2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: EJ Thompson Jr, RB, Washington & Jefferson College

• Name: EJ Thompson Jr
• Position: Running Back
• College: Washington & Jefferson College 
• Height: 5’8
• Weight: 224
• Twitter: Etjgrinds 
• Instagram: @Etjgrinds2

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

The main things that make me a top 2022 NFL Draft pick as a running back is that I’m difficult to take down, I’m powerful.  I have all-around great pass protection, and great hands. 

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

I’ve loved the game of football since around the age of 3 or 4 years old.

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

One thing NFL teams should know about me is that I belong.  Any team willing to take a chance on me by selecting me or drafting me won’t make a mistake.

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

The one I would donate to right now is an organization in my hometown called LifeStyles of MD.  It’s a nonprofit organization that supports people in crisis by providing emergency assistance. 

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

The best advice I’ve ever received is to always keep your faith in God.  Trust him, work hard and let him guide my steps.

Who was your childhood hero? 

My dad is my life hero.  The memories, lessons and love he’s shown and taught me are unmatched.

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

My biggest pet peeve – Quitters.  I hate people who quit on the team. Don’t quit on the team or the goals we set together as a team.

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

The hardest moment in my life was when I was briefly out of school, after having a new born.  It was definitely a tough time.  But thankfully I was able to get back in school and complete my college degree.

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

Washington Jefferson.  Man I love that school.  It has such a great family oriented culture.  And that’s on and off campus.  I always felt like I was close to home even though I was far from home.

What is your favorite snack food? 

Only one snack food – that’s tough LOL; but I would probably say hot fries or spicy Cheetos.

What is the best part of football? 

The best part of football for me is the process.  All the hard work, time and dedication that goes into delivering the final results.  To hear the crowd roar after making big plays and scoring touch downs, that’s the special sauce.  But the initial process you have to go through to get there is the best part for me.

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

If I could sell myself in a brief statement.  People should know that I’m the David of the Goliath of football.  I’ve been counted out and overlooked because of my height my entire life.  But every time, without fail, when I’m put in the game, I make plays! I’m a playmaker.  And I always put my team before myself.  God has gifted me with that IT factor.  I get it done even when my opportunities are scarce.  I’m charismatic.  l’m an overcomer. I’ve had to overcome my whole life, but I never gave up.  I will NEVER give up. Years from now you’ll want to be the person that said, I took the chance on EJ Thompson.  And he didn’t disappoint me.

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

Hmm if I could compare my play to one player in the NFL.  That’s a really tough one because I don’t see myself in just one running back.  I really love the run styles of Berry Sanders and Maurice Jones-Drew.  I believe if you put them together, that’s me.  I feel like I can be a generational talent given the opportunity. 

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

1)Martin Luther King, Jr.  I would want to ask him how hard it was to see the vision he saw when he didn’t see a way.  Like what was his mindset even though there was a lot of beatings, riots and police brutality.  I’d want to know how he kept his composure throughout and stuck to his vision.

2)Then, Ernie Davis. I would want to ask him how the accomplishment felt to be the first African American heisman winner.  I’d want to know what things he had to overcome growing up and how hard it was to see his dream to play in the NFL.

3)Lastly, my grandmother (Nana), passed away when I was 2 years old.  I see pictures of her and I really just want to talk to her about life.  How it was for her growing up, the things she liked to do and what my Mom use to get in trouble for.  I’d also ask for advice for relationships.