2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: John Erby, WR, Duquesne University

• Name: John Erby 
• Position: Slot Receiver
• College: Duquesne University
• Height: 5’10
• Weight: 180
• Twitter: @IamErb_3
• Instagram: @e3_plus1

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

I have great catching ability and radius despite my size and am a good route runner vs. man and zone coverage. I thrive in situations where we need a first down to keep the drive alive.

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

I am willing to learn and am constantly trying to improve myself as a person, player and teammate. 

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

I would donate to Americares, who helps people in poverty and affected or displaced by disasters. 

Who was your role model?

My father has always been my role model. He shows me how to deal with tough situations and be mentally strong, not letting any outside noise deter me from my goals. 

Who is your favorite NFL team?

The Philadelphia Eagles

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

Danny Tarabrella is a great teammate. He plays TE and is extremely physical. He dominates his blocking assignments on offense and special teams, and makes themost of his opportunities to touch the ball. He was thrust into playing more than he has in the past due to injuries at the position is a huge part of what made our offense go. 

What is your biggest pet peeve?

It bothers me when I or someone else doesn’t give their full effort to something that they have sacrificed so much for, or are taking their situation for granted when plenty of other people in the world would kill to switch places with them. 

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

I have two and they are both coaches. The first is my high school head coach Victor Floyd. He taught me the true meaning of mental and physical toughness with the things that he put us through and would not accept anything below his standard. It set the foundation for how I operate through life currently. The second is coach Donovan Varner, who was my first receiver’s coach in college at the University of Rhode Island. He recruited me and taught me so much about the position and molded me into the player that I am today. 

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

2020-2021 was the toughest part of my life. The pandemic took a couple of my family members as well as football. Once we were finally allowed to play again, I got hurt in spring and fall camp, both injuries requiring surgery. It was a dark time but I was surrounded by great teammates and my therapist, Mark Murphy, who helped me get back to who I was before the injury and even better. 

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

I would choose smoothie king because it offers much cleaner options than those like McDonald’s.

What is your favorite snack food?

Pineapples 

What is your degree in?

I achieved my undergrad in General Business at URI. I am now pursuing my master’s in business administration (MBA).

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

My grandmother on my father’s side, and my two uncles that passed during the pandemic. I’d like to sit down and talk with them one more time. 

What is your biggest weakness?

My biggest weakness is that it is hard for me to accept anything less than greatness, and I tend to overlook things I may have accomplished in the process of chasing the over-arching goal. I have to learn to celebrate the small victories too.