2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Sean-Krystoff King, DB, East Texas A&M University

• Name: Sean-Krystoff King
• Position: Defensive Back (Safety) 
• College: East Texas A&M University  
• Height: 5’ 9”
• Weight: 195
• Twitter: seankrystoff
• Instagram: seankrystoff

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

I’m a top prospect because I combine elite physicality with the IQ of a defensive general. As a safety, my value isn’t just in my range, but in my ability to communicate. I pride myself on being the ‘eyes’ of the defense—ensuring everyone is aligned, identifying offensive tells, and putting us in the best position to create takeaways. I don’t just play the snap; I hunt for the ball.

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

I am a relentless student of the game. My preparation doesn’t end when I leave the facility. I treat film study as a requirement, not an option. I am constantly asking ‘why’ so that I can anticipate plays before they happen. It is all about how well I can anticipate the next move on the board. Whether it’s a scheme change or a specific matchup, I have the discipline to master it and the humility to keep being coached.

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

I would invest in the education system, specifically in programs that bridge the gap between potential and opportunity. Knowledge is the ultimate equalizer. I want to create resources that provide both students and adults with the tools to find their path and secure their future. Whether that is events, conventions, career fairs, or anything, I can help give someone else a chance.To me, educating someone is giving them a permanent seat at the table, regardless of how big or small the table may appear.

Who was your role model?

My father was my role model. He didn’t just tell me how to be a professional; he showed me. Watching the hours he poured into his career and the dedication he showed in helping me build mine gave me the blueprint for success. He poured everything he had into my brother and me, regardless of late nights or early mornings. He taught me that talent is the floor, but work ethic is the ceiling. Talent can only take you so far, but your actions and words will help keep you where you want to be. 

Who is your favorite NFL team?

I’ve always admired the Houston Texans, especially under the current staff. I’m drawn to their ‘swarm’ mentality—they play with a young, hungry energy that is contagious. As a safety, I love watching their secondary; it’s a group of guys who are disciplined, physical, and clearly buy into the system. That’s the kind of high-stakes, high-effort culture I thrive in and see myself being a part of.

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

The most underrated guy on our roster is Devin Matthews. He’s a player who has all the tools to be special, but his real value is his consistency. Whether he’s on the scout team or taking first-team reps, his approach never changes. He’s the kind of player who needs one window of opportunity to prove he belongs in a program, and I have full confidence he’ll capitalize on it.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve is indifference—specifically from individuals who put their personal brand or stats above the team’s mission. Football is the ultimate team sport; when someone is unwilling to sacrifice for the guy next to them, it breaks the chemistry of the entire unit. I have no patience for ‘me-first’ attitudes because, on defense, if one person decides to go rogue, all eleven of us pay for it. We all want to be the best, but it’s going to take the 10 others who share the field with you to help you become the best. 

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

Dr. Raymond Green, at East Texas A&M University Honors College. He is one of the pivotal figures who opened doors for me. Joining the Honors College offered immense benefits, but it demanded a higher level of commitment and extra work to graduate with distinction. I am incredibly grateful to Dr. Green for allowing me to prove my potential alongside a competitive pool of applicants, and I have embraced the challenge ever since.

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

The hardest moment was being overlooked throughout my career. Having coaches doubt my size or my speed at the Safety position was a test of my conviction. Instead of letting it break me, I used it to build a work ethic that no one could outrun or ignore. I stayed late, watched extra film, and outworked everyone until I wasn’t just ‘on the radar’—I was the standard. It taught me that I don’t need anyone’s permission to be great. It is a mentality that is forged through work, dedication, and will.

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

I would choose BJ’s Restaurant and Brew House. 

What is your favorite snack food?

Peanut butter-filled pretzels

What is your degree in?

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, minor in Psychology 

Master’s degree in Business Analytics, minor in Cybersecurity 

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, I would choose Martin Luther King Jr., Muhammad Ali, and Mahatma Gandhi. These people all come from different walks of life but share a common thread of ‘disciplined conviction’ that I try to emulate on the football field and in life. King moved people’s hearts and minds with his words. In football, a safety has to be a great communicator. The ability to stay composed and keep the unit focused on the goal of fellowship and peace even when facing the most extreme adversity. Ali is the ultimate example of resilience. Living in a world where the odds are completely stacked against him, he never stopped battling. The drive of the ‘get back up’ mindset, I will bring to every snap. Whether we are up by 20 or down by 20, Ali’s spirit reminds me to keep pushing to make my own legacy. Gandhi represents the ultimate sacrifice. He was willing to put his own body under immense pressure for months at a time to instigate change in his community. In football, all teams talk about ‘sacrificing for the team’, but he lived it at the highest level. The level of mental toughness required to put the mission above your own physical comfort is what the game of football is about. I chose this group because they were “Peaceful Warriors.” They were men of peace, but they faced the most intense competitive fire in history. This resonates with my play style on the field and how I live my life as well. As a leader on defense, I want to maintain the same balance: be calm and lead the team, but be relentless and win the battle every day. 

What is your biggest weakness?

My biggest weakness is occasionally being over-eager on the field. Because I’m so focused on takeaways and being a physical force, I can sometimes find myself biting on a double move or a play-action look in my hunger to get to the ball. I’ve been working on this by refining my eye discipline—trusting my keys and the film study I’ve done rather than just my instinct. I’ve learned that being a great safety isn’t just about making the big play; it’s about being the one who ensures the explosive play never happens.