Troy University Athletics
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Johnson's Journal - Dell Pettus’ Long Climb Lands on Football’s Biggest Stage
2/3/2026 11:24:00 AM | Football
Dell Pettus, a former Troy University standout safety and current member of the Super Bowl-bound New England Patriots, never takes for granted the journey he's on.
"I sit with one of my teammates pretty much before every single game, and then when we run on the field before we do the national anthem, we always look at each other, and we're just in awe … like, what a blessing; what an opportunity that God has blessed us with to be here," Pettus said. "Not only being in the NFL, but being healthy and contributing to your team, and now we're getting to do it in the postseason."
The Patriots (14-3) will battle the Seattle Seahawks (14-3) in Super Bowl LX on Sunday at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.
Pettus, a backup safety and also a key member on the special teams unit, is in his second season with New England after a five-year career at Troy in which he started his final 61 games.
This season, Pettus has recorded 20 tackles (11 solo, 9 assists) with one sack and one forced fumble.
When New England quarterback Drake Maye got loose on a 7-yard, third-down run with under two minutes left in the game to virtually clinch the AFC championship during a 10-7 win at Denver two Sundays ago, Pettus rejoiced from the sidelines.
"It was unbelievable," Pettus said. "In those situations, you're also prepared to go back on the field one more time and make sure that if the defense has to go back out, we're the ones that are going to finish the game.
"Knowing that we didn't have to go back out because our offense did their part and they finished that game for us, it was just so exciting, and everybody was ecstatic. It was just a feeling of like, 'Wow, we're really going to the Super Bowl.'"
Never in doubt
Pettus had a tremendous career at Troy from 2019 to 2023, compiling 310 tackles in 62 games, but wasn't selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, the Patriots had shown strong interest in Pettus and quickly offered him a free agent deal.
Pettus always believed he would make the 53-man roster once signing on the dotted line.
"Honestly, I do understand that being an undrafted free agent and making the team is something that is rare," Pettus said. "I never viewed it as I was against all of these odds, because at the end of the day, I had complete faith and confidence that I'm supposed to play in the NFL and I will play in the NFL. It didn't matter how I got there; I just needed the opportunity.
"So, I had the opportunity and that's all I cared about. From the moment I was there, I was an NFL football player - I wasn't someone who just had an opportunity in my mind."
Pettus said the experience gained during his time at Troy prepared him well for entering the professional ranks.
"They definitely helped me get ready for the pros," Pettus said. "Having (former Troy) coach (Jon) Sumrall there and his staff … they were people who had been around the game for a while and kind of helped re-establish what it's going to take. I had a good idea about what I needed to go in and do when I got my opportunity."
Pettus not only made the roster as a rookie but contributed 28 tackles with one start while playing in 17 games as a reserve in the secondary. Perhaps more significant, Pettus made a quick impression on the special teams unit as a key contributor.
Pettus regularly plays on punt coverage and kickoffs, extra points and field goals. He even successfully ran a fake punt, resulting in a 2-yard gain for a first down on a fourth-and-1 situation against Buffalo last season.
"It's very important, especially to me, because I know how valuable it is on our team," Pettus said of the special teams unit. "It's definitely a good place to be when you're working your way up on a roster, and it definitely builds confidence with your coaches.
"I take it very seriously because I know that the more reps that I do and the better I do on those teams is going to be more opportunities for me."
A family of athletes
Pettus, a Huntsville native and Sparkman High School graduate, certainly comes from an athletic family. His father, Glenn, played football at Alabama A&M, and his mother, Tamara, played basketball there. His brother, Micah, played four years as an offensive lineman at Ole Miss and transferred to Florida State for his last year of eligibility this past season. He is currently preparing for the NFL Draft.
"They both help in different ways," Pettus said of his parents. "My dad is the person I talk to pretty much the most when it comes to the football side of it because he played football, and he understands the game very well.
"If there are ever any times of frustration, or if I need to get something off my chest, he's the guy I talk to because he's going to be honest with me, but also he's going to tell me what I need to hear, whether it's good or bad.
"Then my mom is just supportive. She's always the one who is reminding me that no matter how I played or what type of day I had, that I'm where I'm supposed to be for a reason. That's always a good constant reminder, because some days I'm too hard on myself and she's still there being a loving and supporting mother."
With his younger brother preparing to hopefully enter the professional ranks as well, Pettus is always willing to give him some guidance.
"I do give him insight on what my coaches like to see," Pettus said. "I think my coaches have very high standards that make you a better player, so I give him the insights on how my teammates are being coached and what they (coaches) like to see from people in his position."
Pettus proudly proclaims his Christian faith for getting him to this point in his life.
"It's nothing but God," Pettus said. "My relationship with God has always been extremely trusting of Him, even though I know I might not know what's about to happen.
"I have to remind myself to put my faith in God, because whatever God wants for me is what's best. That's something my dad reminds me about all the time, which helps me a lot whenever I'm going through trials and tribulations."
