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The Assist: Tyler Adams reflects on the guidance that helped shape his path
New York Life | June 8, 2026
New York Life’s The Assist explores the power of guidance through the stories of U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team players and the coaches, mentors and loved ones who helped shape their futures.
Tyler Adams on the day he gained three brothers
Q: How did you find out you were about to have brothers?
A: Seventh grade technology class, and some kid just tapped on my shoulder. And he said, “I think your mom is dating my dad.” And I was like, parents dating? What are we talking about here?
Q: When did it sink in that it was real?
A: He was telling the truth, because the next week we were at their house for the Super Bowl. Having dinner and whatnot.
Q: You went from being an only child to having three brothers overnight. What was that like?
A: To gain three brothers on a day, it’s pretty unique, especially as an only child. And it was a harsh reality at first when I met my brothers, because I was no longer the golden child. I was the oldest, all of a sudden had to become a big brother and role model. It was a dream come true and a rude awakening all at the same time.
Q: What helped you all bond early on?
A: We bonded over sports. That’s what brought us together to begin with.
Q: What did those early days as a new family look like at home?
A: My two youngest brothers, Dylan and Donovan, had a shared room with two beds in it. And we basically every night slept in that room anyways, me and my brother Darryl too.
Q: What’s it been like watching your brothers grow — especially in sports?
A: It was a really cool, full circle moment when Dylan signed with New York Red Bulls, because I believe in every single one of my brothers — that whatever they want to achieve, they can. As long as they continue to work hard and stay consistent.
Q: You had a powerful exchange with Dylan about confidence. What were you trying to teach him?
A: I’m like, what do you want to do? What’s your dream? And I’m like, Dylan, I didn’t ask you if it’d be cool. I asked, what do you want to do?
Q: What did your brothers teach you — beyond sports?
A: In a world where everything for me is about competing and being the best, they forced me to grow and expand who I was as a person. They taught me what loyalty is. They taught me what having each other’s backs is all about. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am.
Q: When life gets hectic and you’re not together, what does reconnecting mean to you?
A: I’m definitely blessed that I have the three of them. And when we get to reconnect, it’s always the best feeling. I love them so much.
Tyler Adams on the mentor who helped shape his game
Q: Let’s start with the running joke: Were you actually faster than Bradley Wright-Phillips?
A: I still think that!
Q: When did you first realize Bradley was more than just a player you admired from the stands?
A: The first time that I sat in the locker room next to Bradley Wright-Phillips — it was a bit surreal, to be honest. You’re sitting next to your idol, your role model, someone who got you interested in the game and the reason you kept going back to Red Bulls games.
Q: As a young player walking into that environment, what did you feel you had to prove?
A: You’re the new kid on the block. You have a lot to prove. You have to earn your stripes, so to speak.
Q: What did you learn by watching how Bradley carried himself day to day?
A: I saw how he treated me as such a young player, and I realized he really set the example of who I wanted to be. Not only because he was the best player on the team. I watched how he acted every day, how he interacted with people, how he prepared himself to train every single day and maintained that level for such a long time.
Q: Was it more about being coached — or seeing the standard up close?
A: It wasn’t so much being told what to do. I need to see firsthand, this is what you need to do in order to take that next step. He was that guy.
Q: How would you describe Bradley’s impact on you now that you’ve had time to reflect?
A: Brad’s definitely my assist. He probably has done more and means more to me than he can imagine. His knowledge of the game, how friendly he is, how selfless he is. Humble. He was the guy that I looked up to. In a lot of ways, he was the person that I wanted to be.
Q: What did it mean to have him in your corner beyond soccer?
A: I’m thankful for him taking me under his wing, allowing me to grow, and — whether I wanted to have a conversation about soccer or life, he was always there for me. I’m definitely thankful that he became not just a mentor but a friend.
Q: What’s one lesson from Bradley that you carry with you now?
A: Just make sure you enjoy it. Because it’s going to go quick. I know.
Media contact
Sara Sefcovic
New York Life Insurance Company
(212) 576-4499
Sara_M_Sefcovic@newyorklife.com