Hula Bowl Spotlight Interview: Jamal Pettigrew, TE, McNeese State | Presented by PowerPlus Mouthguard

• Name: Jamal Pettigrew
• Position: TE
• College: McNeese State/LSU
• Height: 6’7″
• Weight: 250 lbs.
• Twitter: @jamal80p
• Instagram: @jamalp80

What are you hoping to show scouts at the 2022 Hula Bowl?
I am hoping to show scouts at the 2022 Hula Bowl that I am a versatile player. I want to be able to show that I am an athletic Tight End that can run routes and catch touchdowns but also a Tight End that can be a dominant blocker in-line and quick enough to block quicker defenders.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?
If I could donate to one cause in the world, it would be to hurricane relief. I have been through plenty of hurricanes in my life being from New Orleans, Louisiana and I see how depleted the areas affected are after the hurricanes have left. Most hurricanes are very destructive and can leave people without homes. I have witnessed and lived in areas where dominant hurricanes have come and destroyed everything. I would donate to help people get back on their feet as soon as possible after the hurricane has done its damage.

Tell our readers one thing that the world may not know about you?
I absolutely love to take pictures and videos. I have a highlight on my Instagram page showcasing my talent. I love taking pictures of people and nature. I also love to play golf; I have been playing golf since I was 12 years old. It is always a fun time to go to top golf with my friends and they are so amazed with how well I am at hitting the ball.

What is the best advice you have ever received?
The best advice that I have received is that sometimes life will knock you down, but you must get yourself up and continue to be the best person you can be every day. There will always be adversity, but you must get through it and make the best out of every situation. Learn and grow from every situation.

What is your favorite song to listen to before kickoff?
I do not per say have a favorite song to listen to before kickoff. I love to meditate, take time to myself, and pray.

If you were an animal, what animal would you be?
If I were an animal, I would be a lion. I believe that the lion is one of the most fierce and relentless animals in the wild. They may not be the fastest or strongest animal, but they will always do whatever it takes to win and feed their families.

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?
One of the hardest moments in my life to overcome was my ACL injury I sustained in 2018. I was so excited for the upcoming season, and I was working very hard to help the team in any way I could to win a championship. My injury occurred a month before camp was due to begin. It hurt to watch my teammates play knowing that I could not play the game I love. Ultimately, I showed up to rehab everyday ready to work and got back on my feet as soon as possible. It was a tough situation, but I never let it affect my work ethic and my efforts to get back on the field as soon as possible.

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?
The one person I would compare myself to is George Kittles. He is one of the most dominant players in the NFL. He is also one of the most versatile Tight Ends in NFL history. He is an excellent route runner, but he is also a dominant blocker. I view myself in the same regards.

Did you have a favorite player or team in the NFL when you were growing up?
My favorite player in the NFL growing up was Jimmy Graham and he played on my favorite team growing up the New Orleans Saints. Being from New Orleans, Louisiana I have been a Saints fan my entire life. The first time I watched Jimmy Graham play he instantly became my favorite player because we both play the same position, and he was a dominant player for the Saints.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?
The three people that I would have dinner with would be Tom Brady, Elon Musk and Lebron James. I would have dinner with Tom Brady because I would have a conversation with him about what makes him so great and if there is a secret to his success that no one knows about that could benefit me. I would have dinner with Elon Musk because I would want to have a conversation with him on why he is such a successful businessman. I would have dinner with Lebron James because I would ask him what it takes to be a great player while also handling being a great businessman. Also, Lebron is my favorite athlete of all time so I would love to meet him.