2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Daniel Parsek, TE, Western Colorado University

• Name: Daniel Parsek
• Position: TE/FB
• College: Western Colorado University
• Height: 6’2”
• Weight: 240lbs
• Instagram: Daniel.parsek.272

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2026 NFL Draft?

What makes me a top prospect at tight end is my ability to impact both the pass and run game. I have a strong understanding of route running, and I take pride in my ability to gain yards after contact. My hands are incredibly reliable. I don’t drop passes and am willing to take a hit to make the play. In the run game, I bring a deep knowledge of blocking techniques and finish every block with maximum effort, playing through the whistle. I’m comfortable lining up anywhere on the field, and my preparation and competitiveness set me apart. I dedicate all my free time to improving and perfecting my craft.

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

One thing that NFL teams should know about me is that I am no stranger to starting from the bottom. I came into college as a walk-on and had to earn everything. There was no margin for error. I had to outwork everybody and prove my value every single day.  Coming from a small school as a walk-on, I’ll always carry a chip on my shoulder. I know that hard work alone isn’t enough—you have to live and breathe football to succeed at the next level, and that’s exactly how I approach the game.

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

One cause that I would donate to is drug and alcohol addiction prevention. I’ve seen firsthand how addiction can destroy potential and derail lives. It doesn’t just affect that individual person. It impacts families, friendships, and entire communities. Supporting addiction prevention is important to me because no one should have to watch someone they care about lose themselves to addiction. 

Who was your role model?

My biggest role model is my mom. She’s made countless sacrifices, yet still manages to smile through everything. No matter how impossible a task may seem, she always finds a way to get it done. She takes no shortcuts and does everything the right way. She has taught me so much about life and handling hard situations with strength. I’ve modeled my work ethic after hers, and I carry that same mindset into everything I do.

Who is your favorite NFL team?

Being from Colorado, I’ve always been a fan of the Broncos. That’s my home team. But I’ve also been a fan of the Houston Texans for as long as I can remember but I’m not exactly sure why. I think it might have had something to do with watching J.J. Watt play. He was my favorite player growing up.

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

I think Ian Loomis is my most underrated teammate. He’s an inside linebacker heading into his fourth year. Although injuries have cut his past couple of seasons short, when he’s on the field, he’s an absolute dog. He fills run gaps with authority and is just as dangerous in pass coverage. He’s not afraid to lay a big hit on someone, either. His work ethic is unmatched and the energy he brings to the team is something you can’t coach.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve is a lack of effort. Whether it’s on the field or in everyday life, giving minimal effort gets you nowhere. High effort not only helps you reach your full potential, but it also inspires and uplifts the people around you. When others don’t bring a high level of effort, it impacts the entire environment and also brings my energy down.

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

My favorite teacher ever has to be my 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Neighbauer. She taught with so much energy and made every lesson fun. She would create little jingles to help us memorize things, and some of those jingles are still stuck in my head today. She used to tell me that she couldn’t wait to see me play in the NFL one day, which always stuck with me and motivated me to keep pushing.

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

The hardest moment I’ve had to overcome was the passing of my dad a few months ago. It happened unexpectedly and completely threw my life off course. At first, all I wanted to do was stay in bed and give up, but I knew that’s not what he would have wanted. I had to find the strength to continue to show up every day. I had to keep up with my schoolwork and keep pushing in football, even when I felt no motivation. I had every reason to let things slip, but I stayed focused on my goals because that’s what he would have wanted.

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

If I could have any place in my house, I’d choose Texas Roadhouse. I love their food, especially their bread rolls. Absolutely unbeatable.

What is your favorite snack food?

My favorite snack is probably a good granola bar with chocolate or peanut butter coating on the bottom.

What is your degree in?

I’m in an accelerated degree program and will earn my master’s degree in 5 total years. My undergraduate degree is in exercise and sports science, and my master’s degree is in clinical exercise physiology.

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

The first person I would choose to have dinner with would be my dad. There were so many things I never got to talk to him about before he passed. We didn’t always have the best relationship, but we were growing closer. I still had so much to learn from him, and I never got the chance. The second person would be one of my old coaches, Gary Anderson. Coach Anderson always saw the potential I had as a football player. He held me to the highest standards and helped shape the way I play, even today. I haven’t spoken to him in years, and I’d love the opportunity to catch up and talk football. The third person would be Tony Gonzalez. He’s one of the greatest tight ends of all time, and I loved watching him play. I aspire to be like him, and it would be incredible to pick his brain about the position and learn from his experience.

What is your biggest weakness?

My biggest weakness would probably be that I am too hard on myself. I hold myself to such high standards that sometimes I spend too much time thinking about what went wrong and how I could have done better. I have started to view these mistakes not as setbacks, but as necessary steps to becoming a better football player. It’s helped me be more present and bounce back quicker.