An Alabama connection
As Pettus reached the pro level, a somewhat familiar face was already established with the Patriots in starting cornerback/punt returner Marcus Jones of Enterprise. Jones starred for two seasons at Troy (2017-18) as a safety and dynamic kick returner before playing his final two years at Houston.
"Marcus has been a really good teammate and just a really good guy," Pettus said. "I never really knew Marcus, but always heard of him from when I was being recruited … I had been in a couple of meetings when he was still at Troy.
"There was a period before I went and took my early visit to the Patriots, where I did see Marcus again as he was passing through Troy. He always told me beforehand, he was like, 'Hey, if you need any insight or any help, just let me know.' And the same thing when I got here my rookie year, he told me if I needed anything, to please let him know.
"He's always been someone who has offered a helping hand and someone I've learned a lot from just seeing how he plays football … like learning bits and pieces about what goes into his process. He's definitely a great guy to be around."
Winning the AFC title
The game between Denver and New England for a berth in the Super Bowl was played in almost blizzard-like conditions during the second half. The score was tied 7-7 at halftime in what was light snow before conditions quickly deteriorated during the final two quarters. The only points of the second half came on a 23-yard field goal by the Patriots' Andy Borregales with 5:29 left in the third quarter.
"It definitely was difficult," Pettus said. "There's a lot to adjust to, especially with your cleats on the field. I mean, the snow itself really didn't affect the temperature in my opinion, but it definitely affected the playing conditions.
"We had to make sure the snow wasn't getting caught up on the bottom of our cleats and stuff like that, because the field was already slick and the snow was making it slicker."
Pettus had never played in such frigid conditions.
"Honestly, my first time playing in the snow was this year in Foxborough (Patriots home), but it was always something a little more tame than that," Pettus said. "Playing in what, in my opinion, looked like a blizzard … that was a brand new experience for me. It definitely was surreal and something fun that I'm happy I got to experience."
When Pettus returned to the locker room following the AFC Championship Game victory, his cell phone lit up with text messages.
"Probably the most messages I've received in a night," Petty said. "It was insane … a lot of people trying to show support and all of that good stuff. I know it all came from a good place."
Now the attention turns to the NFC champion Seahawks. The game will be televised on NBC with a 5:30 p.m. kickoff.
"I think they're a really, really efficient team," Pettus said of Seattle. "They do what they're good at very well, which is the reason why they've gotten to the point where they are.
"Just like any other game, I think we're just going to have to go in there and execute our fundamentals and details … make sure they are the ones earning the plays instead of us beating ourselves."
And if it works out in the Patriots' favor, Pettus will have his first Super Bowl ring.
"I sit with one of my teammates pretty much before every single game, and then when we run on the field before we do the national anthem, we always look at each other, and we're just in awe … like, what a blessing; what an opportunity that God has blessed us with to be here," Pettus said. "Not only being in the NFL, but being healthy and contributing to your team, and now we're getting to do it in the postseason."
The Patriots (14-3) will battle the Seattle Seahawks (14-3) in Super Bowl LX on Sunday at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.
Pettus, a backup safety and also a key member on the special teams unit, is in his second season with New England after a five-year career at Troy in which he started his final 61 games.
This season, Pettus has recorded 20 tackles (11 solo, 9 assists) with one sack and one forced fumble.
When New England quarterback Drake Maye got loose on a 7-yard, third-down run with under two minutes left in the game to virtually clinch the AFC championship during a 10-7 win at Denver two Sundays ago, Pettus rejoiced from the sidelines.
"It was unbelievable," Pettus said. "In those situations, you're also prepared to go back on the field one more time and make sure that if the defense has to go back out, we're the ones that are going to finish the game.
"Knowing that we didn't have to go back out because our offense did their part and they finished that game for us, it was just so exciting, and everybody was ecstatic. It was just a feeling of like, 'Wow, we're really going to the Super Bowl.'"
Never in doubt
Pettus had a tremendous career at Troy from 2019 to 2023, compiling 310 tackles in 62 games, but wasn't selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, the Patriots had shown strong interest in Pettus and quickly offered him a free agent deal.
Pettus always believed he would make the 53-man roster once signing on the dotted line.
"Honestly, I do understand that being an undrafted free agent and making the team is something that is rare," Pettus said. "I never viewed it as I was against all of these odds, because at the end of the day, I had complete faith and confidence that I'm supposed to play in the NFL and I will play in the NFL. It didn't matter how I got there; I just needed the opportunity.
"So, I had the opportunity and that's all I cared about. From the moment I was there, I was an NFL football player - I wasn't someone who just had an opportunity in my mind."
Pettus said the experience gained during his time at Troy prepared him well for entering the professional ranks.
"They definitely helped me get ready for the pros," Pettus said. "Having (former Troy) coach (Jon) Sumrall there and his staff … they were people who had been around the game for a while and kind of helped re-establish what it's going to take. I had a good idea about what I needed to go in and do when I got my opportunity."
