FROM BOBCAT TO TESLA

The Journey of #52 William Blaser - From Bobcat, to Panther, to Miner, to Tesla

Every now and then, a story comes through an organization that reminds everyone what perseverance, character, and growth truly looks like. For the Dubuque Miners, that story belongs to #52 William Blaser. An athlete whose journey spans small-town roots, Division 1 football, amateur football pride, and now a new chapter deep in the heart of Texas.

William’s path isn’t just about football. It’s about resilience, ambition, and the courage to chase opportunity wherever it leads.

a foundation built in the valley: western dubuque bobcats

William’s football journey began where many great stories in Eastern Iowa start - under the Friday Night Lights.

As a standout for the Western Dubuque Bobcats, he became known for his toughness, discipline, and the kind of work ethic that small-town football shapes with fire. WD is a community that breeds competitors, and William was one of it’s finest examples.

Those years laid the groundwork for everything that came next.

climbing to the next level: division 1 football at uni

From Epworth to Cedar Falls, William took the leap that only a small percentage of athletes ever make. He became a Division 1 football player for the University of Northern Iowa Panthers. While there, William also competed in Track & Field.

UNI Football has a national reputation for developing elite talent, NFL caliber players, pro-level linemen, and some of the toughest defensive athletes in the country. To compete there is no small task. To thrive there says everything about Williams ability, mindset, and determination.

He sharpened his skills, embraced the demands of D1 culture, and proved he belonged at the highest levels of college football.

a new home in dubuque: becoming a miners

When William joined the Dubuque Miners, he brought not just talent, but experience, humility, and leadership.

He quickly became a steady force on the field, a player who led by example, showed up with intention, and elevated everyone around him. His presence in the locker room and between the lines helped set the tone for what the Miners hoped to build in their inaugural season.

William played with heart, pride, and professionalism. You could see the D1 discipline in every rep.

For our younger players, he became a blueprint.
For our staff, he became a cornerstone.
For our inaugural year, he became an anchor.

a life of courage and change: the move to texas

Football helped shape William. But life called him to something new.

After his time with the Miners, he began an incredible new chapter. Moving to Texas and stepping into a career with the Tesla Gigafactory, one of the most innovative and fast-expanding industrial projects in the country.

It takes courage to move halfway across the nation.
It takes strength to leave what you know behind.
And it takes belief to chase a future that demands growth and transformation.

William embodies all of that.

His move didn’t represent leaving something behind, it represented leveling up his LIFE, embracing new opportunities, and continuing a journey defined by ambition and resilience.

more than a player - a miner for life

William Blaser’s story is one of the reasons the Miners exist:

- To support growth
- To create opportunities
- To celebrate the journeys of our athletes
- To watch them rise both on and off the field
- To build a community where success is measured not just in wins, but in lives impacted

From Western Dubuque, to UNI, to the Miners, to Tesla, William’s path is a powerful reminder that football is just the beginning. The habits forged in this sport lead to success in every aspect of life.

And no matter where his journey takes him, he will always be a part of our story.

from miners nation: we’re proud of you, #52

To William,

Your journey inspires every athlete who puts on our colors.
Your determination reflects the spirit of Dubuque.
And your success shows what’s possible when talent meets courage.

Thank you for being part of our inaugural season, our foundation, and our family.

Once a Miner, always a Miner.
Your story will be told here for years to come!