2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Sebastian Parsalidis, FB, Wilfrid Laurier University 

• Name: Sebastian Parsalidis 
• Position: Fullback
• College: Wilfrid Laurier University 
• Height: 5’9
• Weight: 235 lbs
• Twitter: Sparsalidis
• Instagram: Sebparsal

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

I’m relentless, both physically and mentally. I bring a unique combination of power, relentless and leadership. I  train like a pro, and never cheat a rep. I don’t just want to play at the next level—I want to dominate at it.

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

Whatever team gets me isn’t just getting a player—they’re getting a worker. I bring a chip on my shoulder, every day. I was under-recruited and overlooked, so I know what it means to earn everything. I won’t be outworked.

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

I’d support mental health resources for athletes and youth. There’s a lot of pressure on young people today, especially in competitive spaces, everyone should have somewhere reliable to go when they need the help and somewhere to go proactively to check in so there mental health can stay in check.

Who was your role model?

My role model is my mother. Her work ethic, resilience, and sacrifices showed me what it means to grind without complaining. She raised me to be accountable and humble, no matter how much success I find.

Who is your favorite NFL team?

I’ve always admired teams that play with toughness and identity—like the Pittsburgh Steelers. But truthfully, I’ll give 110% to whatever team gives me a shot. I’ll wear that jersey with pride.

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

Kodi blackshaw our Center, without a doubt. He might not get all the media love, but he’s the kind of guy who makes the team better every single day. Tough, selfless, and consistent.

What is your biggest pet peeve

People who complain in small circles. I respect people who own their mistakes and learn from them. Excuses and finger-pointing don’t get you better.

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

Coach Pat diodati at Chaminade College school, doubled as one of my teachers and mentors. He didn’t just teach the subject—he brought it to life. He pushed me to grow beyond the classroom and the field, and was the first person to believe in what I am capable of.

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

My journey- coming from a very good football school where I was the best and the strongest, coming into my university in my first year being the strongest on the team but I wasn’t cut out for dressing in games, it made me question a lot that this game isn’t just physical it’s mental and I really had to grow as a person before I can grow as a player it took me 2 full years and in my third year I was able to dress and start and bring back the character of a FullBack to this league.

Tearing my MCL (stage 2) mid season. I had to watch from the sidelines, question my future, and grind through rehab alone. But that process made me stronger—it taught me time without work will do nothing but time with absolute grind will be something, I was able to recover to full play at 3 weeks. 

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

Chipotle. Easy choice. Protein-packed, fast, and clean. I’d have the workers know my bowl by heart.

What is your favorite snack food?

Rice and tuna or rice and ground beef, my coaches and teammates know I’ll always have one of these with me. High-protein, relatively easy grab-and-go fuel.

What is your degree in?

I’m earning my degree in political science I wanted to study something that keeps me connected to to what happens around the world and prepare myself for law school.

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

• Leonardo di Vinci-  How creativity and curiosity can exist across fields. He’d give you a window into thinking without limits, well before modern technology.
• Jimmy Butler- how to keep progressing even when things don’t seem like they will work out.
• David Goggins- to connect with the idea that pain builds power. He shows that no one is coming to save you it’s on you.

What is your biggest weakness?

Time. Sometimes I struggle with the feeling that I’m racing against time like I need to achieve everything right now. I’ve had to learn that growth takes time and dedication, and there’s value in the process, not just the outcome. Trusting the journey and staying present has been something I’ve worked on, especially in a sport where everything can feel urgent.