2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Joe Giordano, LS, University of the Incarnate Word

• Name: Joe Giordano
• Position: Long Snapper
• College: University of the Incarnate Word
• Height: 5’11”
• Weight: 195
• Twitter: @joeg82te
• Instagram: @joegiordano14

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2023 NFL Draft?

My ability to snap the ball on a dime as well as either get out for coverage or kick slide and protect in a pro-style formation. I believe I have the tools to play at the next level and am always critiquing myself and looking for things to improve on.

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

I started playing football at the age of 5, along with other sports, but always had a strong passion for football.

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

I am a hard worker who does not give up and will always put the team over myself, no matter how big or small my role on the team is.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

Cancer research and treatment. Quite a few of my family members have battled cancer and I would love to be able to make any contribution to help with advancements.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Life is always going to throw challenges your way, and there are always going to be ups and downs, but it is how you handle yourself and what you make out of every situation.

Who was your childhood hero?

My grandfather, was an athlete growing up and into his early adulthood and always believed in me.

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?

Keven Nguyen, he is one of, if not the best punter I have seen play football at the FCS level.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Complaining, you have to work with the circumstances that you are given, and I am a big believer that complaining won’t get you where you want to be any quicker.

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

One of the hardest moments for me was when my grandfather passed away in November of 2020. He was one of my biggest supporters and fans, and at the time I did not know how to cope or deal with it. I had to dig deep and remind myself of my goals and continue to grind every single day.

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

UIW is special to me because of the brotherhood and family that we have here. When I transferred here in the summer of 2021, the guys were nothing but welcoming and I believe our camaraderie is one of the things that helped us win a southland championship.

What is your favorite snack food?

Peanut M&M’s

What is the best part of football?

Besides winning, grinding out the tough summer and winter off-season workouts with your brothers. It brings you closer together and helps you during the season when times are tough and we need to work together the most.

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?

I am a team player who is always going to put my brothers and the ultimate goal of the team first, regardless of the sacrifices I need to make to do so.

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?

Jon Weeks, being a 5’11” stocky snapper, I feel our play is very similar. He puts the ball on the money and isn’t afraid to get his nose dirty.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Kurt Warner, Mike Tyson, and Eric Thomas. These three guys have all overcome their own adversities, and their obstacles stretch over many different aspects of life. I think sitting down with them and getting to discuss some of those things would be an awesome experience.