BY: ED COLE
TEMPE, Ariz. — Tony Jefferson and Tyrann Mathieu are both open books on social media, especially Twitter.
Both men aren’t afraid to bear their souls to the world, because for them it’s therapeutic, and it lets their fans know what’s going on in their lives.
In the case of Jefferson, who’s a restricted free agent, he’s worked his tail off for everything he’s gotten ever since he made the team as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2013. Over the last three seasons, Jefferson’s played in all 48 games with 18 starts. Last season, Jefferson ended up third on the defense in tackles with 75.
As Jefferson mulls over whether or not to sign the $1.671 million tender from the Cardinals (he’s got until April 22 – the deadline for restricted free agents to sign their tenders), he’s been waiting around to see if any other teams are going to offer him a deal equal to, if not better than, what the Cardinals offered him.
While Jefferson’s been waiting, he’s been working out to stay in game shape. While the workouts have been good for him, they’ve been tough at the same time, because he’s had a lot on his mind, which he shared with the world in an epic monologue on Twitter on Tuesday.
https://twitter.com/tonyjefferson1/status/714849261444161536
There b days durin workouts where I be damn near in tears cuz I want 2 b great.Ppl ask me "why u grind so hard T "Cuz they said I couldn't
— Tony Jefferson (@tonyjefferson1) March 29, 2016
There be times where I can't sleep at night because my chip on my shoulder be talkin to me making me feel guilty for trying to sleep
No lie— Tony Jefferson (@tonyjefferson1) March 29, 2016
I'm 24 on year 4, according to undrafted stats I wasn't suppose to make it to year 1.I've done nothing but produce when I step on the grass
— Tony Jefferson (@tonyjefferson1) March 29, 2016
Stats don't lie last two years I been getting 70% of snaps & still putting up starter numbers. I need that other 30% watch me work.. Plz
— Tony Jefferson (@tonyjefferson1) March 29, 2016
That's my why..Yeah I got to provide for my family yeah all that , but my real why is because they said I couldn't & I need that other 30%
— Tony Jefferson (@tonyjefferson1) March 29, 2016
Yeah Ima jokester, yeah ima clown .. But straight up I done been through some stuff dawg. Some stuff most can't handle. So let me smile!
— Tony Jefferson (@tonyjefferson1) March 29, 2016
Everybody grind is different and everybody has their own why. But as long as YOU believe in YOU you gon be straight I promise!
— Tony Jefferson (@tonyjefferson1) March 29, 2016
https://twitter.com/tonyjefferson1/status/714852829345677312
Alright I'm done .. Hope some of y'all felt that. Let's attack today and be great
— Tony Jefferson (@tonyjefferson1) March 29, 2016