Joe Alt is a prominent figure in American football, known for his exceptional skills as an offensive tackle. Born on February 28, 2003, in North Oaks, Minnesota, Alt has made significant strides in his football career, transitioning from a high school tight end to a top-tier offensive lineman in the NFL. A blend of elite physical attributes, football intelligence, and relentless work ethic has turned Alt into one of the NFL’s most promising young stars.
Early Life and High School Career
Alt’s football journey began at Totino-Grace High School in Fridley, Minnesota. Initially playing as a tight end, Alt displayed excellent athleticism, hand-eye coordination, and agility—traits uncommon for players who would eventually transition to offensive line positions. As a tight end, he was not just a big target for quarterbacks but also a willing blocker—skills that foreshadowed his future role in the trenches.
Standing at 6-foot-7 even in high school, Alt possessed a rare frame for a tight end, which made him an imposing presence on the field. However, his natural growth and body development gradually pointed toward a different destiny—on the offensive line. As he added mass and improved his strength, coaches and scouts began to envision him not as a pass-catcher but as a future NFL tackle.
Alt’s football lineage also cannot be overlooked. His father, John Alt, was an All-Pro offensive tackle who played for the Kansas City Chiefs for more than a decade. With his father’s mentorship, Joe learned the nuances of line play at an early age—footwork, hand placement, leverage—all of which would prove critical in his evolution. In interviews, Joe often credited his father not just for guidance but for instilling in him the values of discipline and patience.
In addition to football, Joe Alt was a multisport athlete who also excelled in basketball and baseball—activities that helped hone his agility, coordination, and competitive instincts.
College Career at Notre Dame
When it came time to choose a college, Alt committed to the University of Notre Dame, a program known for producing elite offensive linemen. Notre Dame’s long-standing reputation for offensive line excellence made it an ideal fit for a player of Alt’s potential.
Freshman Year (2021)
As a true freshman in 2021, Alt wasted no time making an impact. Initially slated to contribute as a depth piece, injuries and inconsistent play on the line opened the door for him to start. Once inserted into the starting lineup, he started the final 13 games at left tackle, one of the most demanding and critical positions on the field. Despite being only 18 years old, Alt demonstrated poise beyond his years.
Sophomore Year (2022)
In his sophomore campaign, Alt cemented his place as one of the best tackles in college football. He started all 13 games, contributing to a Notre Dame offense that averaged 4.6 yards per carry and totaled over 2,400 rushing yards on the season. Alt’s pass protection was equally stellar—he allowed very few pressures and demonstrated elite footwork, often neutralizing opposing edge rushers with apparent ease.
Junior Year (2023)
Alt’s junior season was his most dominant yet. By now, he had grown into his massive 6-foot-9, 321-pound frame, combining size with refined technique and elite athleticism. He was a unanimous First-Team All-American and a finalist for the prestigious Outland Trophy, awarded to the best interior lineman in college football. His leadership on and off the field was also widely recognized, and he was often seen mentoring younger players and setting the tone during practice.
NFL scouts were enamored with Alt’s profile—a towering presence with incredible bend, long arms, and the mental acumen required to succeed at the next level. His consistency, durability, and ability to dominate in both run and pass protection made him a can’t-miss prospect.
NFL Draft and Professional Career
Heading into the 2024 NFL Draft, Joe Alt was universally projected as a top-10 pick. Analysts praised his high floor and sky-high ceiling, comparing him to franchise tackles like Joe Thomas and Andrew Thomas. On draft night, the Los Angeles Chargers selected Alt with the 5th overall pick, making him the first offensive lineman taken that year.
For the Chargers, Alt represented more than just a future cornerstone; he was a crucial piece in protecting quarterback Justin Herbert and revitalizing a struggling offensive line. He quickly earned a starting job in training camp, showcasing the same readiness and polish he displayed at Notre Dame.
