2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Noah Curtis, DL, Keiser University

- Name: Noah Curtis
- Position: DL
- College: Keiser University (Previously played at Florida International)
- Height: 6’6″
- Weight: 280 lbs
- Twitter: @Showtime_Noah90
- Instagram: @showtime_noah90
What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?
I think I was 4 or 5 years old when I saw my older brother play Pop Warner football. I don’t remember much from that age, but what I do remember is my crying and rolling on the ground because I couldn’t play with my brother. So the next year my parents lied on my registration so I could play football for the first time with my brother.
What are your favorite moments from your football life?
One of my favorite moments ever from playing football was when I was at FIU and we beat the University of Miami for the first time in school history. We played at the old orange bowl field which is now the new Marlins stadium. The crowd was so electric and every single one of us was ready to play and compete with college football’s finest.
What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?
The one thing I’m looking to achieve while playing football is to be a positive role model for my community where ever I go. As professionals we have a job to not only play on Sundays, but to give back to our community as well. It’s always been a dream of mine to have my own foundation so I can help as many people as I can, while playing football.
If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?
If I could hang out with any football player from the past or present, it’ll have to be Cam Newton. When I was kid playing Quarterback, I remember collecting all of his jerseys and mimicking his swag that he brought on and off the field, He taught me while playing football, don’t change who you are, be different and have fun playing the game.
Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?
My older brother inspires me the most. I say this because he wasn’t as fortunate as I was with my football career, but now he’s is in the army and is serving our country proudly. That’s why I will never complain about anything because I have it easy over here, he has to protect our country and sacrifice himself for all of us. So every time I step on the field I think about him and thank him for everything that he’s done for me.
What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?
I don’t have a favorite defensive scheme to be honest. With my size and weight, I can play different positions for each scheme, so to say that I have a favorite scheme, I would be lying.
What should we know about Noah Curtis the person?
As a person, I’m very mature for my age. Throughout my time on this planet, I have been through my fair share of trials and tribulations. But I do not regret anything because in the end, it made a better person overall and made me who I am today.
What stands out about your film the most?
My effort will stand out on the film, effort will take you a long way in the pros, and my little league coach told me that you’ll stand out more if you run down the field giving full effort, so every play I treat it like it’s my last and make sure to push through the pain to bring my best effort.
How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?
So when I have problems either on or off the field. I like to get away from everything and to the beach. The beach is my relaxation place to where I can look at the waves and the sunrise or sunset and think about the challenges that I’m going through.
What would a team get in a player like you?
Whoever picks me up, they will get a players that’ll hold everyone to a certain standard on and off the field. I don’t like it when teammates leave trash and tape all over the floor for others to clean up, I would instead clean it all up instead of having others do it for us, on the field, if you’re not giving 100 percent effort or not run to the ball, I’m not afraid to call you out and hold you accountable for your actions.
What do you love the most about the game of football?
The thing that I love the most about football are the relationships that you’ll make throughout your playing career. I still have friends that I’ve played with since high school and little leagues who are considered my closest friends, I have coaches throughout my life that I love and respect the heck out of them for making me a better person. The game is temporary, but the relationships will last a lifetime.
Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?
Most underrated player that I’ve played with is Maurice “Hardtime” Alexander. When I came to FIU, he was a back up quarterback who rarely saw the field. His junior year he switch positions to wide receiver/ return specialist and immediately made an instant impact for us. Once he graduated FIU he didn’t get a chance at the pros due to his size and he had to work at UPS to make money while training early in the morning. He later got an opportunity in the USFL and he was the best return man in the league and later signed a contract with the Detroit Lions. You talk about perseverance and dedication and hard work, Hardtime is the definition of all those terms.
Writer/Scout/Interviewer for Draft Diamonds since January 2020. You can find me on X at @jrberendzen and Instagram at justinberendzen