England Knights star taking inspiration from Super Bowl winning uncle

Salford prop Tyler Dupree would love nothing more than a Super League title to go alongside his uncle’s Super Bowl ring in the family’s trophy cabinet.

Dupree was born and raised in England and is of American heritage through his grandfather, who moved to England where Tyler’s mother was born.

Dupree comes from a large family. His uncle Billy Joe won the Super Bowl with Dallas Cowboys in 1978.

And Tyler is hungry to continue the family’s successful sporting history by winning a Super League title with the Red Devils.

“My grandad was born in America, he was an Afro-American,” Dupree told Love Rugby League. “He moved to England and laid his roots down here.

“My grandad was a blues player so he travelled the world, luckily he planted a few seeds over here. I think my grandad had like 10 or 11 kids, probably more than that.

“We don’t really see my uncle but we know about it. He played for the Dallas Cowboys in the Super Bowl. It’s funny because nobody in my family is over 6ft and then there’s just him! I think I get my height from him.

“There is success within my family and I want to take the success with Salford and hopefully play in a Grand Final ourselves.”

Tyler Dupree eligible to play for England and USA

The powerhouse prop has already won international honours with England Knights. He also qualifies to play for the USA through his family heritage.

“England is definitely my first choice but I’m very proud of my American heritage and the story that comes with it,” Dupree said.

“It’s sort of what every good story is about, like racism in America and stuff like that and getting through it with my grandad. We are quite proud of his story so to be able to represent them at some point would be a goal of mine.

“They’ve (USA) not been in touch yet. I know they’ve got some qualifying games coming up so if I don’t get to play for England, then I’ll put my name forward for that.”

Salford hungry for silverware

The Red Devils have come agonisingly close to getting their hands on trophies in recent years. They reached the Super League Grand Final in 2019 and the Challenge Cup final the following year.

And last season, Paul Rowley’s side came to within a whiskey of the Grand Final as they fell short to champions Saints.

“Not just for me but as a team, it is definitely to get some silverware in 2023,” Dupree said of his goals for the upcoming season.

“For myself, I just want to continue playing my best rugby and hopefully reap some rewards from that, whether that be a call-up or something like that.”

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