2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: TJ Burke, DL, Lehigh University

• Name: TJ Burke
• Position: Defensive Line (NG/DT)
• College: Lehigh University
• Height: 6’2
• Weight: 305
• Twitter: TjBurke56
• Instagram: tj._burke5

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2026 NFL Draft? 

• Being extremely coachable, The relationships I build with my teammates, My ability to get to the passer from any position on the interior defensive line with the Ability to use finesse and power moves. Consistently stopping the run through double teams and being a Member of our teams leadership council for two going into three years.

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

• My work ethic and my consistent improvement on the field year after year. Most importantly my love for football. 

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

• Give to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to help children receive cancer treatments and support research.

Who was your role model? 

• My Dad

Who is your favorite NFL team?

• Baltimore Ravens

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school? 

• William Parton

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

• People who do not give full effort in everything they do. Some examples could be at work, in the classroom or on the football field. 

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

• Professor Fillipo Casati took 2 classes with him at Lehigh. 

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

• My sophomore year season on October 14th I broke my thumb, Missed 1 game and played the rest of the season in a cast. Felt like I let it dictate how the rest of my season went, and used it as motivation in the off season. Our team turned around our program going from 2-9 to 9-4 with a playoff win. Finished my Junior season 1st team all conference. 

If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house what would it be?

• Longhorn steakhouse

What is your favorite snack food? 

• Yogurt 

What is your degree in? 

• Psychology, want to pursue a masters in Exercise science. 

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

• My Mom, Dad and either of my Grandmas. I would have dinner with them over anybody else because they have been by my side and supported me throughout my whole life. 

What is your biggest weakness? 

• Over training in the off season, not allowing myself to take a break.