Jeremiah Pharms Jr. Bio
Jeremiah Keith Pharms Jr. is an American professional football defensive tackle for the New England Patriots in the National Football League. Born on October 16, 1996, in Stockton, California, Pharms has built his career through persistence and determination after going undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft. His professional journey includes stints in the Champions Indoor Football League with the Wichita Force and the United States Football League with the Pittsburgh Maulers before earning a spot with the Patriots organization in 2022. Pharms continues to serve as a rotational defensive lineman for New England, contributing to the team’s defensive line depth.
Early Life and Background
Pharms grew up in Stockton, California, where he attended Stagg High School. During his high school years, he developed the foundational skills that would eventually carry him to the collegiate level. His athletic trajectory was influenced by a family legacy in football, as his father, Jeremiah Pharms Sr., played college football at the University of Washington and was a member of the Huskies team that won the Rose Bowl in 2000. This family connection to competitive football provided young Pharms with both inspiration and guidance as he pursued his own gridiron ambitions.
The elder Pharms experience at a major college program offered a blueprint for the younger Jeremiah, demonstrating what it takes to compete at the highest levels of college football. This familial football lineage would prove instrumental in shaping Pharms understanding of the game and his work ethic moving forward.
Path to Professional Football
Following his graduation from Stagg High School, Pharms began his college football journey at Sacramento City College in 2015. He then transferred to San Joaquin Delta College for the 2016 and 2017 seasons, where he continued to develop his craft as a defensive lineman against junior college competition. His strong performances at the junior college level earned him an opportunity to continue his football career at the four-year college level.
Pharms completed his collegiate career at Friends University in Kansas, suiting up for the Falcons from 2018 through 2019. This progression through multiple programs showcased his ability to adapt to different systems and coaching styles. Despite his experience and development, Pharms did not hear his name called during the 2020 NFL Draft, indicating that teams had concerns about his projection to the professional level or viewed him as an undrafted free agent prospect worth pursuing after the draft concluded.
Jeremiah Pharms Jr. Career
Early Professional Career (2020–2021)
After going undrafted in 2020, Pharms initially pursued opportunities in professional football leagues outside the NFL structure. He continued to work on his game and await his opportunity. In 2021, Pharms found his first professional foothold with the Wichita Force of the Champions Indoor Football League. This stint in the CIF allowed him to experience professional-level competition and refine his skills against experienced players looking to advance their careers.
The indoor football environment provided Pharms with valuable game experience in a faster-paced, confined setting that demands versatility from defensive players. His performance with the Force demonstrated his readiness for a higher level of competition and positioned him for future opportunities.
Pittsburgh Maulers USFL Breakthrough (2022)
Pharms caught the attention of scouts when he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Maulers of the United States Football League in 2022. The USFL, which relaunched that year, provided a visible platform for players seeking to prove they belong in the NFL. Pharms made the most of this opportunity, recording 22 tackles and two sacks during his season with the Maulers. These statistics demonstrated his ability to disrupt opposing offenses and generate pressure on quarterbacks.
His performance in the USFL served as an audition of sorts for NFL teams, showcasing that he could compete effectively against professional talent. The two sacks he recorded highlighted his pass-rushing ability, a valuable trait for any defensive tackle looking to earn an NFL roster spot.
New England Patriots Era (2022–Present)
Following the conclusion of the USFL season, Pharms signed with the New England Patriots on July 19, 2022, taking his first step toward an NFL roster. He was waived during final roster cuts on August 30 but was re-signed to the practice squad the following day, a common path for undrafted players to remain in the organization while continuing to develop. Pharms impressed the coaching staff enough to earn a reserve/future contract with the Patriots on January 10, 2023, securing his place in the organization heading into the 2023 season.
The 2023 campaign saw Pharms continue his journeyman trajectory with New England. He was waived during another round of roster cuts on August 29, 2023, and returned to the practice squad. His persistence paid off when he was signed to the active roster on November 4, 2023, giving him the opportunity to contribute on game days. His career NFL statistics reflect his role as a situational player, with 42 total tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 fumble recovery demonstrating his contributions in limited opportunities.
On February 11, 2025, Pharms signed a two-year contract extension with the Patriots, indicating the organization valued his depth and versatility along the defensive line. However, his tenure continued to feature roster movements typical of players fighting for consistent spots. He was released on September 6, 2025, and re-signed to the practice squad before being elevated to the active roster on December 27, 2025. These transactions underscore the competitive nature of maintaining an NFL roster spot and Pharms ability to bounce back when given opportunities.
