Undrafted: 2015 College: Stanford Weight 108 kg | Height 1.88 m Name A. Tarpley | |
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Date of birth: (1992-04-30) April 30, 1992 (age 23) Parents Audie Tarpley, Karen Tarpley Similar People Tony Steward, Rex Ryan, Doug Marrone Profiles | ||
High school: Plymouth (MN) Wayzata | ||
Aubrey Joseph "A. J." Tarpley, (born April 30, 1992) is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He was signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2015. He played one season with the Bills before announcing his retirement at the age of 23, citing concern over concussions. Tarpley played college football at Stanford.
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College career
Tarpley started all four years for the Stanford Cardinal, compiling 20.5 career tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and four interceptions. He earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors as a senior.
Buffalo Bills
Tarpley was signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent following the 2015 NFL Draft. On November 30, 2015, he was waived. On December 2, 2015, the Bills signed Tarpley to the practice squad, and on December 10, 2015, Tarpley was promoted to the active roster. Tarpley recorded his first career interception against the Dallas Cowboys on December 28, 2015. In Week 17 against the New York Jets on January 3, 2016, Tarpley made the game-ending interception that gave the Bills a 22-17 victory and knocked the Jets out of playoff contention. The interception turned out to be the final play of his career.
On April 6, 2016, Tarpley announced that he was retiring after just one season, citing his health, having suffered his third and fourth career concussions the previous season. He explained the decision in an essay submitted to Sports Illustrated.
