2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Owen Meister, P, Lincoln University (CA)

• Name: Owen Meister
• Position: Punter
• College: Lincoln University (CA) 
• Height: 5’11
• Weight: 175
• Twitter: @owenmeister1
• Instagram: @omeister1k

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2025 NFL Draft?

What makes me a top prospect is my ability to thrive in high intensity situations. Aside from that is my hard work. I came into college as a slot receiver and with two years of hard work I was able to switch over to become a starting punter. Lastly is my patience and resilience, I know there is a process to everything and that things don’t always happen right away so you need to stay patient, and work hard. 

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

I’m a very versatile Punter. I can run the ball throw the ball or punt it. Prior to college I played quarterback and then like i said before, I came into college as a receiver it was only when I transferred to Lincoln that I became a full time punter. There was also a point in the 2023 season where I was long snapping vs Lamar University! 

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

I would like to donate to The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Mental health issues are common among Americans with the help of groups like the American Foundation for suicide prevention, a lot more people could get help. 

Who was your role model?

My brother Zack has been my role model. He has shown me that through hard work and perseverance anything is possible. I remember growing up watching him play I always wanted to be just like him! 

Who is your favorite NFL team?

The New York Giants, Being from Rutherford New Jersey I grew up just 10 minutes from MetLife stadium, I was also fortunate enough to play there two times for my high school state championship. Going to Giants games on Sundays and training camp in the summer to see players like Eli Manning, Victor Cruz, Jason Pierre-Paul,Odell Beckham Jr, and Saquan Barkley to name a few are some of my best memories growing up!  

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

My most underrated teammate is Eric Brice. He’s a versatile slot/running back he makes big time catches I can’t wait to see how he does this season! 

What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve is being late! Growing up I had a music teacher named Mrs. De Fazio who always taught us  “too be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late, and to be late is unacceptable.”

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

I have had so many great teachers throughout my years in the Rutherford Public School District (Lincoln, Union, Pierrepont, and Rutherford High School), I couldn’t thank each and every one of them enough. Thank you for the lessons in the classroom and beyond!

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

The hardest moment in my life was when I lost my mother my senior year of High school. I was still in the process of finding a school to call home and this really threw a curveball at me. With all those emotions and decisions needing to be made it was a lot on me but I used football as my escape and turned all of the pain and emotion into passion! 

If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house what would it be?

Wendy’s for sure, the biggie bag is the best! 

What is your favorite snack food?

Mallomars and Kettle Cooked Salt & Vinegar chips

What is your degree in?

Business Administration 

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

Malcolm X : I would love to sit down with Malcolm X for many reasons. One is as a charismatic leader, Malcolm X demonstrated strong speech skills and strategic thinking. Learning from his leadership style and strategies would be inspiring and educational.Second is Malcolm X’s life journey from a troubled youth to a prominent activist and eventually a more inclusive advocate shows powerful themes of redemption and personal growth. This would be a great topic to explore in conversation!

Pat McAfee: Having dinner with former NFL punter Pat McAfee would be an entertaining and insightful experience for several reasons. One is Pat McAfee had a successful career as a punter with the Indianapolis Colts. His insights into the life of an NFL player, particularly from the perspective of a special teams player, would be interesting and important for me to learn. Second, I would love to tap into Mr. McAfee’s business mind. He has successfully built a brand and business with “The Pat McAfee Show” and other media endeavors. Learning about his entrepreneurial experiences and strategies would be valuable.

Christopher Wallace: Having dinner with Christopher Wallace, aka Biggie Smalls or The Notorious B.I.G., would be a great experience for several reasons. As a key figure in the 1990s East Coast hip-hop scene, Biggie’s influence on music and culture is strong! Talking about his perspectives on the evolution of hip hop and its social impact would be interesting. Second is Biggie’s life story, from his early struggles in Brooklyn to his rise to fame, is very inspiring. His experiences navigating the challenges of fame and the music industry would make for amazing conversation.

What is your biggest weakness?

My biggest weakness is being overly competitive. I’m competing in what ever it is I’m doing, I always find a way to make things a competition. This helps bring the best out of me and my teammates. This is a weakness because it leads to me over working my self at times.