Tejhaun Palmer - Against All Odds

The Arizona Cardinals’ recent sixth-round draft pick, Tejhaun Palmer, has been a symbol of perseverance, faith, and determination throughout his life. Palmer’s journey to the NFL is a testament to his hard work and obstacles he has overcome, underscored by his deep-rooted faith and commitment to making a difference.

Born into a supportive and religious family, Palmer’s faith has been a cornerstone of his life and career. Reflecting on his path, he says, “Faith plays a huge role in my football career. I look to God for guidance. I make sure to give my thanks to God every day I wake up because He is the reason I made it this far in life. He is also the reason I am humble (Luke 14:11).”

This perspective has guided Palmer through the ups and downs of his football journey, from his high school days to the NFL.

Tejhaun Palmer’s football career began at Snow College, a stepping stone that eventually led him to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in 2021. His tenure at UAB was marked by impressive performances and steady improvement. As a redshirt senior in 2023, Palmer earned Third Team All-AAC honors with 47 catches for 858 yards and seven touchdowns. His 858 receiving yards were the seventh most in a single season at UAB.

Palmer’s journey wasn’t always filled with accolades and victories. His high school football experience was challenging, with his team winning only three varsity games over three years and never making the playoffs. Despite these odds, Palmer’s resolve never wavered.

“The biggest impact I hope to have with my platform is influencing the youth to have the confidence to be whatever they want to be no matter where they come from. I only won three varsity games at the high school I went to, so my chances of going to the NFL were slim. Hard work and faith are the reasons I made it this far,” Palmer shares.

His story is a powerful reminder that with faith and determination, even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome. Palmer’s journey from a struggling high school team to an NFL draft pick is a beacon of hope for young athletes everywhere. He aims to use his platform to inspire confidence and determination in the youth, encouraging them to pursue their dreams regardless of their background or circumstances.

Beyond his ambitions on the field, Palmer is also deeply committed to giving back to the community. “I would like to help people in poverty in any way that I can because God wants us to help the poor, and what goes around comes around,” he explains.

This commitment to philanthropy and community service is another aspect of Palmer’s character that sets him apart. He understands the importance of using his success to make a positive impact on those less fortunate.

As Tejhaun Palmer embarks on his NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals, he carries with him the lessons of his past, the strength of his faith, and a burning desire to inspire and uplift others. His journey is not just about football; it’s about perseverance, humility, and making a difference. The Cardinals have gained more than a talented wide receiver—they’ve added a player with a heart as big as his potential, ready to make an impact both on and off the field.