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James Proche
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James Proche
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James Proche II (/proʊˈʃeɪ/ proh-SHAY;[1] born September 21, 1996) is an American professional football wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the SMU Mustangs and was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL draft.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Proche grew up in Dallas, Texas and originally attended Red Oak before transferring to DeSoto High School for his senior year due to academic concerns with Prime Prep.[2] He caught 18 passes for 335 yards and a touchdown in his only season with the Eagles, playing in only seven games due to suffering kidney failure during summer training camp.[3][4][5] Rated a three-star recruit, Proche committed to play college football at SMU over offers from Colorado State, Louisville, Maryland, TCU and Wake Forest among other offers.[6][7]

College career

[edit]
Proche with the SMU in 2018 playing against Michigan on September 15

Proche redshirted his true freshman season. The following season, Proche finished second on the team with 57 receptions, 709 yards and six touchdown catches.[8] As a redshirt sophomore Proche caught 40 passes for 816 yards and six touchdowns and his average of 20.4 yards per catch was 13th-best in the nation.[9][10] He was named first-team All-American Athletic Conference (AAC) in his redshirt junior year after leading the team with 93 receptions for 1,199 yards and 12 touchdowns.[11] In his final season, Proche caught 112 passes (leading the nation in receptions) for 1,225 yard and 15 touchdowns and was again named first-team All-AAC and a second-team All-American by the Football Writers Association of America.[12][13][14]

Professional career

[edit]
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Bench press
5 ft 10+5⁄8 in
(1.79 m) 		201 lb
(91 kg) 		29+3⁄4 in
(0.76 m) 		9+5⁄8 in
(0.24 m)		 4.40 s 7.27 s 34.5 in
(0.88 m)		 20 reps
All values from NFL Combine[15][16]

Baltimore Ravens

[edit]

At the 2020 NFL Combine, Proche ranked fourth overall in the bench press with 20 repetitions and 14th in the 20-yard shuttle with a time of 4.40 seconds. Proche was selected in the sixth round with the 201st overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft by the Baltimore Ravens.[17]

Proche made his NFL debut on September 13, 2020, in the season opener against the Cleveland Browns, returning two punts for 26 yards.[18] In Week 11, Proche caught his first pass of the season for a 14 yard gain during a 24–30 overtime loss to the Tennessee Titans.[19] He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team on December 16, 2020,[20] and activated three days later.[21] He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.[22]

In 2021, Proche had 16 receptions for 202 yards in 14 games.[23] He appeared in 15 games in the 2022 season.[24] In 2023, he changed his jersey number from #3 to #10, allowing new addition Odell Beckham Jr. to wear #3.[25]

Proche was waived by the Ravens at the end of the 2023 preseason.[26]

Cleveland Browns

[edit]

On October 31, 2023, Proche was signed to the Browns practice squad.[27] He was signed to the active roster on November 7.[28] He appeared in ten games in the 2023 season.[29]

Proche re-signed with the Browns on March 19, 2024.[30] He was released on August 27, and re-signed to the practice squad.[31][32] He was promoted to the active roster on September 14.[33] He was released again on October 12 and re-signed to the practice squad three days later.[34][35] He appeared in nine games in the 2024 season.[36]

Tennessee Titans

[edit]

On March 26, 2025, Proche signed with the Tennessee Titans.[37] He was released on August 26 as part of final roster cuts and re-signed to the practice squad the next day.[38][39]

Personal life

[edit]

Proche goes by the nickname "Channel 3". His favorite number and football number is 3. He stated in an interview with SMU that "whenever I'm on the field, I want to put on the best show" which is why he goes by the nickname "Channel 3".[40] In May 2023, Proche's mother, Tasha Le'Shel Seastrong, passed away.[41][42]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

