2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Christian Joachim, OLB, Carleton University

• Name: Christian J. Joachim 
• Position: DB / OLB
• College: Carleton University 
• Height:6”1 
• Weight: 197lbs
• Instagram:  Boog03_

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

I will say that my hard work and work ethic speak for themselves. I always want more for myself and always look forward to comments and constructive criticisms from the coaches. I look forward to being told and shown what I should work on and how I can improve myself as a player. I journal my personal goals as it is a great way to stick to the plan, remain focused, stay motivated and more importantly to hold myself accountable for my progress. 

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

It all started at age 13. Beforehand, I used to play soccer and take part in a soccer team, and then my friends at the time brought up the idea of joining a football team. My love for adventure and competition for the sport made me join a football team. I have never looked back since. 

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

My feet are meant to be in cleats – the love I have for the game and the dedication I put towards my performances on and off the field are my driving force. Over the years, I have developed the ability to handle pressure, to adapt or adjust my game, and to let myself be teachable. 

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

I would create a football academy in the area where I grew up in, Montreal-North. Montreal-North is a popular francophone borough with 40% of the population having an immigrant background. It is both considered one of the most ethnically diverse areas of the city of Montreal, and one of the most disadvantaged urban areas in Canada. 

There are so many raw talents hidden in that neighborhood, although, Montreal-north is known for producing successful athletes at all levels – from high school to college and to the NBA. There are a few great basketball players from Montreal North who are currently playing at the NBA level, such as Luguentz Dort, Chris Boucher, and Bennedict Mathurin. 

I believe a football academy will give the opportunity to students to showcase their talent and possibly allow them to play at a higher lever such as the CFL or the NFL. On the other hand, this initiative will have the affect of decreasing the number of high school drop-outs and the rate of criminality in the neighbourhood. 

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

Take nothing for granted, hard work can outwork talent, and only the author can rewrite or modify his story.

Who was your childhood hero? 

I’d say my older sisters and cousins back home in Haiti. 

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

I would say Medley Joseph a.k.a muscle man, due to his knee injuries he wasn’t able to show out and help in the success of the team throughout the season. But now, he’s doing what is necessary to be back on the field and he is truly putting in the work. Pay attention to him.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Chewing sounds/ noises and walking outside in the rain, on grass,  barefoot .

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

My 1^st year at The University of Montreal wasn’t an easy year for me but that year helped me to grow,as a player and human being, I learned a lot from them. It didn’t end up how I wanted and I wasn’t going to let down my dreams and goals so I took the decision to leave Montreal and go to Ottawa for school and to keep pursuing my dream, a dream that I’ve been working to make it come true.

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

Carleton has a team spirit that is unmatched. Carleton feels like a real community and students really do support their sports teams and always come with great energy at our games. They truly make the experience of playing on the field 10 times more special. 

One thing that distinguishes Carleton from other universities is that we have an underground tunnel. This tunnel is truly a lifesaver during the winter when it -40 outside. Teachers and students always have access to the tunnel without having to step a foot outside. This allows us to go to school in sweatpants, and t-shirts without having to worry about the cold. 

What is your favorite snack food? 

Watermelon, peanut butter sandwiches 

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

A quiet storm – I’m not the loudest, but my impact is felt and can hardly go unnoticed. You don’t need to be loud to prove that you’re tough, but the hard work will be noticed no matter what, on the field or off the field.

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

Jamal Adams plays for the Seahawks (jersey number 33). Physi, he is 6’1 and weighs 210lbs. 

In terms of his plays, his aggressiveness, presence in the box, danger in the blitz game, his presence in the run support & in coverage have been a great source of inspiration to me. I watched him a lot, and I’d say I took some of his gaming styles and added them to mine – his aggressiveness, toughness, and presence in the box.

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

1. My grandparents: I would love to meet them, I have no memories of them, that would be something really big for me
2. Kobe Bryant: we all know that he is one of the best to ever play this game (Basketball) His mindset, the black mamba mentality, it is fun to run the book and watch the documentary but meeting him in person would be incomparable. 
3. Jamal Adams, since he is one of the players that I watch a lot, I would like to have a dinner with him to talk about his motivations, what brings out this energy and passion he has for the game, and discuss his playing style.