Panthers DB T.J. Green on making his way back to NFL after adversity, knowing he belongs
T.J Green was one of the early surprises of Panthers’ training camp once the pads went on.
The defensive back was prominently featured at cornerback, opposite Donte Jackson, over the first few practices but then other players received additional attention like Eli Apple, rookie Troy Pride Jr., Corn Elder and more as the team works through who will start at the position.
The Panthers claimed Green off waivers from the Saints in Week 16 last year and he received little media attention this offseason as the team added Pride Jr. and Apple in the search to replace now-New York Giant James Bradberry.
Green, 25, was a second-round pick by the Colts out of Clemson in 2016 and has seen ups and downs in his career. On a young defense, Green is an elder statesmen. He has dealt with multiple injuries in his career, and after spending two years with the Colts he was cut in 2018 and then chose to leave the Seahawks after they picked him up later that season. He spent the majority of 2019 on the Saints practice squad.
Now, with roster cuts to 53 less than a week away, Green is fighting for a role on the roster as he has appeared to slide up and down the team’s defensive backs depth chart. He talked with The Observer recently about his unique journey and always continuing to fight. This interview has been edited for clarity.
How has training camp been going for you?
It’s been a lot of learning, a lot of growing as a team. We’ve been in the building since camp started, since we got the COVID test, we’ve had time to grow together as a team and get to know each other, feel each other out. I mean it’s been good.
How have you dealt with all of the obstacles that have come your way with injuries and such?
I’ve never told myself that I didn’t belong. I’ve always had the same mindset that I can be one of the best, I will be one of the best. Just keep working, keep putting my foot down, get 1% better, and just go out there and compete.
What led you to leaving the Seahawks in 2018?
Some custody things with my daughter (Mina, who is two-years old), some injury things that I was battling, going through. When I was waived/injured from Indianapolis, and there was just a lot of stuff going on back home. And being all the way on the west coast, didn’t have the things that need to be taken care of back home. And while dealing with injury at the same time. So, there’s just a lot going on. It was just a dark place that needed to be fixed.
Did you know you wanted to come back to the NFL?
At the time it wasn’t a priority. My priority was having my daughter in my life. Making sure she’s taken care of, making sure my health and well-being was taken care of. And once everything, I got myself in order and got my life in order, I knew I wanted to go back and play football again.
That’s pretty amazing, finding your way back to the league after all of that.
Yeah, like I said, I’ve always believed in my talent. No matter what, whatever’s said, I’m going to be great. That’s what I work for, and nobody else can tell me that I’m not.
How has being a father impacted how you have processed all of the recent protests regarding racial injustice?
It just really hits home now. (She’s) the love of my life. I know that just based on the color of your skin, like what could happen to her, so that’s just a thought that’s always constantly in the back of your head.
Going back to your time at Clemson, I saw you played wide receiver originally. How did you become a defensive back?
I think I could have been a pretty great receiver too. I came to Clemson as an athlete, so Coach Dabo Swinney, he let me choose what position I wanted to play, so I chose receiver, even though we had guys like Sammy Watkins, Martavis Bryant, Charone Peak. I was like, ‘OK, I’m still gonna play receiver.’ I played as a true freshman and everything. I don’t remember the stats (he two receptions and three kickoff returns), but I feel like I wasted a year. And those guys were still going to be there, so after that season I was like, ‘yeah, I think I’m going to go back and play safety,’ which I played in high school as well. That was a decision I made by myself, not because anybody forced me to do it.
That’s a tough choice to make on your own.
I’ve always had that same mindset of no matter what I’m gonna do, I’m going to be the best at that. I’m going to fight to the be the best at that. I’m always feel like, I should be the guy if I’m going to be doing that.
With all of the ups and downs you’ve had in your own career, what would you pass along to the younger players in the Panthers’ locker room?
Take care of your body, believe in your self and never think that you don’t have a say in things. Like you can always express your opinion. We’re all grown men and we can all talk to each other
What are your goals for this season?
I want to be All-Pro. Work towards winning the Super Bowl, because that’s the ultimate goal. Do whatever I gotta do to help this team be the team that we can be and be great.
How much stock and thought do you put into the black jerseys that defensive starters have been wearing?
I personally don’t put a lot of time into it. It is what it is with me. I’m going to compete and then work no matter what jersey you’re going to put on. That really doesn’t affect my mindset.
It’s certainly distracted everyone watching practice.
It’s definitely something to work towards. Those are the guys that they are going with I guess based on the color of the jersey, but that should be something you want to work for, you want to be the guy there, you want to work for one of those black jerseys.
What stands out to you about this defense?
We’re fast. I can’t name one person on this defense that’s not fast. It’s gonna be fun. It’s gonna be fun running around and playing with these guys.... we’re a lot younger and a lot faster at every position, so definitely fastest defense I’ve been apart of.