James Proche

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
James Proche II (born September 20, 1996) is an for the of the (NFL). A native of , , Proche attended DeSoto High School for his senior year after playing at , where he was mentored by Pro Football Hall of Famer . At (SMU), he played from 2015 to 2019, appearing in 50 games and setting school records for career receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, all-purpose yards (4,996), single-season receiving touchdowns (15), and consecutive games with a touchdown reception (12). In his senior year of 2019, Proche started all 13 games, led the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) with 111 receptions for 1,225 yards and 15 s, and earned a degree in . Selected by the in the sixth round (201st overall) of the , Proche entered the league as a 5-foot-11, 193-pound known for his versatility, including punt return duties. Over his three seasons with the (2020–2022), he appeared in 43 games, recording 23 receptions for 242 yards, while also serving as a and earning a spot on the (PFWA) All-Rookie Team in 2020 for his punt returning. Proche was waived by the in 2023 and signed to the ' practice squad in October 2023, where he played in 19 games across the 2023 and 2024 seasons, adding 5 receptions for 57 yards and continuing his special teams role. In 2025, he signed with the Titans, appearing in two games as a depth receiver and returner during the mid-2025 season. Across 64 games as of the 2025 season, Proche has totaled 28 receptions for 299 yards with no receiving touchdowns, highlighting his contributions primarily on special teams. Off the field, Proche is nicknamed "Channel 3" and is an avid photographer who shares his work on under the handle @jamesproche3.

Early life

Upbringing and family

James Proche was born on September 21, 1996, in , . He grew up in the Dallas area, particularly in the suburb of , alongside his three siblings: brothers Joshua Proche and Jacob Proche, and sister Sasha Avery. His childhood was marked by competitive play with his brothers in various , fostering an early athletic foundation that included football. Proche's mother, Tasha Le'Shel Seastrong, played a central role in his upbringing as a devoted and loving parent who raised her four children with strong . The family provided unwavering support during his formative years, emphasizing perseverance and personal growth. Proche initially attended Red Oak High School, then for two years, before transferring to DeSoto High School ahead of his senior year.

High school career

Proche began his high school football career at Red Oak High School in , then attended , where he was mentored by Pro Football Hall of Famer , before transferring to DeSoto High School in , for his senior year. At DeSoto, during the 2014 season, he appeared in eight games and tallied 18 receptions for 335 receiving yards, averaging 18.6 yards per catch, along with one ; his longest reception covered 79 yards. These performances highlighted his speed and big-play ability as a , despite playing in just a partial season after the transfer. Rated a three-star recruit by major services, Proche drew attention from multiple college programs and received scholarship offers from Colorado State, Louisville, , TCU, and Wake Forest. While at , in June 2014, he committed to (SMU), opting for the Dallas-based program over the competing offers.

College career

Seasons at SMU

Proche redshirted his true season in 2015 after being ruled academically ineligible by the NCAA, allowing him to practice with the team while preserving a year of eligibility. As a redshirt in , Proche emerged as a key slot receiver for the Mustangs, appearing in all 12 games and recording 57 receptions for 709 yards and 6 touchdowns, contributing to SMU's passing attack alongside Ben Hicks. His consistent involvement marked the beginning of his development into a reliable target, with notable performances including multiple games exceeding 100 receiving yards. In 2017, Proche's production increased in efficiency during his sophomore year, as he played in 13 games and tallied 40 receptions for 816 yards and 6 touchdowns, averaging a career-high 20.4 yards per catch. He had breakout games, such as against Arkansas State where he scored twice on long touchdown receptions of 49 and 55 yards, helping SMU secure a 44-21 victory and showcasing his big-play ability from the slot. Proche's junior season in 2018 solidified his role as SMU's leading receiver, starting 11 of 12 games and achieving career highs with 93 receptions for 1,199 yards and 12 touchdowns. He recorded five 100-yard receiving games, including a 166-yard, two-touchdown effort against , demonstrating his growth into a primary offensive weapon while continuing to operate primarily from the slot. During his senior year in , Proche set program records and led the FBS with 111 receptions, accumulating 1,225 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns over 13 starts, while also leading the team with 1,423 all-purpose yards that ranked second in the American Athletic Conference. His exceptional volume and scoring output highlighted his evolution from a complementary slot option to SMU's unquestioned top target, capping a that transformed the Mustangs' receiving corps.

