Tristan Wirfs NFL All Pro and Super Bowl Champion talks protecting Tom Brady vs Baker Mayfield, dealing with mental struggles of the pressures of position, Tampa Bay Bucs future, Iowa greats and becoming a father

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Feb 14, 2025

Tristan Wirfs, NFL All-Pro offensive tackle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Super Bowl champion, shares his vibrant journey from Iowa to NFL stardom. He candidly discusses the pressure of protecting legends like Tom Brady and Baker Mayfield, revealing the mental struggles he faced as a rookie. Wirfs emphasizes the importance of discipline, consistency, and the invaluable lessons learned from his mother. With humor and sincerity, he reflects on the camaraderie among teammates and the pride of Iowa's athletic legacy while embracing the joys of fatherhood.

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ANECDOTE

Protecting Brady

Tristan Wirfs was starstruck playing with Tom Brady, initially feeling immense pressure to protect him.
He received advice from Brady: "Don't get beat fast and don't get beat inside."

ADVICE

Importance of Consistency

Focus on consistency in your performance, especially in high-pressure situations.
Don't worry about flashiness; prioritize doing your job effectively.

ANECDOTE

Switching Sides

Wirfs experienced nightmares and anxiety when asked to switch from right to left tackle.
He overcame his mental struggles by focusing on positive self-talk and consistent practice.

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“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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