2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Christophe Atkinson, OL, Ohio University

• Name: Christophe Atkinson
• Position: OL
• College: Ohio University
• Height: 6’4”
• Weight: 320 lbs
• X (Twitter): @christophe_e_a
• Instagram: @christophe_atkinson

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

I’ve always been drawn to athletics and played multiple sports growing up. Since my parents and I are from Northern Ireland and not U.S. citizens, my primary sports as a child were year-round swimming and soccer. Because I was big for my age, I often played in older age groups.

Despite not growing up watching football or knowing much about the game, something about it always fascinated me—even to the point where I wrote “professional football player” as my dream job on my kindergarten vision board, completely out of the blue. I constantly asked my mom if I could play a contact sport, but she was hesitant. It took a combined effort from me, my dad, and our family friend—former NFL player Billy Davis—to convince her that I should put my God-given physical talents to use in a sport where they would be better represented and appreciated.

Finally, in eighth grade, she relented, and I joined my local tackle football league. That’s where my football journey truly began.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Believe it or not, my favorite moments aren’t championships, accolades, or winning big games. Those are great, but they don’t define my football journey or make it more meaningful.

For me, the best moments come from the relationships I’ve built—with teammates and coaches who have believed in me, pushed me, and stood beside me. It’s the inside jokes, the shared meals, and the everyday grind of making each other better—not just as players, but as people. That camaraderie is what makes football special.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

My goal is to maximize my potential and become the best player I can be. Alongside that, I want to be a valuable contributor to a team’s success, embracing whatever role is needed to help the team win.

If you could hang out with any football player, past or present, for a day, who would it be and why?

I’d love to spend a day with Larry Allen. He was an absolute force on the football field—one of the strongest players to ever play in the NFL. His blend of speed and raw power was unmatched, and I’d love to pick his brain about his technique, mindset, and playing style. Watching him on film, outrunning skill players while also overpowering defensive linemen, is incredible. I’d want to hear firsthand about how he approached the game and trained to become such a dominant player.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

It’s difficult to choose between my parents because they’ve both played such a huge role in shaping me. But if I had to pick one, I’d say my dad.

He works incredibly hard to provide for our family, yet no matter how busy he is or where in the world he might be, he always makes time for us. When I started playing football—despite not growing up with the sport himself—he threw himself into learning everything he could. He researched techniques, drills, and equipment to support me in every way possible.

But what inspires me the most is his unwavering presence. I genuinely can’t remember a game, meet, or match that he hasn’t been there for. His dedication and support mean everything to me.

What is your favorite offensive scheme and why?

Every scheme has its strengths, but as an offensive lineman, it’s hard to resist the Power Run offense.

This scheme is all about establishing a dominant ground game through physicality and superior blocking. Our job as offensive linemen is to control the line of scrimmage, and the Power Run scheme thrives on aggressive, straightforward blocking to push the ball down the field. It’s the style of football I was introduced to early on, and to me, nothing beats the physicality and intensity of imposing your will in the trenches.

What should we know about Christophe Atkinson, the person?

God has blessed me with a unique mix of skills, interests, and experiences. I was born in Munich, Germany, and because both of my parents are from Northern Ireland, I have British citizenship.

Beyond football, I’m a hands-on, creative person. I love working with different materials—metal, wood, clay, leather, fabric—and I’m always open to trying new things, exploring new places, and meeting new people.

I have a knack for remembering song lyrics (though don’t worry, that doesn’t interfere with my ability to remember plays). I enjoy watching strongman competitions, which is part of what fuels my love for the weight room, especially when it’s time to lift heavy.

People have often told me they’ve never met anyone quite like me. I’m known for being easygoing, positive, and a “friend to all.” But when I step on the football field, I flip a switch—I bring controlled violence, explosive energy, and relentless physicality, all while smiling and having fun.

While playing at Ohio University, I earned my undergraduate degree in Exercise Physiology with minors in Coaching and Business, as well as a Master’s in Business. Balancing academics with football was no easy task—especially as an O-lineman with extra meetings and film study—but I pushed through and graduated with a cumulative GPA of 3.9.

What stands out about your film the most?

My scrappiness, physicality, and tenacious playing style.

I take pride in finishing my blocks, playing through the whistle, and putting defenders on the ground whenever possible. This mindset helped me lead my team’s offensive line in knockdowns and secure my name on our O-line’s “Pancake Trophy” for the second consecutive year.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

Whenever I face challenges, the first thing I do is pray. From there, I tackle them head-on.

No matter what obstacles come my way, I lean on Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not discouraged, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

What would a team get in a player like you?

A team would get a player who lifts up those around him with positive energy and an infectious love for the game. I show up every day with a smile, eager to work, and committed to making my team better.

I’m extremely loyal, hardworking, and versatile. Whatever role I’m asked to play, I’ll embrace it with full effort, knowing that my job is to help the team maximize its potential and win.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

What I love most about football is its unique ability to bring people together. The world can feel divided—whether by culture, race, background, or beliefs—but none of that matters when you step onto the field. Football is a brotherhood where differences fade, and all that counts is the trust and unity built through hard work, sacrifice, and a shared goal.

In this game, you line up next to teammates who may have grown up in completely different circumstances, yet through the grind of practice, the highs and lows of competition, and the bonds forged in the locker room, you become family. The sport demands accountability, selflessness, and resilience—qualities that transcend the game itself and shape the way we approach life.

And beyond all of that? It’s just pure, unfiltered fun. The adrenaline, the physicality, the strategy, and the camaraderie make football an experience like no other. There’s nothing like the feeling of stepping onto the field, playing with intensity, and celebrating hard-fought victories with your brothers. Football isn’t just a sport; it’s a way of life.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

One of the most underrated players I’ve played with was a senior O-lineman from my freshman year of high school. Actually, it’s hard to single out just one—because all of those guys were absolute warriors, despite being undersized.

They didn’t have the measurables that most recruiters look for, but they played with unmatched intensity. Imagine a group of linemen blasting hardcore metal music in a dark weight room, throwing around rusted weights pregame. Then they’d take the field—bleached mohawks and all—playing with relentless aggression while laughing maniacally.

Their energy, grit, and commitment to playing violently in the trenches shaped my understanding of what it means to be an offensive lineman. And, of course, I’ll never forget their annual preseason ritual of eating the biggest insect they could find on the field.