Chalk Talk: NFL Rookie TJ Tampa Talks about What It’s Like to Go Pro – and What He’s Doing to Make Sure His Coaches, Teammates and Fans Like What They See on the Field
Find out how this all-star cornerback prepped for his debut in the NFL, how he expects the season to play out, and what he’s hoping “#27” will be known for years from now.
Though many say making it in the NFL – or even into the NFL – is a numbers game, your stats aren’t the only thing coaches are looking at when deciding who’s going to make it on the bus or on the field. (Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton made that clear in our most recent conversation.)
They care about who you are as a person, not just what you can do today as a player.
That’s probably why ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. called TJ Tampa an underrated prospect in the 2024 NFL draft, why the Baltimore Ravens (who drafted him) called him the “steal of the draft,” and why we wouldn’t be surprised if he had a career trajectory that mirrored the GOAT (Tom Brady).
TJ is an All-Big 12 first team cornerback out of Iowa State University who can do impressive things on the field. But after sitting down with him for a Chalk Talk, we realized his off-the-field demeanor is even more remarkable. While he’s working every day to be a better player, he’s working even harder to be the best teammate possible. He wants people to feel comfortable with him as a person – to know who he is and what he’s about – and not just remember the stellar performance of #27 (which he’ll be rocking with the Ravens.)
Considering he’s got both fast feet to carry him forward and a good head on his shoulders that’s keeping him grounded, we don’t think it’s going to be hard for TJ Tampa to become legendary.
In fact, while his hustle and hard-core training regimen will help set him up for success physically speaking, we think it’s his high regard for coaches’ knowledge and veteran players’ experiences combined with his studiousness and eagerness to do right by others that will drive his success.
So, hit play on Chalk Talk now to get to know the TJ Tampa - #27 – and find out why this rookie is likely going to make his mark in the NFL and beyond…
Make sure you listen all the way to the end, as you’ll want to hear what TJ shared about…
- How much he really had to level up his training when transitioning from college to the pros.
- Why he’s focusing on his mental health as much as his physical health right now.
- What he’s doing to win the trust of his coaches and teammates.
- How much of a wakeup call he’s gotten about his practice and game-day performance using the NFL’s Next Gen Stats.
- Focusing on your weaknesses versus strengths.
- The importance of looking up to others and reaching out to those coming up behind you.
- His first time on the golf course a couple months ago (and how very different it is than hitting a few balls – or trying to – Top Golf).
- What it’s going to take for him to (one day) walk away from his football career and say, “I did it. I accomplished everything I set out to do.”
- The cool personal connection he had to Zebra before we ever began working with him in an official capacity.
If you need to listen later, just bookmark this page or download the MP3 below. There’s also a transcript here if you’d rather read all about the TJ Tampa.
LISTEN NOW OR DOWNLOAD TO LISTEN LATER
If you’ve missed previous Chalk Talk episodes, these are the ones we think you should listen to next:
- Chalk Talk: The “Uncommon” Things that Coach Sean Payton Wants His Players to Do Each Day Might Surprise You
- Chalk Talk: Love the NFL’s Next Gen Stats? This is How They All Come Together Inside the Command Center
- Chalk Talk: This is What It Really Takes to Ensure You Have the Ultimate Fan Experience
- Chalk Talk: Do the Dallas Cowboys Have What It Take to Rebuild Their Dynasty? Could They Play Ball with the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX? RJ Ochoa Joins Us for Some Real Talk.
- Chalk Talk: This is What It Takes to Be a College Football or NFL Scout, According to Jim Nagy
Adam Petrus
Adam Petrus is currently the Business Development and Sales Lead for Sports & Entertainment at Zebra Technologies where he is responsible for growing Zebra’s hardware and software solutions across the world of sports and the entertainment industry. Prior to joining the sales team Adam co-managed Zebra’s game day operation of the NFL’s Next Gen Stats program and served as the project lead for the NFL’s Equipment Tracking Program, Virtual Locker. Adam has more than 15 years of experience within the sports and technology industry and has been working with Next Gen Stats since 2015. Previously, he worked in the front office of an NFL Football Club, served within the United States Intelligence Community supporting special operations to include two and a half years in Iraq and was a licensed and certified sports agent. Adam holds a bachelor’s degree from Baldwin Wallace University out of Berea, Ohio and attended the International Institute for Management & Development (IMD) in Lausanne, Switzerland where he earned a certificate in Business Management and Leadership.
As an active member of the community, Adam serves on the Baldwin Wallace University Carmel-Boyer School of Business Advisory Council, served on the Board of the Ponte Vedra Beach Rotary International Club and is a member of the Jacksonville JAXSports Council - a non-profit established to enhance and positively impact the quality of life and community pride, along with generating economic impact and growth through professional and amateur sports. An outdoor enthusiast, Adam enjoys running, paddle boarding, golfing and being an active parent alongside his wife Jenn to their daughters Olivia (7) & Peyton (5) and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Gunner and Nash.
Fun Fact:
"My first job in the NFL was at age 16 when I was hired by the Cleveland Browns Groundcrew. This position then led to a promotion into the front office when I was in college and a full-time role upon graduation."
