Draft Diamonds Free Agent Interview: Tyler Jones, Wide Receiver
Hello, I am @jrberendzen on Twitter and this is one of my free agent interviews where I ask very deserving free agents questions about the players themselves and about what a team would get in these players. All of these players should get picked up by NFL, CFL, and XFL teams and get a shot at being a career football player. So I hope you all read this interview and follow Tyler on his journey on Twitter @BigDaddyJ0nes
1.What do you hope to achieve as a football player going forward?
My ultimate goal is to play in the XFL/CFL. Going into my third year of arena football the gameplay translates to the same style of football played in the Canadian Football League which makes it a good goal to reach for during my career. The XFL I’d love to play for due to this league still being in the U.S. and not having to travel too far from my family while still playing ball. There are so many positives of these leagues that make playing in them a huge goal/dream of mine.
2.What is your favorite workout?
Anything to work on explosive movements. I do a lot of single-leg workouts like Single-Leg Split Squat, Single Leg Box Jumps, etc. The most important part of being a receiver in my eyes is to be explosive in all aspects of the game. Creating separation, blocking, jumping, etc., all are key skills you need to have to compete at the highest level.
3.What is your mindset when you are on the football field?
Win by all means necessary. I’ve never been a part of a losing program in the past decade I’ve spent playing and have always been that role player that every team needs. Whatever it takes to win I do.
4.If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?
I most definitely would have to go with Kurt Warner. He started in arena football and has a really great story making it from this league so I’d enjoy listening to see his mindset and process going through it all since it’s obviously not easy to do.
5.What is your favorite stadium that you have played in?
Playing in Arrowhead in Kansas City was probably the nicest stadium I’ve ever played in obviously due to it being the home of the Chiefs. Playing in the stadium you feel like a legit NFL athlete.
6.If your life was a tv show what would you call it and why?
The T. Jones Chronicles. Very basic I know, but something simple and easy referring to what most people call me would be the best in my opinion. Basically, a documentary of the process of coming from a small school to the big leagues is a story that you don’t see too often so I’d love to give other young athletes in my shoe advice on how to overcome these struggles.
7.What has been your biggest challenge in life?
My biggest challenge in life each year is being away from my family during the season. Those 3-4 months without seeing your significant other or parents/relatives is hard every year and will never get easier. Overcoming that challenge seems to be the most difficult, but communicating with apps like facetime tends to make it a little easier.
8.What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?
The game of football teaches you so many things in life to help you grow as a man. It teaches you how to handle adversity, gives you that F it mentality; basically gives you that tool to always find a way to get the job and this translates to more than just football. In everyday life this tool is used and that’s what playing football helps.
9.What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?
I’m the type of player that shows by example. I’m no hype man. I show up and get the job done. There are no friends on the field until the final whistle blows.
10.What would a team get in a player like you?
A dominant receiver that will do whatever it takes to win. Rather than mean blocking all game or catching bombs. I always give it my all whatever that may be.
11.Rank focus, footwork and skill-based on what is most important to you as a football player and explain why?
Big bodying little DB’s & going up over smaller DB’s is my biggest strength. Creating separation and being an overall complete receiver that can do it all is what’s most important to me. I’ve been working on my craft ever since college and focus on being able to do it all (being shifty & that big body guy). Blocking those bigger linebackers comes naturally, but perfecting my craft is the most important.
12.What are your favorite moments from your football life?
Off the field, I love being on camera working in the media industry so any interviews after games are the most fun aside from playing. I enjoy entertaining the kids and being that overall role model for anyone wanting to get to where I’ve gotten in my career. It’s inspiring seeing others pursue their dreams and make it.
NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com