2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Justin Townsend, DE, Columbia University

• Name: Justin Townsend
• Position: Defensive End
• College: Columbia University
• Height: 6’1
• Weight: 255 lbs.
• Twitter: @JTtown
• Instagram: @justin.townsend27

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

There are multiple reasons why I am a top prospect at my position in the 2025 NFL Draft. The first reason is the success I have had on the field in the past two seasons. In two seasons starting I have been an all conference player in both seasons, having led the league in sacks and being second in TFL’s in my most previous season. Secondly is my versatility on the field, having played running back and linebacker in high school I have the ability to play multiple positions at the first and second level. I possess the ability to play out of a two and three point stance, and the knowledge to understand my responsibilities at multiple positions. Lastly would be my leadership and role as a teammate. I believe if you asked any of my coaches or teammates about me as a person, they would describe me as a person you need to have on your team and in your locker room. These are just a few of the many reasons why I believe that I am a top prospect at my position for the 2025 NFL draft.

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

NFL teams should know that I am hungry and willing to do whatever it takes to achieve my dreams. I have been overlooked as a prospect my entire football career and have continuously done whatever it takes to succeed, and I will continue to do so while pursuing my dreams.

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 cancer research. Having

my godmother and one of the closest people in my life pass away from cancer, and one of my college teammates currently fighting the battle, it is a cause that is very close to my heart and something that I would give so much to find a cure for.

Who was your role model?

My role model is my father, he has given me everything I have needed to be successful in my life and he is my why. Making him proud keeps me going, and I aspire to be the type of person that he is. Without him I would never be in the position that I am currently in, and If people can say that I am close to the man he is then I have already achieved so much in life.

Who is your favorite NFL team?

The Miami Dolphins

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

Our starting Nose Tackle, Patrick Passalacqua. He plays a non thankful position, taking double teams and freeing up our linebackers while not getting any league recognition that he deserves. He is a phenomenal leader and consistently executes his job, knowing it won’t be glorious.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Stubbornness, nobody knows everything and to think that you know all and refuse to change your ways because of a failure to take advice from others irritates me to the extreme. I have seen so many people waste their talent and not maximize their abilities and experiences due to the sheer fact they are stubborn and refuse to listen to anyone but themselves.

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

My junior year physics teacher, Mr Moussis. He was more than a teacher, he allowed me to love being in his class everyday in a subject I had absolutely no interest in. He taught me so much more than just science, and to this day I miss being able to just talk and listen to him in his class every day.

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

The passing of my cousin, Jordan Krakauer. My family is extremely close and Jordan was a role model in my life. When he passed away at such a young age it changed my life forever, and really put me in a dark place. However it taught me many things, the main being never take anything for granted. When I talked to him for the last time I never expected that would be it, and I would do anything to be able to talk with him one more time. While this was an extremely tough time for my family to overcome, it made me a stronger person and allowed me to become a lot closer with many of the people I love.

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

Chipotle

What is your favorite snack food?

Peanut butter and Jelly uncrustables

What is your degree in?

Sociology

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

1. Dana White, he is an extremely successful person who took a chance on a company and built it into one of the biggest organizations in the world. As a huge UFC fan he is one of the people I would love to be able to meet and pick their brain, as I believe that would be so beneficial and enjoyable for me. He is someone who I feel if I met could change my life, and would be an unforgettable experience.
2. Lebron James, he is my favorite athlete of all time and the best player in his sport, I would cherish the opportunity to sit down and speak with him. He never knew his father and had an extremely tough childhood, yet still has reached the highest peak of his profession. Being able to sit down and have dinner with him would teach me so much, and it is one of my dreams to be able to meet him.
3. My grandpa, he passed away when I was only two years old so I don’t remember him at all and I would do anything to just have a conversation with him. I would cherish the opportunity to be able to learn from him and if I was sitting at a dinner table with him, I would never want to get up and leave. It pains me that I don’t have any memories of him and he is the one person I would always choose to be able to sit down and have a conversation with.

What is your biggest weakness?

My biggest weakness in life is that I take some things for granted. Whether that be relationships, opportunities, or just time itself I have let some things pass me by that I wish I could have back. I am really working on cherishing little moments in life, and realizing that I only live once so I want to take in every experience. Taking things for granted has hurt me a lot in the past and forced me to live with some regret, which I never want to have to live with.