MACON – Former Mercer all-American wide receiver Ty James will continue his illustrious career in the National Football League after inking a free agent deal with the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday, his agent announced.
 
James joins receiving mate Devron Harper as the second and third MU alums in the modern era history of the program (2013-Present) to sign a contract with an NFL organization. Former offensive lineman Jason Poe (2018-22) inked a deal with the San Francisco 49ers in the days following the 2022 NFL Draft.
 
The Mercer football program's all-time leading receiver with 3,364 career receiving yards (171 receptions), James wrapped up his collegiate playing career in November with eight school single-game, single-season and career records. A two-time All-Southern Conference pick, he became the program's first consensus all-America selection at season's end, including six first team all-American nods.
 
James averaged 19.67 yards per reception across his four-season career in Macon, and eclipsed the program's single-season receiving yards record amid both his junior (1,105 yards) and senior (1,130 yards) campaigns. A two-time finalist for the Walter Payton Award which is given annually to the national offensive player of the year in Division I FCS college football. He also accounted for 30 career touchdowns in the Orange & Black as well.
 
The Vikings will hold the first of two rookie mini camps, May 3-6, at the Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center in Eagan, Minn.