2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Matthew Kickel, OL, Aurora University

• Name: Matthew S Kickel
• Position: LG/IOL 
• College: Aurora University 
• Height: 6’4
• Weight: 312
• Twitter: kick3l
• Instagram: kick3l

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

What makes me a top prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft is not just my accolades—though being a 2025 Preseason First Team All-American, a 2024 First Team All-American by D3football.com and the Associated Press, and a two-time All-Region, All-Conference player, and two-time team captain certainly demonstrate my abilities on the field. What sets me apart is my relentless work ethic and unwavering commitment to my team. I’m the kind of player who’s ready to outwork everyone around me, and I’m not just focused on my own success. I’m all about the team. Whether it’s through leadership, preparation, or simply being the guy willing to run through a brick wall for my teammates, I’m driven by the desire to elevate everyone around me. I understand that football is the ultimate team sport, and my primary goal is to make my team better every day, whether that’s in the weight room, on the practice field, or in the heat of battle on game day. My dedication, leadership, and relentless pursuit of excellence are what make me a top prospect in this draft.

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

One thing NFL teams should know about me is that I’m coming, and I’m going to give my best effort every single day. My jersey number, 53, isn’t just a number—it’s a reminder of my mission. I’m going to push myself to the limit, day in and day out, to earn my spot on that 53-man roster. Whether it’s on the practice field, in the film room, or during game time, you can count on me to bring everything I’ve got, with a drive to contribute to the team’s success.

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

If I could donate to one cause, it wouldn’t just be about giving money—I’d want to donate my time as well, being out in the community and giving back to the less fortunate and the starving. We’re too big of a country not to help people in our own backyard. The specific cause doesn’t matter as much to me because, at the end of the day, my goal is to make the world a better place. I feel like that’s what God has called me to do, and I’m committed to answering that call by making a real, hands-on difference in people’s lives.

Who was your role model? 

Over my lifetime, I’ve had many role models who have shaped different aspects of who I am. My mentality to never quit comes from my dad—he instilled in me the importance of perseverance and pushing through no matter what. My competitive drive comes from my brother; those long nights playing 1v1 on the court taught me how to dig deep and always strive to be better. As for my training motivation and dedication, that’s been influenced by a number of trainers and teammates. They not only showed me the right workouts and techniques but also shared so much love and knowledge, helping me understand what it takes to excel and the importance of a strong work ethic. Each of these role models has played a crucial role in making me the person and player I am today.

Who is your favorite NFL team?

Da Bears

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school? 

The most underrated teammate at our school is Zack Russell, our running back. He’s been behind some outstanding backs, but I believe he’s going to make a significant impact this year. It might be a bit biased given my position, but Zack’s work ethic both on and off the field is truly inspiring. He puts in the hard work day in and day out, and I have no doubt that he’s going to show everyone what he’s capable of this season.

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

My biggest pet peeve is when people lack commitment and don’t give their best effort. Whether it’s in practice, in the classroom, or in daily life, seeing someone not fully invest themselves or take shortcuts can be really frustrating. I believe in giving everything you’ve got, and it’s hard for me to understand when others don’t share that same level of dedication and drive.

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

My favorite teacher ever is Mr. Steven Crosby, my high school mathematics teacher. His passion for numbers and his dedication to helping us get set up financially for our future were incredibly inspiring. His approach made me realize the importance of financial literacy and motivated me to pursue my dreams with even greater determination.

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

The hardest moment I had to overcome, which truly shaped my character, was being cut from Arizona State’s football team. Having dreamed of playing in the NFL since kindergarten, the day I got cut felt like a crushing blow. I was at a crossroads, debating whether to give up on football and prepare for a different path or to dig deep, strap up my cleats, and fight for my dream. At the time, I was out of shape, weighing around 340 pounds. Determined not to let this setback define me, I threw myself into intense training, working out 14+ times a week every week, both summer and spring. Through that discipline, I got down to 300 pounds, played for Aurora University under Coach Beebe, and turned that adversity into success, earning two First Team All-Conference honors and a couple of 2023 First Team All-American selections.

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

If I could have any franchise restaurant in my house, it would be Culver’s.

What is your favorite snack food? 

My favorite snack food is peanut butter pretzels.

What is your degree in? 

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management and am currently working towards my Master’s in Business Administration.

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

If I could have dinner with three people, it would be Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, and Larry Allen.

• Michael Jordan for his unparalleled success and mindset in basketball, which has inspired countless athletes and leaders.
• Tom Brady for his incredible career in football, his work ethic, and his ability to lead teams to victory time and again.
• Larry Allen for his dominance on the offensive line and his contributions to football, showcasing what it means to be a relentless and skilled player.

All of these individuals embodied excellence in their fields, and I’d love to learn from their experiences and insights.

What is your biggest weakness? 

My biggest weakness on the field is that the level of competition I face doesn’t always translate directly to Pro levels. I’m eager for an opportunity to showcase my abilities verse this level of competition in any bowl game setting. Additionally, I’m working on improving my leadership. While I’m effective at bringing teammates together in the weight room and off the field, I want to become a more vocal and influential leader during the heat of the game, where rallying the team can be more challenging.