TJ Parker recently joined Centered on Buffalo and opened up about what it was like to hear his name called by the Bills at No. 35 overall. For Parker, the moment was emotional and exactly what he hoped for in a professional landing spot.
“Man, I was super excited,” Parker said. “It’s crazy because I grew up, played Little League in Texas, and was a Texans fan. I grew up and was like, man, I want to play for a contender with a great fanbase.”
“As soon as I got the call from the New York area code, I looked to my parents and my wife, and I was like, oh yeah, we lit,” Parker said. “It was just so surreal. Everything was going through my mind.”
“If you saw my face, you could just tell I was in disbelief,” Parker said. “I couldn’t believe it.”
For a player coming out of Clemson, landing with Buffalo makes sense on a few levels. Parker gets to join a franchise that has been a consistent contender, plays in front of one of the NFL’s most passionate fan bases, and has clear expectations on the defensive side of the ball.
TJ Parker discusses with @ewood70 what it was like to get drafted by the Bills! Full Centered on Buffalo episode with @tomarrion is out now. #BillsMafiapic.twitter.com/dwuh2VqobW
— Centered on Buffalo (@thebuffalopod) June 25, 2026
Parker made it clear that the fit checked every box as well: “Everything that I wanted in a team and organization came true,” Parker said. “That’s why I carry being happy because this is the best-case scenario: coming to a program consistently winning; having great passion with the fans and an organization with players who want to play for the Bills.”
Multiple Clemson football players make Athlon’s preseason All-ACC team
📸 Ken Ruinard / USA Today Co Inc SC, Ken Ruinard / USA Today Co Inc SC / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images https://t.co/hxSQ8YDSEupic.twitter.com/xvYOkgcoAw
— Clemson Wire (@Clemson_Wire) June 28, 2026
Parker has gone from one passionate football environment in Death Valley to another in The Queen City, and based on his comments, he seems more than ready for it.
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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: TJ Parker calls Buffalo Bills “best case scenario” on Bills podcast
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