Pettus not only made the roster as a rookie but contributed 28 tackles with one start while playing in 17 games as a reserve in the secondary. Perhaps more significant, Pettus made a quick impression on the special teams unit as a key contributor.
Pettus regularly plays on punt coverage and kickoffs, extra points and field goals. He even successfully ran a fake punt, resulting in a 2-yard gain for a first down on a fourth-and-1 situation against Buffalo last season.
"It's very important, especially to me, because I know how valuable it is on our team," Pettus said of the special teams unit. "It's definitely a good place to be when you're working your way up on a roster, and it definitely builds confidence with your coaches.
"I take it very seriously because I know that the more reps that I do and the better I do on those teams is going to be more opportunities for me."
A family of athletes
Pettus, a Huntsville native and Sparkman High School graduate, certainly comes from an athletic family. His father, Glenn, played football at Alabama A&M, and his mother, Tamara, played basketball there. His brother, Micah, played four years as an offensive lineman at Ole Miss and transferred to Florida State for his last year of eligibility this past season. He is currently preparing for the NFL Draft.
"They both help in different ways," Pettus said of his parents. "My dad is the person I talk to pretty much the most when it comes to the football side of it because he played football, and he understands the game very well.
"If there are ever any times of frustration, or if I need to get something off my chest, he's the guy I talk to because he's going to be honest with me, but also he's going to tell me what I need to hear, whether it's good or bad.
"Then my mom is just supportive. She's always the one who is reminding me that no matter how I played or what type of day I had, that I'm where I'm supposed to be for a reason. That's always a good constant reminder, because some days I'm too hard on myself and she's still there being a loving and supporting mother."
With his younger brother preparing to hopefully enter the professional ranks as well, Pettus is always willing to give him some guidance.
"I do give him insight on what my coaches like to see," Pettus said. "I think my coaches have very high standards that make you a better player, so I give him the insights on how my teammates are being coached and what they (coaches) like to see from people in his position."
Pettus proudly proclaims his Christian faith for getting him to this point in his life.
"It's nothing but God," Pettus said. "My relationship with God has always been extremely trusting of Him, even though I know I might not know what's about to happen.
"I have to remind myself to put my faith in God, because whatever God wants for me is what's best. That's something my dad reminds me about all the time, which helps me a lot whenever I'm going through trials and tribulations."
An Alabama connection
As Pettus reached the pro level, a somewhat familiar face was already established with the Patriots in starting cornerback/punt returner Marcus Jones of Enterprise. Jones starred for two seasons at Troy (2017-18) as a safety and dynamic kick returner before playing his final two years at Houston.
"Marcus has been a really good teammate and just a really good guy," Pettus said. "I never really knew Marcus, but always heard of him from when I was being recruited … I had been in a couple of meetings when he was still at Troy.
"There was a period before I went and took my early visit to the Patriots, where I did see Marcus again as he was passing through Troy. He always told me beforehand, he was like, 'Hey, if you need any insight or any help, just let me know.' And the same thing when I got here my rookie year, he told me if I needed anything, to please let him know.
"He's always been someone who has offered a helping hand and someone I've learned a lot from just seeing how he plays football … like learning bits and pieces about what goes into his process. He's definitely a great guy to be around."
Winning the AFC title
The game between Denver and New England for a berth in the Super Bowl was played in almost blizzard-like conditions during the second half. The score was tied 7-7 at halftime in what was light snow before conditions quickly deteriorated during the final two quarters. The only points of the second half came on a 23-yard field goal by the Patriots' Andy Borregales with 5:29 left in the third quarter.
"It definitely was difficult," Pettus said. "There's a lot to adjust to, especially with your cleats on the field. I mean, the snow itself really didn't affect the temperature in my opinion, but it definitely affected the playing conditions.
"We had to make sure the snow wasn't getting caught up on the bottom of our cleats and stuff like that, because the field was already slick and the snow was making it slicker."
Pettus had never played in such frigid conditions.
"Honestly, my first time playing in the snow was this year in Foxborough (Patriots home), but it was always something a little more tame than that," Pettus said. "Playing in what, in my opinion, looked like a blizzard … that was a brand new experience for me. It definitely was surreal and something fun that I'm happy I got to experience."
When Pettus returned to the locker room following the AFC Championship Game victory, his cell phone lit up with text messages.
"Probably the most messages I've received in a night," Petty said. "It was insane … a lot of people trying to show support and all of that good stuff. I know it all came from a good place."
Now the attention turns to the NFC champion Seahawks. The game will be televised on NBC with a 5:30 p.m. kickoff.
"I think they're a really, really efficient team," Pettus said of Seattle. "They do what they're good at very well, which is the reason why they've gotten to the point where they are.
"Just like any other game, I think we're just going to have to go in there and execute our fundamentals and details … make sure they are the ones earning the plays instead of us beating ourselves."
And if it works out in the Patriots' favor, Pettus will have his first Super Bowl ring.
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