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2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Joey Slackman, DT, University of Pennsylvania

Joey Slackman the strong defensive lineman from the University of Pennsylvania recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds owner Damond Talbot.
Joey Slackman the strong defensive lineman from the University of Pennsylvania recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds owner Damond Talbot.
  • Name: Joey Slackman 
  • Position: Defensive Tackle
  • College: University of Pennsylvania
  • Height: 6’4
  • Weight: 295
  • Twitter: @JoeySlackman
  • Instagram: @joeyslackman

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2024 NFL Draft

I am a relentless person who has succeeded in achieving every goal that I’ve set out for myself. My resolve, ability to learn quickly and adjust to adversity is unlike other prospects. I’m certain that if I’m given the chance to showcase my abilities on the field, I will succeed in the league.

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

When I first began playing the sport at age 8. I fell in love with it from the moment my parents introduced me to tackle football in 2nd grade. 

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

NFL teams should know that I am loyal, driven, and most importantly trustworthy. I thrive in the biggest moments, and rise to the occasion no matter the pressure. 

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

I would donate to Uplifting Athletes. 

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

The best advice I’ve ever been given is from John Riggins, former Redskins and Jets fullback. Growing up, I played fullback and always admired his playing style. At an event during my childhood, I had the opportunity to meet him in person. He signed my jersey and photo of him during his Washington playing days, where he said and wrote “Aim high, shoot straight”.

Who was your childhood hero? 

My father, Paul Slackman. 

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

Joshua Casilli

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

People who walk while looking at their phones. 

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

The hardest moment of adversity that I’ve had to overcome was my first training camp when joining the football team at Penn. Coming off of wrestling, after some injuries, and switching to football was extremely difficult because I had to start over entirely with a new collegiate sports team. Being at the bottom of the totem pole, and working towards a starting role on the team and eventual leader was a significant point in my life. 

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

Penn is a special place because of the welcoming environment it presents to all student athletes. The connection between sports teams here is unique, and I have formed friendships and connections with at least one member of each sports team. We all endure similar academic rigors, so it is also a bonding experience for us. 

What is your favorite snack food? 

Mott’s fruit snacks 

What is the best part of football? 

The best part of football is that no matter the outcome, a group of individuals must come together in order to accomplish task after task in each game. The comradery built between teammates and coaches is unlike any other sport, and something that I appreciate in my experience with the sport. 

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

Joey Slackman is someone who refuses to consider the word “can’t” as a part of his vocabulary, and is relentless in his pursuit to be greater than he was the day before. 

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

I would compare my play to Cameron Heyward. 

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

I would like to have dinner with Aaron Donald, to pick his football mind and learn from his experiences on and off the field. I would have also liked to have dinner with Thomas Jefferson, to gain first hand knowledge of what it was like to shape our country’s government in the way that we know it today. Finally, I would like to have dinner with Michael Jordan, because I try to emulate his relentless pursuit to be great. I have always admired his mentality, and would love to hear a more in depth analysis of how he attacked each day of training to be the best.

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