Fresno native TJ Hall had to patiently wait until Saturday afternoon to hear his name called in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Hall was selected in the 7th round, 219th overall, by the New Orleans Saints.

The defensive back graduated from San Joaquin Memorial High School and then went on to spend his college career as an Iowa Hawkeye.

Hall, surrounded by loved ones, exclusively told Action News that all he needed was an opportunity.

"It's really a blessing. Especially having my family around..." he said. "...Whatever [the Saints] need me to do, really, I feel like I can play all five positions. If they need me to line up wherever they need me to help the team out and help them win the Super Bowl."

Hall was Iowa's leader in pass breakups with 10 last season, earning him a chance to play in the Senior Bowl.

That's where Hall says he first connected with the Saints.

"It was kind of crazy, I didn't talk to [the Saints] too much during the pre-draft process. I talked to them at the Senior Bowl. I think we went through some defensive install kind of thing. And then they called me and I was like man, we're going to New Orleans," Hall said.

He added he's excited to be a part of a great organization with great coaches and in a town with great food.

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