Rookie Season Highlights
In his rookie season, Alt started 16 games, missing only Week 4 due to a minor injury. His impact was immediate:
Allowed only 2 sacks throughout the season.
selected for the All-Rookie Team of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA).
Helped reduce the team’s total sacks allowed from 40 (previous season) to 27.
Earned a PFF grade above 85, among the top five rookie tackles in the past decade.
His chemistry with the rest of the line and quarterback Herbert was apparent, and his ability to read blitzes and adapt to NFL speed earned praise from coaches and veterans alike. Alt’s combination of technique and strength helped establish him as a franchise pillar within his first year.
Personal Life and Athletic Pedigree
Joe Alt comes from a family rooted in elite athletics. His father, John Alt, was a Pro Bowl offensive tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs. His brother, Mark Alt, is a professional ice hockey defenseman who has played in the NHL, including stints with the Colorado Avalanche and Los Angeles Kings.
Growing up in such a competitive and supportive environment helped Joe embrace high expectations from a young age. His father’s NFL career provided an invaluable blueprint, while his brother’s professional hockey journey taught him about perseverance and sacrifice across different sports.
Away from the field, Joe Alt is known for his humble demeanor and team-first attitude. Coaches and teammates frequently commend his leadership qualities, commitment to film study, and ability to stay grounded despite rapid success.
Playing Style and Strengths
What makes Joe Alt special as an offensive tackle is the rare blend of size, mobility, intelligence, and technique:
Size and Length: At 6’9″, his reach makes it extremely difficult for edge rushers to get around him.
Footwork: Surprisingly nimble for his size, he mirrors defenders well in pass protection.
Hand Placement: Keeps defenders at bay with well-timed punches.
Football IQ: Reads defensive schemes effectively and adjusts to complex blitz packages.
Versatility: Though a natural left tackle, he could also play on the right side if needed.
Future Outlook
Alt’s trajectory suggests he could be a perennial Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection. With the Chargers looking to build a championship-contending roster, he is expected to anchor their offensive line for the next decade. If he continues his development, Joe Alt could follow in the footsteps of NFL greats and carve out a Hall of Fame-caliber career.
Beyond individual accolades, Alt’s success may also spark increased recognition for offensive linemen—a position that rarely gets the spotlight but plays a vital role in every football team’s success.
FAQs
Who is Joe Alt?
Joe Alt is an American football player who plays as an offensive tackle for the Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL. Known for his size, strength, and technical skill, Alt transitioned from playing tight end in high school to becoming one of the top offensive linemen in college football and a high NFL Draft first-round selection.
When and where was Joe Alt born?
Joe Alt was born on February 28, 2003, in North Oaks, Minnesota, a suburban city located near Minneapolis. His Midwestern roots helped shape his disciplined work ethic and toughness on the football field.
What is Joe Alt’s height and weight?
Joe Alt is an imposing physical specimen, standing 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 meters) tall and weighing around 321 pounds (146 kilograms). His rare combination of size, agility, and coordination makes him a unique asset at the offensive tackle position.
What position did Joe Alt play in high school?
Alt began his football career at Totino-Grace High School in Minnesota, where he initially played as a tight end. He demonstrated excellent hands, athleticism, and field awareness. However, due to his rapid physical development and family background, he later transitioned to offensive tackle—a position where he would flourish.
Where did Joe Alt play college football?
Joe Alt committed to and played college football at the University of Notre Dame from 2021 to 2023. Notre Dame has a storied history of producing elite offensive linemen, and Alt continued that tradition during his time with the Fighting Irish.
In summary
Joe Alt’s rise from a high school tight end to one of the NFL’s top young offensive tackles is a testament to his dedication, physical gifts, and football intelligence. He represents the new generation of linemen—big, fast, smart, and technically sound. As the Los Angeles Chargers aim for greatness in the years ahead, they have a foundational piece in Joe Alt, a player whose best football still lies ahead.
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