It’s been a long road for former WKU tight end Mik’Quan Deane, but the next stop has the potential to be the happiest one yet, as Deane has signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent, he told the Herald Sunday.

Deane, who ended the 2018 campaign with 530 receiving yards and six touchdowns, was ecstatic about the opportunity.

“All glory goes to God,” Deane said. “I never thought I’d see the day where I’d be able to play for an NFL team. I’ve been through so much with my family and stuff and even through junior college I didn’t know that this would be an actual possibility, so it’s a blessing.”

Deane said that he thinks that the Seahawks will be a good fit for him as far as both football and team culture go.

“Pete Carroll as a head coach, I just think that’s just a great system for me,” Deane said. “Even when they had tight ends in the past, they’ve always found a way to get them the ball. Even look at George Fant. He played tight end, had a couple plays at tight end and he even got some yards too, I just like how versatile the team is.”

Fant, another WKU alum, has become a solid player for the Seahawks on the offensive line. Should Deane make the team, the Seahawks will become the only team in the NFL with two former Hilltoppers.

Deane’s road to the NFL hasn’t been easy. He grew up in and out of foster care and didn’t play football until his junior year of high school. Making the final roster as an undrafted free agent won’t be easy either. 

However, Deane said he feels that the adversity he has already faced in life has prepared him for this moment.

“I’m currently getting myself prepared mentally, spiritually and physically,” Deane said. “It’s been an uphill battle my whole life, just kind of dealing with foster care and stuff and going the junior college route, you know not having a lot of meals to eat. I think this will be very similar.”

Deane said that he has received advice from friends already in the NFL.

“I talked to Deon Yelder yesterday and Iggy [Joel Iyiegbuniwe] yesterday,” Deane said. “They were just telling me, you know, it’s a process and you just gotta be in love with the process. They both essentially told me the same thing, just come prepared and it’s a man’s game, you know. I’m just really excited to challenge myself and see what my capabilities are.”

Sports Editor Matt Stahl can be reached at 270-745-6291 and [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @mattstahl97.