Joey Porter Jr. grew up watching his father shine for the Steelers. Now, it’s his chance to show the NFL world what he can do on Sundays.
Porter, a former All-American cornerback for Penn State, is expected to be a Day 1 pick in this year’s NFL Draft.
Leading up to the draft, Porter participated in the second annual Call of Duty Draft Championship in Kansas City, Missouri.
We caught up with Joey Porter Jr. to discuss his Penn State career, preparation for the NFL Draft and experience playing Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile.
The Spun: The NFL Draft is finally here. How are you feeling?
Joey Porter Jr: It still hasn’t settled in, but I’m excited. I’m ready for this thing to be over and start playing football again.
The Spun: Can you tell me a bit about what you got going on off the field when it comes to Call of Duty and gaming?
JP: I’m here today with Call of Duty. I just got done playing on mobile phone. First time being in the gulag. I won my first battle in there. I placed pretty high and I’m about to go out there and play again. I’m just excited to play some Call of Duty.
The Spun: Has the Porter family always been fond of Call of Duty?
JP: It’s something I’ve picked up along the way. Me and my dad used to play when I was younger. We didn’t keep up on it as much, but three years ago we got back into it. My brother is the best in the house.
The Spun: What’s the most important lesson you learned from your father along the way?
JP: He told me that you got to be able to stay healthy and you need to know your playbook. After he told me that, I said I’d do the best I can to maintain that.
No matter who drafts Joey Porter Jr that draft call father and son moment will be special #steelers pic.twitter.com/6No5lbeUVC
— matthew luciow (@Luciow1992) April 25, 2023
The Spun: Would draft night be a bit more special to you if you’re selected by the Steelers?
JP: It’s going to be special regardless. At the end of the day, there will be so many emotions when I get drafted. It doesn’t matter where I go. Everybody in that green room made sacrifices, and I just can’t wait to celebrate with them.
The Spun: On the flip side, it’d be quite ironic if an AFC North rival drafted you, right?
JP: It definitely would be. At the end of the day, it’d be something me and my dad could joke about. He’ll be happy wherever I go.
Understatement: We can’t wait to follow @JoeyPorterJr on Sundays.
Relive some of the former @PennStateFball star’s highlights ⤵️.#NFLDraft2023 pic.twitter.com/lgwbtinVbG
— Penn State On BTN (@PennStateOnBTN) April 26, 2023
The Spun: You’ve competed against some great players at Penn State. Which wide receiver gave you the best battle?
JP: I’d say Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave. I saw them in back-to-back years. They got the best of me one year, but then I felt like I got the best of them the following year. I can’t wait to see them again.
The Spun: Does your experience against Olave and Wilson give you confidence?
JP: It gives me great confidence. I also used to go up against Jahan Dotson in practice. Seeing those guys do their thing gives me confidence to go out there and play well.
The Spun: What will you miss most about Penn State?
JP: I’d say gamedays at Penn State. The atmosphere and energy at Beaver Stadium is something you can’t find anywhere else.
The Spun: Which quarterbacks gave you the toughest challenge?
JP: C.J. Stroud, for sure, and Aidan O’Connell. They were so accurate.
The Spun: What part of your game will allow you to make an immediate impact in the NFL?
JP: I’d say my length and size. It’s a big part of my game and I’m going to use it to my advantage.
The Spun: What’s the first thing you’ll do after getting drafted?
JP: All I can say is it’s going to be a long, fun night. I think I deserve that night.
After a remarkable collegiate career at Penn State, CB Joey Porter Jr. is primed for big things in his future 😤 @jjporter_1
📺: 2023 #NFLDraft — Starts Thursday, April 27 on NFLN/ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/kuJACcAs5p— NFL (@NFL) April 12, 2023
Porter finished his Penn State career with 113 total tackles, 20 pass breakups and an interception.
It’ll be fascinating to see where Porter ends up for his rookie season.
You can read more of our interviews with athletes and media stars here.