2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Joe Blitstein, OL, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

• Name: Joe Blitstein
• Position: OL
• College: University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
• Height: 6’5″
• Weight: 295 lbs
• Twitter: @BigJoeBlitstein
• Instagram: @BigJoeBlitzy

What sets you apart from other offensive linemen?

I think that my versatility as a player and my football IQ set me apart from other offensive linemen. I have played every position across the offensive line, and I am confident that I would be able to play any position needed by a team at a high level. My understanding of defensive schemes and structures allows me to make the transition between positions smoothly as well as execute at a high level.

What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?

I bring an intensity and a “never die easy” attitude to the game. Those playing around me do not have to worry about if I will get the job done. They know that I will do whatever it takes to win no matter how difficult the task. I can keep a level head and execute at the same high level regardless of how high or low the stress level is. The confidence I have in my techniques and edge allows me to bring stability to the offensive unit.  

What do you love about the game of football?

What I love most about football is the duality of the game. Most people know that football is a sport where you have to work with those around you and function as one cohesive unit. But football is also a sport where you get to put your hand in the dirt and beat the person across from you. The combination of team cohesion, the physicality of the sport and battling the person across from you play after play is what I love about football.

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

If I could hang out with any football player for a day I would choose Walter Payton. Besides being one of the best running backs to ever play the game, I have always admired the work ethic, leadership, and general good character of Walter Payton. I would love to sit with him and listen and learn because he not only knew how to play football at the highest level, but he also knew how to be a great leader and person, and that is equally important to me.  

What do you think are the keys to success on the football field?

I believe the key to success on the football field is being able to control the things you can control, and not allow the things you can’t control affect your game play. You can control your preparation, your effort, your attitude, your execution, your focus.  If you focus on these things you will be successful.  As soon as you let things like the weather, officials, outside voices or factors affect you; you won’t succeed.  

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My favorite moment from my football life was in 2019 when we beat UW-Whitewater in the last game of the regular season for the automatic bid to the playoffs. It was a night game at the end of the season and everything was on the line. It was a great game against a great team. Coming out with the win was one of the best feelings I had in my time as a Titan. 

What should we know about Joe Blitstein the person?

I think the biggest thing people should know about me is that what you see is what you get. I am a loyal friend and teammate, I have persevered and had the drive to get through many difficult situations, and won’t back down from any challenge set before me because I have been through it before and don’t mind doing it again.  

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

Right now my biggest goal is finding an opportunity to continue playing. When I find that opportunity I am going to make the most out of it. When it is time to hang up the cleats, I want to stay involved in the sport that has given me so much. I’ll figure out what that means when the time comes, but right now it is all about continuing to play. 

How are you planning to prepare for the draft?

Like most prospects I am continuing to work on strength and speed training to get bigger, faster, and stronger. But what I think sets me apart from others are my two biggest focuses: my mental strength and IQ. I am a life long learner and am really taking extra time to continue to learn and understand everything around the defensive side of the ball. I am also taking time to learn the small details of offensive line play.  By taking time to break down footwork and other minute details I can make them second nature and ensure that my technique is impeccable no matter how stressful the situation. 

What would a team get in a player like you?

Whatever team provides me with an opportunity to continue playing is going to get someone who plays with a chip on their shoulder. They are going to get someone they can rely on and someone who will always put in the work to not only succeed personally but help the team succeed. They are going to get a student of the game who takes time to learn the little things not only about his game, but also about their opponents.    

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

When handling challenges both on and off the field the first thing I do is remain level headed and quickly analyze the situation. I then recognize the things that are within my control and attack those things with 100% effort. By focusing all of my energy on the things I have control of, the challenge usually gets solved with a favorable outcome.

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

It is the greatest game on Earth!  Who doesn’t want to play football?