Playing Style and Strengths
Pharms plays the defensive tackle position at 6 feet 2 inches and 300 pounds, giving him the size necessary to anchor against the run in the Patriots defensive scheme. His experience playing multiple seasons in professional alternative leagues helped him develop into a reliable rotational player capable of filling in when called upon. His two career sacks demonstrate some pass-rushing ability from the interior, while his fumble recovery shows his awareness for creating turnovers. The Patriots coaching staff has repeatedly valued his presence enough to cycle him between the active roster and practice squad, indicating he brings consistent effort and preparation to the defensive line room.
Notable Events and Milestones
Pharms most significant career milestone remains earning his first NFL roster spot with the New England Patriots in 2022 after going undrafted two years earlier. His journey from the CIF to the USFL and finally to the NFL exemplifies the alternative pathways available to players who do not hear their names called on draft weekend. The two-year extension he signed in February 2025 represented validation from an NFL organization that believed in his abilities. His continued presence in the Patriots defensive line rotation through multiple roster transactions demonstrates his resilience and value as a depth player in professional football.
Jeremiah Pharms Jr. Career Wins
While Pharms career has not included championship victories at the professional level, he has accumulated meaningful statistics that reflect his contributions as a defensive tackle. His 42 career tackles and 2 sacks in NFL regular-season play represent solid production for a player who has primarily served in a rotational role. His time with the Pittsburgh Maulers produced his highest single-season sack total with 2 sacks, and his 22 tackles with the USFL franchise demonstrated his ability to make plays at a professional level before joining the NFL.
Professional Career Highlights
Pharms breakout professional season came with the Pittsburgh Maulers in 2022, where his 22 tackles and 2 sacks positioned him as one of the more productive defensive players in the USFL. This performance directly led to his opportunity with the New England Patriots later that same year. In the NFL, his contributions have been modest but consistent, with his 42 total tackles spread across multiple seasons with the Patriots organization. His 2 career NFL sacks and 1 fumble recovery represent the type of impact plays that coaches look for from interior defensive linemen.
Other Notable Performances
Beyond his statistics, Pharms value to the Patriots has come through his reliability and versatility along the defensive line. Being elevated from the practice squad multiple times indicates that coaches trust his preparation and ability to step in and contribute when needed. His journey through indoor football, the USFL, and ultimately the NFL showcases his determination to prove himself at the highest level of American football.
Jeremiah Pharms Jr. Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Pharms comes from a football family with strong collegiate roots. His father, Jeremiah Pharms Sr., played college football at the University of Washington, where he was a member of the historic Huskies team that captured the Rose Bowl championship following the 2000 season. This family legacy provided young Jeremiah with a deep appreciation for the game and a clear understanding of the dedication required to succeed at competitive levels. Growing up with a father who experienced college football success likely influenced his decision to pursue the sport seriously and shaped his expectations for his own career.
Personal Life
While Pharms maintains a public presence including an Instagram account under the handle pharms34, detailed information about his personal life beyond football remains largely private. He continues to pursue his NFL career with the New England Patriots organization, balancing the demands of professional football with his personal interests. His journey from an undrafted free agent to a roster player with NFL experience represents an ongoing story of perseverance in a highly competitive industry.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented another chapter in Pharms journeyman career with the New England Patriots. He began the year with a newly signed two-year contract extension that the Patriots awarded him on February 11, demonstrating organizational confidence in his continued contributions. However, the season following his extension proved challenging, as he was released on September 6, 2025, during roster transactions. This pattern of roster movement has become familiar throughout his time with the Patriots.
Pharms responded to his release the same way he had in previous seasons, accepting a spot on the practice squad and continuing to prepare for an opportunity. His persistence was rewarded when he was signed to the active roster on December 27, 2025, allowing him to contribute during the final stretch of the regular season. This elevation underscored his reputation as a player who remains ready to contribute when called upon, regardless of his roster status.
Looking ahead, Pharms signed a reserve/futures contract with the Patriots in early 2026, securing his place in the organization for the following season. This type of futures contract typically comes after the season concludes and indicates the team expects him to compete for a roster spot during the upcoming training camp. Pharms career trajectory demonstrates that professional football opportunities can arise through persistence, and his continued presence in the Patriots defensive line rotation reflects his value as experienced depth at the defensive tackle position.