NFL DraftNFL NewsProspect Interviews

2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Joe Hird, DB, University of St.Thomas (MN)

Joe Hird the standout defensive back from the University of St.Thomas (MN) recently sat down with NFL Draft DIamonds Justin Berendzen.
Joe Hird the standout defensive back from the University of St.Thomas (MN) recently sat down with NFL Draft DIamonds Justin Berendzen.
  • Name: Joe Hird
  • Position: DB
  • College: University of St.Thomas(MN)
  • Height: 6’2″
  • Weight: 215 lbs
  • Twitter: @JHird_3
  • Instagram: @jhird3

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

I’ve just always loved the adrenaline that I get from football. I went to a college football game when I was 4 and got hooked on the atmosphere. Since I was young I’ve loved the physicality and speed the game is played with.

What sets you apart from other defensive backs?

I’ve played receiver up until the last couple years so I know what’s going through their minds in certain situations. I can pick up on their tendencies and keys quickly when they’re running routes. I’ve got receiver hands too. Otherwise I’m just versatile in the defensive backfield, I can play anywhere.

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

A big thing for me is focusing on just controlling what I can control. What I can control is my mindset, attitude, effort, and preparation. I try to stay level headed in life and on the field and I believe I benefit from that.

What should we know about Joe Hird the person?

I’m not big into material things, the connections I make with people are what I value most. I’m always looking to continually learn, whether that’s through books, mentors, what I consume on social media, and podcasts. I try to surround myself with as much knowledge and motivation as I can.

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

I bring some no fear type of energy onto the field. I also love the big moments too, I’m able to play with high energy while also staying calm and present in intense moments.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Some recent ones that come to mind would be our Butler and Drake games this year. We shut out Butler in front of our sold out stadium and against Drake we had 5 ints and played real solid as a defense. I had a couple fun games at WR earlier in my career too. There were a couple rivalry games in high school where I went for 200+ yards and 2 or 3 TDs.

How are you planning to prepare for the draft?

I’ll be combine/pro day prepping in Minnesota and looking to connect with as many people as possible.

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

This questions tough there’s a lot of guys. Right now I’ll say Donald Driver. I grew up a Packer fan and he’s a legend in Green Bay. He also came from a smaller school and had to work hard to make a name for himself so I’d like to pick his brain.

What do you love about the game of football?

The excitement football games generate is unmatched in my opinion. You get just one game a week and there’s so much mental and physical preparation needed for each one. Going into a dog fight with 10 other guys is a surreal feeling that I love and have never taken for granted. I played basketball for my first two years in college as well but this is why I picked football when I decided to focus on one.

What would a team get in a player like you?

They’d get a confident but humble player. I don’t like guys that are all talk, I don’t try to talk myself up I just work hard and trust my talent will come to light. On the field I’m very confident in my abilities and I have a lot to prove.

What is your favorite coverage and why?

I like being manned up. I like myself in 1 on 1 matchups whether it’s pressed or off man, on a wideout, slot or back. I just like competing.

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

Finding balance between having fun and knowing when it’s time to put your head down and work. The most successful teams I’ve been on have been the most tight knit off the field too. Holding teammates accountable is not easy but it’s a big key, if you truly care about your guys it’s not so hard though.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Back to top button