Notre Dame’s Joe Alt is Making Moves

First Round Mock’s Victoria Jonach is shedding some light on what one of the biggest names in the 2024 NFL Draft has been up to on and off the field, Notre Dame’s Joe Alt.

Almost two years ago, Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals moved to a new level as an organization recruited an entire position group. Alt is another college athlete who is making the most of his opportunities to profit in this new way.

In July of 2021, this Notre Dame offensive tackle partnered with MISSION BBQ, a chain of restaurants dedicated to serving the nation’s heroes.

What is MISSION BBQ?

Founded exactly ten years after the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, MISSION BBQ is different from other restaurants. Creators, Bill Kraus and Steve Newton believe the most American food is BBQ, and there are no individuals who portray the spirit of Americans better than its first responders. This is why the organization provides fresh, delectable BBQ in settings filled with tributes to those who have “made our country great.”

In total, the restaurant chain has given back more than $10 million to organizations at both the national and local level. Some of these include Wreaths Across America, Honor Flight Network, Concerns of Police Survivors, and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Depending on your location, these charities could change. However, with their over 130 locations in 19 states throughout the U.S., there is likely a MISSION BBQ that you can support in your area. Check here.

Several of the Fighting Irish O-line athletes announced news of the partnership on Twitter.

Alt’s additional accomplishments

In addition to this endorsement, Alt and his teammates represent Jet’s Pizza and Mimmo’s Pizza in Mishawaka, Indiana.

Alt also runs a youth camp with former teammate, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (Browns).

This next school year, Alt will be a junior, but he is already making it into the top-10 on mock drafts. This month, Pro Football Focus named Alt the No. 1 returning offensive tackle for the 2023 college season, Sports Illustrated reports. 

Chad Maxwick, College Football Analyst for PFF, shared a Tiktok video through Twitter, supporting his claim. “The best offensive lineman in college football can’t even be drafted until 2024,” Maxwick tweets. He also calls Alt the “best offensive tackle prospect since Penei Sewell.”

He is also amongst the leaders on On3’s College Football NIL Rankings.

Like father like son?

Alt appears to be following in his father’s footsteps with a career in football. John Alt is his father, who played for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1984-1996, also as an offensive tackle. He was even inducted into the Chiefs Hall of Fame in 2002. The former NFL player coached his son at Totino-Grace High School, which has undoubtedly helped him reach his level of success as part of the Fighting Irish. “Having his background has been very helpful for me and he’s taught me so much,” said the younger Alt in an interview with Pro Football Focus. “But there’s always a little pressure. Obviously, he was a great player and did a lot. Now I have the lineage, so I want to continue that.”

Clearly, the 20 year-old displays the necessary qualities to become a force in next year’s draft.

Victoria Jonach is an aspiring writer and media analyst fascinated in what kinds of activities players participate in off the football field. Growing up in New Jersey, she is a New York Giants fan and attends Rutgers University, pursuing a career in Journalism and Media Studies. She writes for FirstRoundMock.com covering anticipated draft picks and their acts of volunteerism, entrepreneurship, and other interests that shape these individuals.