INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (April 26, 2026) – Former University of North Alabama standout Kaleb Heatherly will have an opportunity in the National Football League, as the tight end agreed to a rookie mini-camp invite from the Indianapolis Colts over the weekend.
 
This announcement comes on the heels of the 2026 NFL Draft, as Heatherly and six other players will attend rookie mini-camp with hopes of landing a contract.
 
"We are ecstatic for Kaleb getting this opportunity to show the NFL what we already know," said UNA head coach Brent Dearmon. "Kaleb is a special player but also a great person. We are so proud of Kaleb and can't wait to see what he does with this chance."
 
Heatherly will be the third Lion to either sign, get drafted or attend rookie minicamp with the Colts. He joins running back Chris Goode, who was drafted by the Colts in the 10th round of the 1987 NFL Draft, and kicker Taylor Pontius, who signed a free agent contract with the Colts in 2014.
 
In the last three seasons, three Lions have been invited to a rookie minicamp. Former defensive lineman Philip Ossai was invited by the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, while former wide receiver and return specialist Logan Collier was invited by the Buffalo Bills in 2025.
 
Since 1954, 70 players from UNA have been drafted or signed by an NFL team.
 
Heatherly was a four-year letterman for the Lions, playing in 46 games. He was an All-United Athletic Conference player by Phil Steele and was considered one of the better blocking tight ends in the league last season. Heatherly caught 17 passes for 223 yards and two scores in 2025. His touchdowns came against EKU and Southern Utah at home. He recorded a season-high 68 yards of receiving against Northeastern State.
 
In January, Heatherly was one of four UNA players invited to play in the Dream Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. While there, he ran a 40-yard dash in 4.7 seconds and won all of his 1-on-1 reps against defenders.
 
Heatherly will not be the first professional athlete in his family, as his brother, Jacob, was a third round draft pick by the Cincinnati Reds in the 2017 MLB Draft.
 
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