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Tight end Justin Joly plans to beat NFL draft odds by ‘not being the average guy’

He went on to play at Iona Prep in New Rochelle where coach Joe Spagnolo saw something special in Joly early on, however, nothing compared to the possibilities after his growth spurt. Joly grew fro…

Published April 8, 2026, 1:04 AM
Updated April 8, 2026, 1:12 AM4.2K
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Tight end Justin Joly plans to beat NFL draft odds by ‘not being the average guy’

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NC State running back Demie Sumo-Karngbaye being tackled by a Pittsburgh player.
Tamon Lynum #8 of the Pittsburgh Panthers tackles Justin Joly #7 of the NC State Wolfpack during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium on October 25, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Diamond Images/Getty Images

It was always about beating the odds for Justin Joly.

As a Brewster native, he knew the chances of becoming a professional football player were tough. New York is not considered a top-tier hotbed for producing college and professional football players compared to states such as Florida or Texas. He also endured the recruiting process during the global pandemic, which forced him to play a spring season and have fewer eyes on him. 

“Just not being the average guy,” Joly told The Post of his goals. “Out of New York, people expect a great basketball player or lacrosse. The last thing they expect is a football player, so why not beat the odds?”

As of late April, he will be beating those odds as the N.C. State tight end heads into the NFL draft. 

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