He was signed by the National Football League's (NFL) Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2015.

He played one season with the Bills before announcing his retirement at the age of 23, citing concern over concussions.

[1] Tarpley started all four years for the Stanford Cardinal, compiling 20.5 career tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and four interceptions.

[11][12] In the third game of the 2019 AAF season against the San Antonio Commanders, Tarpley intercepted Logan Woodside and returned it 27 yards for a touchdown.

[16] During his initial retirement, Tarpley worked as a sales representative for Bank of America Merrill Lynch on Wall Street.