Most NFL players have unique stories about overcoming obstacles in their lives, and for one New England Patriots player, their story is even more special.
Defensive tackle Jeremiah Pharms Jr. has had a rollercoaster of a career, working his way up from multiple college stops to the USFL, which eventually led to the NFL. And now, he’ll get a chance to prove himself.
After three straight roster elevations in October, the Patriots are promoting Pharms to the 53-man roster.
According to a source familiar with the situation, Pharms signed a two-year deal.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick spoke highly of him in August, which was a good sign:
“[Pharms is] a guy that came in and was in good shape and played well, played hard, was productive. His career is still continuing. Guys like that, they are able to take advantage of that opportunity, so that’s been good for players like that to get that extra shot.”
After going undrafted in the 2020 NFL draft, Pharms was selected by the USFL’s Pittsburgh Maulers in the USFL inaugural draft. Pharms was taken in the third round of the defensive interior lineman selections.
The 6-foot-3, 301-pounder played linebacker at Sacramento city College before transferring to Friends University, an NAIA program based in Wichita, Kansas. When he moved schools, he added muscle and weight and made a position switch to the defensive line. The move was one of the best decisions Pharms made and is what excelled him to be an NFL-caliber player.
Pharms sat down with Steelers Takeaways earlier in the year to talk about his journey to the NFL.
“I talked a lot to scouts. They told me they think I have what it takes. I have the speed and power to play. It’s just the level of competition I played at. I think the Friends University tag hurt in terms of getting NFL notice, but I wasn’t going to let that stop me.”
Pharms started his football journey at Sacramento State College before attending San Joaquin Delta and Friends University. He then played for the Wichita Force and the Pittsburgh Maulers of the USFL.
Talking with some of the coaches at Friends University, everyone has the same admiration for Jeremiah.
Friends University head football coach Terry Harrison shared his thoughts on the young defense lineman and how his journey inspires every football player.
“When you have a guy from a small college who’s made it to the NFL. You might wonder, man, I hope he comes back to visit. It’s crazy because you can measure benchpress 40 times, but you cannot measure gratitude, and Jeremiah has been a grateful guy who has been an awesome kid to get to know what’s around.”
In his 2022 USFL season, Pharms registered 32 sacks along with two sacks.
“He’s was nightmare in our conference. Tons of sacks. He’s a violent, violent guy in the right way on the football field. And, you know, he had a great career,” Harrison said. “It was, you know, a different player we had.”
It’s important to have support of your coaches but it’s even more important when it’s a 13-year veteran. Lawrence Guy spoke to the media about Pharms Jr. earlier in the week.
“Since the day he got here, he hit those books and asked questions. You could see it from practicing to any chances he got to play in the game, to previous training camps and he has improved so much,” Guy said. “He works his butt off. He’s one of those players who inspires me to keep going.”
Now, with Christian Barmore (knee), Deatrich Wise (shoulder) and Davon Godchaux (illness) all listed as questionable for the game, Pharms could see action as early as tomorrow.
The Patriots and Commanders kick-off on Sunday at 1:00 p.m.
My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