Records and awards

During his tenure at (SMU), James Proche established himself as one of the most prolific wide receivers in program history, setting multiple career records that underscored his dominance in the passing game and overall versatility. Proche concluded his college career holding SMU records for receptions (301), receiving yards (3,949), receiving touchdowns (39), and all-purpose yards (4,996), surpassing previous benchmarks set by notable predecessors like and . These totals were particularly bolstered by his senior season in 2019, where he amassed 1,225 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns, setting the program's single-season record for receiving scores. Proche's accolades reflected his individual excellence and contributions to team success within the American Athletic Conference (AAC). He earned first-team All-AAC honors in both 2018 and 2019, becoming the first SMU receiver to achieve back-to-back selections since the conference's inception. In 2019, Proche was named a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award, recognizing the nation's top receiver, after leading the FBS with 111 receptions that season. Additionally, he received second-team All-American recognition from the (FWAA), marking the first such honor for an SMU player since running back Reggie Dupard in 1985. Other notable recognitions included semifinalist status for the and the , as well as weekly honors such as AAC Offensive Player of the Week following standout performances.
Record CategoryProche's TotalPrevious Record Holder (if applicable)Source
Career Receptions301N/A (program record)SMU Athletics
Career Receiving Yards3,949N/A (program record)SMU Athletics
Career Receiving Touchdowns39N/A (program record)SMU Athletics
Career All-Purpose Yards4,996N/A (program record)SMU Athletics
Consecutive Games with Receiving TD12N/A (program record)SMU Athletics
Single-Season Receiving TDs (2019)15Program recordSports-Reference
Proche's record-setting production played a pivotal role in elevating SMU's offensive output, contributing to the team's 10-3 record in , including a berth in the where he recorded nine receptions for 86 yards and a in a 28-52 loss to Florida Atlantic. His consistent big-play ability, evidenced by 13 career 100-yard receiving games, helped SMU achieve consecutive bowl appearances in 2017 and , signaling a resurgence for the program under head coach . Compared to SMU historical greats, Proche's totals eclipsed those of prior standout receivers like , solidifying his legacy as the Mustangs' all-time leading pass-catcher and a key figure in the program's modern era of success.

Professional career

Baltimore Ravens

Proche was selected by the in the sixth round, 201st overall, of the after the team traded up to acquire the pick from the Minnesota Vikings. He signed his rookie contract shortly thereafter, marking his entry into the following a prolific college career at where he set multiple receiving records. As a late-round pick, Proche was viewed as a developmental with potential contributions on special teams. In his rookie season of 2020, Proche appeared in 14 games but saw limited offensive snaps, primarily contributing on special teams as a punt returner with 23 attempts for 198 yards. His lone reception that year came for 14 yards, highlighting his adjustment to the professional level amid a crowded receiving corps. Proche spent much of the season on the active roster, focusing on building depth and versatility. Proche's role expanded in , where he played in all 14 games and recorded his first significant receiving production with 16 catches for 202 yards, though he did not score a . He received multiple elevations from the practice squad early in the season before securing a more consistent spot, using his speed and hands to contribute in slot alignments and on returns, though he had no punt return attempts that year. During the 2022 season, Proche appeared in 15 games, posting 8 receptions for 62 yards while handling 4 punt returns for 24 yards. This marked his most active year in terms of , though his offensive output remained modest as he continued to serve as a rotational player and special teams asset. The Ravens waived Proche on August 29, 2023, ending his tenure after three seasons. Over his time in , he amassed 25 receptions for 278 yards with no touchdowns, alongside 27 punt returns for 222 yards.

Cleveland Browns

James Proche signed with the as an unrestricted , joining the team's on October 31, 2023, after spending his first three seasons with the . He was elevated to the active roster on November 7, 2023, where he quickly established himself as the primary punt returner on special teams. In the 2023 season, Proche appeared in 10 games for , serving predominantly in the return role with 22 punt returns for 197 yards, averaging 9.0 yards per return, including a long of 17 yards. His offensive involvement was minimal, with no receptions. This performance highlighted his development as a reliable special teams contributor, building on his prior experience with to provide stability in the return game during the latter half of the season. Proche's role expanded slightly in 2024 after the Browns re-signed him to a one-year, $1.125 million contract on March 19, 2024. He played in 9 games, recording 19 punt returns for 172 yards (9.1 yards per return) and three receptions for 21 yards on offense. Despite occasional roster fluctuations, including a midseason release on October 12, 2024, and subsequent return to the practice squad before being elevated again on December 26, 2024, Proche remained a key special teams asset with limited but consistent contributions. Over his two seasons with , he totaled 3 receptions for 21 yards and 0 touchdowns, alongside 41 punt returns for 369 yards, underscoring his value primarily in special teams. Proche became an unrestricted in March 2025 after the Browns opted not to re-sign him, leading to his departure from the team.

