2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: TJ Quinn, LB, University of Louisville

• Name: TJ Quinn
• Position: LB
• College: University of Louisville
• Height: 6’1”
• Weight: 230 lbs
• X: @tjquinn_
• Instagram: @tjquinn1

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

My life has always been revolved around sports, I played football, basketball, and baseball growing up, and I started running track when I got to high school. I showed the most potential playing football and have seen the opportunities it could give me if I put my all into it and I love the game itself and the relationships you build while playing.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My favorite moments are the moments that I get to spend with the guys in the locker room, because I knew that I wouldn’t also have the chance to be around those guys one day. Another moment would be the rivalry games when we played and just being in those type of atmospheres in high school and college we had some great games. I enjoyed going out and playing in front of Card Nation for 5 years.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

I’m looking to achieve my dream of getting to the NFL, I know there are steps still in order to get there so I’m taking everything day by day and making sure I’m getting better everyday.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day, who and why?

A player that I would want to hang out with is Ray Lewis, I went to one of his camps in high school and got to see a glimpse of how he is, but I would want to see how he went about things and his preparation to see how he got to where he is.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

I would say my parents inspire me the most because they made a lot of sacrifices for me and couldn’t do a lot of things just to make sure they got me to where I needed to be. No matter if it was camps, practices, or games they made sure I was there and that they were there supporting me.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

I got the opportunity to play in two different schemes in college and I would say that I liked the 4-2-5 better because it gave me the ability to showcase my skills in many different ways, it allowed me to be able to play free and track the ball. I made a lot of plays in that scheme.

What should we know about TJ Quinn the person?

TJ Quinn is someone that you will also be able to count on, and know that he will be where he is supposed to be at and doing what needs to be done and more. He is someone that people come to and look up to. He is a person that is a hard worker and will not be outworked.

What stands out about your film the most?

What stands out the most about my film is you will see some of everything in it. I am a versatile player, who makes plays sideline to sideline. I am an eraser and whenever there is a mistake I am there to fix it. I am someone who can make plays in all parts of the game.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

I handle those challenges by keeping my faith in God and knowing he will not put anything on my plate that he doesn’t think I can handle. I have that next play mentality in life and on the field and if something happens that isn’t supposed to happen I keep moving forward knowing that the next moment could be great.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A team would get a great person first off and a hard worker who is willing to learn. I am a locker room guy and I get along with anybody no matter who it is. You will get someone with high energy and want to get better everyday and show what I can do.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

I love the lessons that it teaches you for life. There is nothing that football doesn’t prepare you for in the real world. I love the relationships it has allowed me to build over the years and just being able to put it all out there, on the line every weekend with my brothers.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

The most underrated player I would say is Antonio Watts, he is a hybrid linebacker/safety who can do whatever you need him to do. He makes plays all over the field and to put it simple he is a playmaker and I know I can count on him to be where needs to be on the field.