FOXBORO, Mass. -- Those outside One Patriot Place might not have expected much from Dell Pettus. But the New England Patriots undrafted rookie always felt the National Football League was where he belonged.
"I made a promise to myself when I was in middle school that if I went to college, I'm not stopping at college, I'm gonna go to the NFL," Pettus told NESN.com last week after he earned a spot on New England's 53-man roster.
"I've always had a high standard for myself and preparation and ability. And I'm my biggest critic, so being able to come one step closer to achieving long-term successes, it means a lot to me."
The 22-year-old Pettus signed with New England as an undrafted free agent after five seasons at Troy University. He finished his collegiate career with 61 consecutive starts at safety, which is where he impressed Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo with his physicality, coverage skills and special teams contributions.
"Going undrafted, it was a bit of a humbling experience for me just because I view myself in such a positive light," Pettus said. "I never doubt myself. I've never in my life doubted myself or my abilities. So going through a situation like going undrafted, where I feel like probably a lot of other guys did, I was slighted. And I felt like, 'OK, well now it's another chip to be on my shoulder.'
"I mean, honestly, making the 53-man is great, but this is not my last goal. It's nothing that's going to make me stop working hard. Honestly, it just makes me want to work harder because I have my foot in the door."
Honestly, it just makes me want to work harder because I have my foot in the door.
Patriots undrafted rookie Dell Pettus
Pettus called his parents, Tamara and Glenn, as soon as he learned the fate -- and he learned by not getting a phone call. Both his parents were college athletes at Alabama A&M, where his father played football for the Bulldogs. Pettus wished he was able to share the news in person, but didn't have any trouble sensing the excitement despite the fact Glenn was at work and Tamara wasn't feeling well.
"Just being able to provide that as a son to my parents, it means a lot to me," Pettus said. "They've sacrificed a lot and they've given me this opportunity just by how they raised me and prepared me for life, just to come to this moment. So hearing them celebrating, the joy in their voices, was a great moment for me."
Pettus signed with the Patriots because of how he felt about his 30-man visit before the draft. He said Mayo and the Patriots proved themselves as a new but professional staff. Pettus felt it was an environment where staffers wanted to see everyone succeed, regardless of whether or not they were a first-round pick or undrafted rookie.
"I feel like all of my coaches genuinely want the best for me and my teammates, and I appreciate that more than anything else," Pettus said.
The Patriots had an undrafted rookie make their initial 53-man roster 20 times in the last 21 years. Bill Belichick's Patriots had an undrafted rookie make the roster in 19 consecutive seasons before that streak ended in 2023.
Pettus is responsible for the reset.
"Not only was I able to come here, but I was able to come here and learn from guys like Matthew Slater, guys who've been in my position before," Pettus said. "Just so many guys here -- Brenden Schooler (2022), David Andrews (2015) -- who came in here undrafted, extremely low chance of making a team, but they found a way.
"So being able to learn and be inspired from men like those, it's a great situation to be in."
Mayo believes it is important for undrafted players to know New England is a place where they will have an opportunity regardless of where they played prior. Less than a week before the Patriots trimmed their roster down, Mayo mentioned Pettus in that notion and shared how impressed he had been.
"He's done a fantastic job," Mayo said of Pettus, who recorded 15 tackles in three preseason games. "There's always this imposter syndrome where, 'Am I good enough, or am I not good enough?' For a guy like Dell Pettus, for example, to go out and make those plays just continues to boost his confidence."
Pettus doesn't have a game day roster spot locked down ahead of the Patriots' season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. He's in a deep safety group headlined by Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers. But it's clear the rookie isn't content with just being on the 53-man, and has both the confidence and work ethic to do what it takes to play.
