2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: MJ Wright, WR, Fordham University

• Name: MJ Wright
• Position: WR
• College: Fordham University
• Height: 6’0
• Weight: 192 lbs.

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

I believe that I am a top prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft due to my ability to be an all around receiver. I am not only flexible where I can play outside or slot, but my ability to break down the game and slow it down and let it come to me is my best attribute. I believe that my understanding of coverages and ability to process the game mentally puts me at one of the top prospects in the class. My route running and releases are a strong part of my game as well as my ability to block.

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

Since I was 5 when I played flag football, I already had the love for the game when my dad put a football in my hand.

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

NFL teams should know that I am a ball player and will play anywhere on the field.

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

If I could donate to one cause in the world it would be to St. Jude’s hospital because seeing all of those kids who are stronger than me fight day in and day out is powerful.

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

The best advice I’ve ever received is from my high school coach, Frank Edgerly, and that is to never forget who you are. When there are tough times, you can’t forget the person that God set you out to be. You have to fight through adversity and work for what you want.

Who was your childhood hero? 

My childhood hero has always been both of my parents. My father was my football coach all the way up until 8th grade and seeing how hard he pushed me got me to this point today. My mother has always been my #1 fan and motivator as she brings the best out of me everyday.

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

The most underrated teammate in my locker room is definitely Julius Loughridge. The talent, strength, and size he displays at RB is special and unheard of. 

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

My biggest pet peeve is when people smack on their gum and chew with their mouth open.

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

The hardest moment in my life that I had to overcome was my freshman year of college during camp where I was the starter leading into fall camp and it was so hot outside that I obtained a full body cramp and was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis due to dehydration. I was hospitalized for a week due to the amount of fluids needed to replenish my body. The recovery process was the longest part because I had to sit out for 2 weeks before coming back to any form of exercise. From going to the starter in camp, to trying to get my body back where I could play and healthy, it took a toll on me because it didn’t turn out how I thought it would be. I barely played my freshman year and my body wasn’t fully recovered as it led to another injury partly through the season. I thought football wasn’t for me anymore after starting so hot from the beginning. This made me truly find who I was and realized that no one feels sorry for you except you and I had to get back to where I wanted to be. 

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

My school’s location is what makes it convenient as it’s in the Bronx, but it’s a short train ride away from Manhattan with endless things to do there. 

What is your favorite snack food? 

I’m not a big snack person.

What is the best part of football? 

The best part of football is the built up camaraderie from your teammates that you work with on a daily basis who are all working to achieve goals and that’s to be the best version of themselves everyday which leads to stacking wins in workouts, the film room, and then inside the lines.

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

I refuse to be complacent as I’m always striving to be the best version of myself.

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

Stefon Diggs

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

1. Lebron James, he’s been my favorite player ever since I was a little kid as he respectfully is the greatest player of all time. 
2. SZA, she’s one of my favorite artists to listen to given that I can listen to her at any part of the day to calm the mind.
3. Muhammad Ali, being able to talk to the greatest and learn the ways of his confident mentality in preparation for fight to fight.