2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jeremiah Tyler, OLB, Princeton University

• Name: Jeremiah Tyler
• Position: Outside Linebacker
• College: Princeton University
• Height: 6’2”
• Weight: 228
• Twitter: @JT_009
• Instagram: _jt_5ive_

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2022 NFL Draft? 

My diligence and hardwork make me a top prospect for my position.  I come to practice/lift/film with the same mindset which is to get better than I was before I entered the room or stepped on the field.

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

Football had always caught my attention because one of my older brothers played.  I didn’t start playing organized football until 6th grade.

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

One thing NFL teams should know about me is that I’m always hungry and looking for ways to perfect my craft.  The hunger I have for improving my game, leadership, and character is insatiable.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be? 

If I could donate to one cause in the world it would be ‘World Hunger’.  I feel we have the resources to reach those who go to sleep hungry at night.  No one should go to sleep hungry.

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

The best advice I’ve ever received is to be myself and never try to be anyone else.  With this, I’m able to be myself on and off the field.

Who was your childhood hero? 

My childhood hero was my dad.  In the black community, the influence of a father in a young man’s life is not really acknowledged. I feel like that often dictates the path a young black man takes once he’s facing a fork in the road.

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school? 

I’d say the most underrated teammate in the locker room would be Trevor Forbes.  He’s one of the best safeties the school has had. He’s constantly embedded in film, coaching up our young guys and even me at times.  He always takes lead when others are afraid to step forward.  This is all done backstage.  He doesn’t get the recognition and credit he deserves.  He plays an instrumental role on our team.

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

My biggest pet peeve is when someone crunches on ice or smacks on their food.

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome? 

Adversity is definitely what builds character.  It’s hard to pinpoint one exact moment of adversity that helped change me for the better but I would say going through two surgeries in high school.  I was able to learn how to love myself for who I am, I learned patience, and I learned that there is more to life than sports.

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

My school is special because there are people from all walks of life that attend.  I have a number of classes with people from all over the world.  It’s crazy to think of because we are all trying to achieve a common goal, a Princeton Degree, but we’re from the opposite sides of the world.  I feel accepted as a student on campus because in class you feel heard and you are able to ask questions without feeling doubts about your own intellect.

What is your favorite snack food? 

My favorite snack food is probably sour patch kids (the watermelon ones though).

What is the best part of football? 

The best part of football is the sense of family you get from being a part of the team.  At Princeton, every role is important, and knowing that makes everyone feel valued.  Going through wins, losses, struggles, and success helps bring us closer together, like a family.

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say? 

If I could sell myself in one sentence it’d be this: If you are willing to bet on me, you will be getting a player who is coachable, willing to get his hands dirty, and hungry for making himself and those around him better.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why? 

Three people I would like to have dinner with: 1) Being my grandma, to just talk and see if she‘s proud of me, I wish she could see the things I’m doing. 2) Ray Lewis, I would love to have a conversation with one of football’s greatest leaders.  I feel like he’d shed light on how to become a better leader on and off the field. 3) Jocko Willink, a certified badass.  I would love to hear the stories he has about his leadership in the armed forces and it translates to his everyday life.