by Jim Wyatt, <titansonline.com>
T.J. Sheffield didn’t get drafted, and when un-drafted free agents began finding landing spots immediately following the conclusion of the NFL Draft, he didn’t find a landing spot then either.
His chance would come from his hometown team, the Tennessee Titans, via a tryout during the team’s rookie minicamp.
“For the tryout, I just wanted to try and take advantage of my opportunity,” said Sheffield, who attended Independence High School in Thompson’s Station, and was a finalist for the Tennessee Titans’ Mr. Football as a senior. “I tried to have a perfect camp, no dropped balls—just come out and look clean.”
Sheffield did just that, and the 5-foot-10, 188-pound receiver was signed by the team after the team’s rookie minicamp, when he competed alongside draft picks and other un-drafted free agents.
Sheffield then took part in all the OTAs and the team’s three-day minicamp with fellow rookies and veterans, catching passes from quarterback Cam Ward and others.
He’ll look to make a case for himself when training camp begins in July.
“It’s a dream come true,” said Sheffield, whose family lives in Spring Hill. “I feel like all the hard work, all the people who have been with me throughout my high school career, my college career, my parents: I get to show them what I can do at the top level.”
Growing up just outside Nashville, Sheffield said he was a big Titans fan as a kid. He went to a handful of games, and loved the team, and the excitement in the stands.
“Back in the day, I played running back, so I was a big Chris Johnson fan,” Sheffield said. “I used to love watching the Titans and C.J., for sure.”
In college, Sheffield began his career at Purdue, where he appeared in 46 games over five seasons (2019-23). He transferred to the University of Connecticut for his final season and played in all 13 games for the Huskies.
Sheffield totaled 172 receptions for 1,714 yards and 14 touchdowns. During his final season, he recorded 34 punt returns, the most of any player in FBS.
Along the way, he dreamed of one day having a chance in the NFL.
Now, he’s got his chance.
“Me and my brother, we always said we were going to try and make it to the league. And now that I am here, I definitely want to stay,” Sheffield said. “I am working to make this team and see what happens.
“Everyone has been welcoming to me. It is really competitive, and everybody is working to get spots, but it seems more like a close-knit family, and a brotherhood. I’m just trying to take advantage of any opportunity I get, and I’ll play anywhere they want me to, special teams, gunner, kick returner, punt returner, wherever they want me—I am going to be ready to compete.”
