At 5’10”, 235, TJ Tyus is unquestioningly formidable. He epitomizes strength, feared on the gridiron, and respected in every space in-between. His path to NFL stardom was a forgone conclusion until it wasn’t. No Excuses, Just Execution. From the age of six, A football career was TJ’s breakfast, lunch, and dinner. He dreamed about it, believed it, trained for it, lived ready for it, was professionally scouted for it, and was even awarded a contract to do what he knew he was made to do. Nothing scared him. Facing down a 6’10 400lb lineman, “bring em’ on.” Being targeted by special teams, “let’s go!”
TJ was poised to leave Central Michigan University and enter the NFL. Nothing could stop him except himself. With all his skillset, consistency, dedication, resiliency, passion, purpose, and preparation, he couldn’t outrun, tackle, or shut down the life he made off the field. Failure was something TJ was unfamiliar with. He excelled in every area of his life, broke records, set them, and was a genuine force to be reckoned with. Sadly, his NFL dreams weren’t strong enough to conquer the succession of bad choices and equally bad actions that closed the door to what would have been a legendary football career.
Perhaps the greatest lesson TJ learned was that proper preparation prevents poor performance, and he’s dedicated his life to bringing out the best in student-athletes through intense mentoring and coaching. Founder and CEO of The Tyus Training Institute, TJ’s no-nonsense, principle-driven approach has made him the go-to mental performance coach for High School and University athletes. Speaking to athletes, coaches, students, parents, and teachers alike in Canada, Dubai, Mexico, and across the United States, TJ’s dreams of producing world-class principled, disciplined, and driven athletes are coming to fruition. His authentic, powerful, and moving passion for excellence, has changed the futures and fortunes of countless athletes.
The greatest examples of which are his three sons, Anthony Tyus, III, Xavior and, Vaughnzell. Each is an outstanding athlete in their own right with a string of impressive notices, accolades, and achievements to their credit. Anthony, III is a Sophomore Running Back at Northwestern University, Xavior, a Junior Running Back at Portage Northern High School, Vaughnzell a Sophomore Running Back and middle linebacker at Portage Northern High School. The Tyus legacy of creating principled athletes with strong minds and bodies continues. A father, husband, author, and Pastor, TJ Tyus is living proof that you can change the world if you have the courage to change yourself.