Friends’ alum Jeremiah Pharms talks journey to the NFL

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Every offseason, Stockton, California native and New England Patriots defensive lineman Jeremiah Pharms makes the flight from Massachusetts to Wichita. He returns to the city where he was once a standout defensive end at Friends University.

“As soon as we got [to Friends], we made our mind up. We’re going to the NFL from Friends University,” explained Pharms. “We don’t know how it’s going to happen or when it’s going to happen, but it’s going to happen.”

It’s been an unlikely journey since graduating from Friends. Pharms played in both arena football and the USFL before finally getting the chance to play for Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots.

Pharms added, “Whether you’re in the facility or not, you always hear about the Patriot Way. You know it’s going to be hard work. And I was never opposed to hard work, so I was actually looking forward to it.”

But the curves in his journey weren’t over yet; Pharms was asked to add weight to change positions from a defensive end to a nose guard.

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“I didn’t really realize it until after the season,” Pharms confessed. “I’m just doing what the coach told me. What do you want me to do? Obviously, if they want me to do it, they know I can do it.”

The hard work in the weight room and on the practice field paid off when Pharms made his NFL debut last season on the road against the Dallas Cowboys.

“A 295-pound Nose Guard, that is kind of uncommon,” said Pharms, “but it is doable, you know, and I got the heart to do it. So why not go out there and make it happen, and I feel like that’s what I did.”

Now, he’s back and working with his former college position coach, James Tabor, as he looks to get himself prepared for offseason practices with the Pats.

“He’s just always had a dream, and he stayed working,” explained Tabor. “I mean, the kid, he is always grinding. Whether when we were in college or even after college, you know, the work effort never changes. The only thing I feel like is that it’s elevated from where he started.”

Pharms is now getting ready for his third season in the league, a feat many wouldn’t have thought possible, except for those who know the type of person Pharms is.

“Keep doing what I’m doing,” Pharms answered when asked what he needs to do to keep getting better at the highest level. “Obviously, it has been working. Just keep working. Like, I keep my head down, stay focused, and I don’t even worry about how long I’m going to be here. I’m worried about the right now. If you focus too far on the future, you’re going to miss today.”

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