering questions in an interview on the field with his shirt off, prominently displaying his new tattoos. He is making a name for himself, and in the process he is making sure everyone knows Tiger’s name, too.
Jack Bech, a standout wide receiver for the LSU Tigers, made a touching tribute to his late brother, Tiger, during the Senior Bowl. Tiger, who tragically passed away last year, was a huge influence in Jack’s life and football career.
During the Senior Bowl game, Jack wore a special patch on his jersey with the initials “TB” in honor of his brother. He also dedicated every catch he made during the game to Tiger’s memory.
In a post-game interview, Jack spoke about the impact his brother had on his life and how he continues to inspire him on and off the field. “Tiger was my biggest supporter and motivator. I know he was watching over me during the game, and I wanted to make him proud,” Jack said.
The New Orleans Saints, who have been following Jack’s career closely, expressed their condolences for his loss and praised him for his strength and resilience. They have since reached out to Jack to offer their support and assistance as he navigates this difficult time.
Jack’s tribute to Tiger at the Senior Bowl was a beautiful display of love and remembrance. His brother’s spirit will continue to live on through Jack’s accomplishments on the football field and beyond.
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Jack Bech, Tiger Bech, Senior Bowl, Saints, honoring late brother, football, tribute, LSU, college football, wide receiver, family, loss, remembrance.
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