Tennessee Titans

On March 26, 2025, Proche signed with the as an unrestricted , agreeing to a one-year valued at $1,170,000. The deal aimed to bolster the team's depth and special teams unit with his veteran experience as a . Proche was released by the Titans on August 26, 2025, as part of final roster cuts, but re-signed to the practice squad the following day. He received his first elevation to the active roster in early October 2025, with subsequent call-ups in late October and early November, allowing him to appear in three games through Week 9 (Weeks 5, 8, and 9). As of November 15, 2025, Proche's offensive role in the 2025 season has been minimal, with no receptions recorded amid limited snaps, while no punt returns have been logged despite his special teams designation.

Playing style and roles

Receiving and route-running

James Proche embodies the slot receiver archetype, leveraging his quickness, agility, and low center of gravity to excel in short-area route-running and create separation against man coverage. His precise cuts and understanding of route pacing allow him to generate yards after catch (YAC) effectively, often turning short passes into meaningful gains through elusiveness. In college at SMU, Proche amassed 301 receptions for 3,949 yards and 39 touchdowns over four seasons, showcasing reliable hands and the ability to make contested catches, particularly in traffic. Despite these strengths, Proche's limitations in the NFL stem from his modest size (5'11", 193 lbs) and lack of elite deep speed, which restrict him to primarily underneath routes and prevent him from thriving as an outside receiver. Scouting reports note occasional sluggishness in his breaks, where he gears down too much, reducing explosiveness against defenders. This has translated to limited offensive production in the pros, with just 28 career receptions for 299 yards and no touchdowns as of November 2025, a stark contrast to his college dominance. In NFL offenses with the , , and Titans, Proche has been deployed mainly in gadget plays and pre-snap motion sets to exploit mismatches in the slot, serving as a depth option rather than a primary target. His evolution from a volume receiver to an role player underscores the challenges of transitioning smaller, quick-twitch athletes to the league's higher competition level, where his route-running precision remains a asset in niche situations.

Special teams contributions

Proche established himself as a reliable punt return specialist early in his NFL career, leveraging his vision and agility to navigate traffic and avoid tackles effectively. Over his NFL career through the 2025 season, he has recorded 71 punt returns for 619 yards, averaging 8.7 yards per return, with his longest return of 21 yards coming in 2023 with the Cleveland Browns. His ball security has been exemplary, with zero fumbles on punt returns throughout his career, including a clean performance on 19 returns for 172 yards during the 2024 season. This dependability contributed to his role as the primary punt returner for the Browns in 2023 and 2024, where he demonstrated strong judgment and hands in high-pressure situations. After signing with the Titans in March 2025, Proche was released during final cuts in August and signed to the practice squad, from which he was elevated to the active roster multiple times during the season (October and November) for special teams depth. In addition to returning punts, Proche has provided limited but effective experience on kickoff returns, totaling four returns for 60 yards across his career, including a 22-yard return in 2021 with the . His special teams versatility extends to coverage units, where he has logged significant snaps, such as 117 in 2023—representing 39% of the ' special teams plays—often contributing as a blocker on returns and in punt coverage roles. Browns special teams coordinator Ventrone praised Proche's work ethic and downhill running ability in 2023, noting his intelligence and detail-oriented approach as key to his integration into the unit. Proche's special teams prowess has been instrumental in securing and maintaining roster spots across teams, culminating in his March 2025 signing with the specifically to bolster their return game under coordinator .

