“You might not have everything you want, but you're gonna have everything you need.” Tristan Wirfs on powerful words from his mother
In this episode of The Pivot, Ryan, Channing and Fred sit with Tampa Bay Buccaneers All-Pro tackle and Super Bowl champion Tristan Wirfs who discusses his journey from Iowa to NFL stardom as he shares what it was like protecting Tom Brady year one vs Baker Mayfield now, talks the personal struggles he’s overcome and how fast life changes if we don’t adapt.
Immediately as the conversation starts, the energy is high, and the guys realize Tristan isn’t the typical offensive lineman personality wise as he jokes with the guys, joins in on the fun and delivers a refreshing perspective to football, family and life.
Wirfs reflects on the high expectations placed on him as a rookie tasked with protecting one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. He shares with the guys invaluable advice from his coaches that taught him importance of discipline and consistency as well as the one thing Tom Brady said to not let happen!
Opening up about the mental struggles he faced transitioning in the league, revealing that nightmares and anxiety crept in as he doubted himself, especially as he was tasked with switching positions and the pressures he felt being on this level. His bond with Baker Mayfield and his offensive line helped pull him through the dark times and now he’s looking to lead his team back to a championship.
Wirfs’ motivation and mindset stems from the strength he received from is his mother, who worked tirelessly to provide for him and his sister as a single mother. He shares an emotional story of calling her to tell her she no longer had to work and how meaningful the sacrifices she made back then are now.
This past summer, Wirfs welcomed his first child and it immediately changed his perspective, bringing deeper joy and responsibility into his life. He speaks on the rewarding experience of giving back, whether it’s participating in Iowa’s Hawkeye Wave tradition, and how special it’s been to see so much unexpected talent come from his Alma mater from Caitlin Clark to Cooper DeJean to Riley Moss and more…
Wirfs journey is a testament of not just chasing a dream but fulfilling it through hard work, mental resilience and gratitude.
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