VS Athletic Club Vol. 2-Tanner Taula

Introducing Velvet Steel Athletic Club Volume 2 - Tanner Taula

We welcome our newest athlete to the Athletic Club. Tanner is currently a Tight End for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a former Illinois State Redbird and a well rounded human.

We took some to sit down with Tanner and get to know him a little better. He’s lead a life where football has consumed so much, but has stayed grounded by his faith in the Lord and surrounded himself with tremendous friends and family. Read his interview below, we think you’ll enjoy.

Question: So Tanner, how’s your NFL experience been? Is it everything you’ve dreamed of as a kid?

Tanner: “My NFL experience has definitely been a blessing so far. I’m going into my third year. I’ve spent my first two years on the practice squad for Tampa Bay. I would say it’s been a weird position to be in. On one hand, I really am living out the dream I’ve had since I was little to be in the NFL, but on the flipside, I am not playing on Sundays. So, although I’m in the NFL, this isn’t how I envisioned living out my dream. The practice squad has given me time to develop and hopefully end up on the field on Sundays soon.

As a practice squad player, I do everything that an active roster player would do except for play on Sunday. I’m in all the meetings and all the practices. So for me, it’s been really good to be put in an environment where I can learn football at a deeper level without the pressure of performing.”

Question: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to guys coming from a “small school” such as Illinois State? 

Tanner: “I would tell guys coming from a smaller school to be confident. I struggled having confidence in my ability playing against higher caliber guys. Once I got out there in my smaller senior bowl game and played against some guys from power five schools, I got a little bit of confidence. Once I got down to Tampa and had OTA’s under my belt I realized I can play at this level and got my confidence back. Don’t be like me, keep your confidence throughout the whole process. Go into it getting reps, as many as possible at a bowl game or OTA’s to prove to front offices you can play against higher caliber competition.”

Question: How do you keep yourself motivated during a very long NFL season? 

Tanner: I stay motivated during the season by viewing every day as a job interview. There’s so much turnover each year, maybe even each week in the NFL, in my position (being on the practice squad), I’ve never felt safe. I really believe my jobs on the line every day. Especially in the back half of the season, when it’s been very routine and monotonous weeks, it can be hard to stay locked in when you’re not playing on Sunday. But for me, my motivation comes from proving my value to buy me enough time to get on the active roster.

Question: What’s something you enjoy in your free time outside of football in the offseason?

Tanner: I picked up a couple hobbies in the off-season. I started golfing a decent amount. I really enjoy golfing because I’m not good at it, but I’m improving. So, it’s a way I can compete in the off-season, even if it’s against myself. I’ve also started reading a lot more. I read 3 or 4 books last year. Not a ton, but definitely the most I’ve read since middle school. I got engaged last summer and married this past month. So, I’ve been reading books about marriage. I’ve also become more interested in different theological topics. Those are the two areas I’ve been reading in.

Question: What has your faith meant to you?

Tanner: My faith has meant everything to me. My experience in the league so far has strengthened my faith, too. The lack of control I have on my situation has increased my trust and faith in God. I don’t know where I’ll be at in a couple months from now. I could be playing for Tampa, another team, or my football days could be behind me. No matter how much I train or improve, a front office will be making a decision on whether I play football or not. Not having control of my future hasn’t been easy and I’ve struggled with anxiety and truly enjoying where I’m at. It’s caused me to fully surrender the plans and desires I have for my life to the Lord. My friend Ezekiel shared a verse with me that’s helped me a lot. I’ve meditated on Psalm 127 which has shown me that all my efforts and work should be done in faith and trust in God. 

Question: Do you enjoy fashion? What are some fashion pieces that you enjoy?

Tanner: I am really starting to enjoy fashion. The problem is I might be the cheapest person I know. There’s no way I’m paying $500+ to put an outfit together. Considering that, I’m definitely more of a window shopper.

We appreciate Tanner’s time to help conduct this Interview. He is a class act and a tremendous athlete. We will continue to follow his journey here at Velvet Steel and wish him nothing but joy and success.

Once again, we welcome Tanner Taula into the Velvet Steel Athletic Club.

We hope you enjoyed today’s letter.

Sincerely,

The Velvet Steel Team