Personal life

Family background

Proche maintains close relationships with his siblings, including his younger brothers and Proche and sister Sasha Avery, all sharing roots in the area where they grew up together. These bonds, forged in their shared hometown environment, have influenced his competitive mindset, as he often competed with his brothers in various activities during their youth, fostering a drive that carried into his professional career. A significant mentorship in Proche's adult life comes from , a former Baltimore Ravens linebacker and current defensive analyst, whom Proche regards as a "big brother" figure due to their DeSoto High School connections—Proche played football alongside Orr's younger brothers, Nick and Chris. This relationship has provided guidance on navigating NFL challenges, with Proche seeking Orr's wisdom to establish himself professionally upon joining in 2020. Throughout his transitions, including his time with from 2020 to 2023 and subsequent move to later that year, Proche has credited his family as a key support system, describing them as his "biggest superpower" that reassures him he is not alone in his professional journey. In public interviews, such as a 2020 feature upon his Ravens draft selection, Proche has emphasized prioritizing family and learning from those who paved the way, highlighting how these ties shape his career approach.

Loss of mother and reflections

On May 12, 2023, Tasha Le'Shel Seastrong, the mother of James Proche II, passed away at the age of 43. Proche, then with the , publicly announced her sudden death via , sharing a heartfelt photo of them together and expressing deep sorrow. In his tweet, he wrote, "I’ve found new purpose in this life my love. I don’t understand God’s plan but, I promise this journey won’t be done in vain. Rest easy momma, I love you!" This emotional outpouring highlighted his immediate distress and commitment to honoring her legacy. Seastrong, born on May 23, 1979, in , , was remembered in her as a devoted mother to four children: James Proche II, Joshua Proche, Jacob Proche, and Sasha Avery. She had married Tony Seastrong in 2016 and embraced her role as a as well, leaving behind a legacy of love and family unity. During this grieving period, Proche's siblings provided crucial support, helping him navigate the profound loss. Throughout the , Proche channeled his grief into his performance, dedicating key plays to his mother as a way to keep her spirit alive on the field. In subsequent reflections, he has emphasized as a core motivation, describing it as his "biggest superpower" and a reassurance that he is not alone in his challenges. In a 2025 SMU "" feature, Proche opened up about how life experiences, including his mother's passing, have shaped his resilient perspective and driven his professional journey. He has continued to pay homage to his in media appearances after 2023, frequently crediting their unwavering support for his growth and success in the league.

References

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  2. https://smumustangs.com/sports/football/roster/james-proche/9750
  3. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/ProcJa00.htm
  4. https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/bio/_/id/3916204/james-proche-ii
  5. https://www.evergreenfuneralhomes.com/obituary/tasha-seastrong
  6. https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-james-proche/
  7. https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2023/11/10/23952721/nfl-free-agency-browns-roster-james-proche
  8. https://www.texasfootball.com/article/2019/12/12/dave-campbell-s-texas-football-collegiate-players-of-the-year-
  9. https://www.maxpreps.com/tx/desoto/desoto-eagles/athletes/james-proche/football/stats/?careerid=brav1jvf1g4ue
  10. https://www.dallasnews.com/news/2014/06/04/three-star-prime-prep-wr-james-proche-announces-commitment-to-smu/
  11. https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/2015/08/25/smu-freshman-wide-receiver-james-proche-ruled-ineligible-for-2015-16-season/
  12. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/james-proche-1.html
  13. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/southern-methodist/2016-roster.html
  14. https://247sports.com/contentgallery/galatzans-10-thoughts-from-the-weekend-arkansas-state--107976759/
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  28. https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/transactions/_/name/ten/tennessee-titans
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  30. https://titanswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/titans/2025/11/01/titans-elevate-wr-james-proche-carlos-watkins-for-week-9/87037682007/
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  32. https://www.bigblueview.com/2020/2/8/21129173/2020-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-james-proche-wr-smu-scouting-report-ny-giants
  33. https://www.patspulpit.com/2020/2/13/21135986/2020-nfl-draft-scouting-report-smu-james-proche-new-england-patriots
  34. https://vikingsterritory.com/2020/news/analysis/vikings-draft-profile-james-proche-wr-smu
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