2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Benjamin Niesner, P, Valparaiso University

• Name: Benjamin Niesner
• Position: Punter
• College: Valparaiso University
• Height: 6’
• Weight: 205
• Twitter: @bniesner
• Instagram: @bniesner2

What makes you a top prospect at your position  in the 2022 NFL Draft? 

I would say my ability to hit different types of punts and also the ability to punt well in any weather condition. Valpo has some crazy weather at times which prepares me to punt in anything. 

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

Around when I was 8 when I could remember watching games for the first time. 

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

I am a very meticulous worker, I watch a lot of film for a punter and am always trying to improve my form.   

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

I would donate to the American Cancer Society. 

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

Everything happens for a reason, just stay patient and work hard until your time comes, is something my parents would preach to me all the time. 

Who was your childhood hero? 

My Dad because of his vigorous work ethic and ability to be a family man at the same time. 

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school? 

Its hard to point out one singular guy as we have athletes like Robert Washington on offense, Keyon Turner on defense, but most underrated is our kicker Brian Bartholomew. A guy nobody knew about before the season, now with the biggest leg in the league. All those guys played huge roles in our success this spring. 

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

When people complain about the little things.

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

Hardest moment in my life was being told “I am not good enough to play D1 football” at my dream school. That was a gut wrencher but I had to turn around and use that as motivation because I am always out to prove people wrong and had a goal. Went through many trials and tribulations to get to this point in my career. I still hold those words in my head as motivation everyday to keep getting better. 

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

I love my school, it gave me the opportunity of a lifetime and has made me feel at home because of the welcoming people. 

What is your favorite snack food? 

My favorite snack food would have to be some type of popcorn and some fruit. 

What is the best part of football? 

The bonding time with the team on the road. Moments like those are ones you’ll never forget. 

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say? 

Ben is the hardest worker you will ever meet who takes pride in everything he does. 

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be? 

Probably Michael Dickson because of the fact I can hit a bunch of different types of punts with different locations but am able to hit my spiral punt when its needed. 

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

Brett Kern because he is a present day punting guru, Muhammad Ali because of his work ethic, and Rudy Ruettiger for his determination.