2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Aidan Lombardo, QB, Millikin University

• Name: Aidan Lombardo
• Position: Quarterback
• College: Millikin University (Transferred from Saginaw Valley State Univ.)
• Height: 6’0 ft.
• Weight: 200lbs
• Twitter: @AidanVLombardo
• Instagram: @AidanLombardo

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

I’m a natural leader both on and off the field. I lead by example, demonstrating a solid work ethic, dedication, and a relentless drive to succeed. I am vocal when necessary, rallying my teammates and inspiring them to perform at their best. Coaches and teammates can rely on me to make intelligent decisions and remain composed in high-pressure situations.

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

When I was six years old I fell in love with the game. Consistently watched and carried a football everywhere I went. While I was able to train and compete against some of the best players in the country at my position, what they could do only inspired and drove me more into the player I am today.

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

I’m a high-character individual who embodies professionalism, integrity, and a team-first mentality. I consistently exhibit a positive attitude, excellent communication skills, and a willingness to learn from coaches and veteran players. My dedication to the game extends beyond the field, as I prioritize my physical fitness, nutrition, and overall well-being.

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

A cause I would donate to would be the Special Olympics. During my time here at Millikin University I’ve volunteered for an event that hosted children and adults to compete while having fun doing so. Going into further detail I would hope to set up an event of my own for physically and intellectually disabled children and young adults to learn how to play football if they’ve never had the chance to do so.

What is the best advice you have ever received?  

Some of the best pieces of advice I’ve heard was “The hate will come at the same rate as the love”, There will always be individuals who are forced to blame others for their own satisfaction with themselves. I tend to do my best to concentrate less on the negative things and more on the people and things that are sending me love, support, and positive energy.

Who was your childhood hero?  

My childhood hero would without a doubt be Walter Payton. Growing up as a die-hard Chicago Bears fan, I wanted to be just like him when I used to play running back in peewee football. I went as far as having the number thirty-four jersey to do my best to be just like him.

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

The most underrated teammate in our locker room would have to be one of our tight ends Brennan Pekelder. He might not see the field as much as the other guys but he shows great character, studies the playbook, studies film, excels in school, does everything right, and all of that has proven to be a leader in my eyes.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

One of my biggest pet peeves is guys who are not fully committed. Going into detail is having guys who show up late, do not listen to coaches, and like to do their own thing instead of being bought in and doing what they can to help the team succeed unselfishly.

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

One of the hardest moments in my life that I’ve had to overcome is losing my father when I was twelve years old. I’ve had to learn how to become a man of the house while juggling school, sports, and social life. Sitting here today I can say my mother played a huge role in forming me into the man he wanted me to become.

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

Millikin University has a special place in my heart because it’s brought me friends that I’ll have for a lifetime. Coming from a larger university to a small private college has allowed me to connect more with people and professors on a personal level than I would have been able to at a big school.

What is your favorite snack food?  

My favorite snack food would have to be sour patch kids preferably the blue ones.

What is the best part of football?  

The best part about football is the team chemistry. After brutal early morning workouts or just hanging out with the guys helps to build the bond you have with your teammates. This allows us to have trust on gameday to do our jobs without worrying about what someone else has to do. Giving us the ability to play free and fast.

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

I have the attributes of being a natural-born leader who is full of compassion and influences everyone I surround myself with making myself an asset in any situation possible

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

If I had to compare myself to one player in the NFL it would be Russell Wilson. We both are considered undersized in our position and use that as motivation to push harder physically and mentally. We’re both agile and can make almost any throw on the field with the capability to make split decisions at any moment.

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

The first person I would choose is Adam Sandler because I’m a fan of his movies, especially Happy Gilmore. The second would be Muhammad Ali because he put what he believed in before the criticism of others. And finally, Walter Payton because he’s one of my favorite players from the 1985 Chicago Bears Super Bowl team.