Justin Joly, a former standout at Iona Prep, is nearing an NFL career at just 21 years old. His dedication and impressive physical skills have set him apart in the competitive landscape of football.
Key points
Justin Joly is a former Iona Prep standout.
He is 21 years old and on track for an NFL career.
Joly demonstrated exceptional dedication by commuting for practice.
His coach, Joe Spagnolo, praised his maturity and motivation.
He played for the Harlem Jets before pursuing the NFL.
Mentioned in this story
Justin JolyIona PrepHarlem JetsJoe Spagnolo
Yes, the hands are impressive.
And while the physical tools are noteworthy, itâs the unflinching pursuit of a vision that has Justin Joly on the verge of an NFL career. The 21-year-old Iona Prep graduate routinely jumped on Metro-North and traveled down the Harlem Line from Brewster to 125th Street and walked four blocks to practice.
Thatâs uncommon dedication, especially for a middle-schooler.
âJustin had motivated parents who wanted him to play high-level competition, and he was a mature kid who knew what he wanted to do,â Gaels coach Joe Spagnolo said.
Running with the Harlem Jets was a worthwhile means to an end.
Joly followed a path that included stops at UConn and North Carolina State and will be waiting and watching the parade of next-level talent when the NFL Draft gets under way in Pittsburgh this week.
The first round is Thursday.
Joly is a pass-catching tight end who is projected to be selected late Friday (rounds 2-3) or early Saturday (rounds 4-7).
âHonestly, this is massive,â he said. âSometimes you have to step back and realize there are so many people who want to be where youâre at. Itâs a blessing that Iâm here, thatâs what it is.â
Justin Joly, a wide receiver for the Iona Prep football team, photographed Aug. 26, 2021.
Ione Prep's Justin Joly (7) breaks a tackle for a touchdown during their 34-7 win over Stepinac in football action at Iona Prep High School in New Rochelle on Saturday, October 2, 2021.
Q&A
What are Justin Joly's achievements in football?
Justin Joly is recognized for his impressive physical skills and dedication, which have positioned him on the verge of an NFL career.
How did Justin Joly prepare for his football career?
He demonstrated exceptional dedication by commuting from Brewster to practice regularly, showcasing his commitment to the sport.
Who coached Justin Joly at Iona Prep?
Justin Joly was coached by Joe Spagnolo at Iona Prep, who noted his maturity and motivation from a young age.
What team did Justin Joly play for before pursuing the NFL?
Before aiming for the NFL, Justin Joly played for the Harlem Jets, which helped him gain valuable experience.
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Iona Prep's Justin Joly carries the ball against Cardinal Hayes during their football game at Iona Prep in New Rochelle, Oct. 16, 2021.
Iona Prep's Justin Joly (7) breaks a tackle during their 38-22 win over St. Francis in the Catholic state championship at Iona Prep High School New Rochelle on Saturday, November 27, 2021.
Justin Joly, center, with parents Robby and Jennifer, signs national letter of intent with Univ. of Connecticut at Iona Prep High School in New Rochelle on Wednesday, December 15, 2021.
Iona Prep's Justin Joly (7) pulls in a pass during football action against Christ the King at Iona Prep High School, on Saturday, September 25, 2021.
Nov 18, 2023; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies tight end Justin Joly (17) runs the ball against the Sacred Heart Pioneers in the second half at Rentschler Field at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2025; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack tight end Justin Joly (7) catches a pass against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in second half at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Luke Jamroz-Imagn Images
Nov 21, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; NC State Wolfpack tight end Justin Joly (7) celebrates his touchdown to win the game during the second half of the game against Florida State Seminoles at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images
Oct 25, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack tight end Justin Joly (7) catches the ball for a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Aug 28, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack tight end Justin Joly (7) looks on during the warmups prior to the game against East Carolina Pirates at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NC State tight end Justin Joly (TE09) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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See former Iona Prep standout and NFL draft prospect Justin Joly
Justin Joly, a wide receiver for the Iona Prep football team, photographed Aug. 26, 2021.
1 / 12
See former Iona Prep standout and NFL draft prospect Justin Joly
Justin Joly, a wide receiver for the Iona Prep football team, photographed Aug. 26, 2021.
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See former Iona Prep standout and NFL draft prospect Justin Joly
Ione Prep's Justin Joly (7) breaks a tackle for a touchdown during their 34-7 win over Stepinac in football action at Iona Prep High School in New Rochelle on Saturday, October 2, 2021.
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See former Iona Prep standout and NFL draft prospect Justin Joly
Iona Prep's Justin Joly carries the ball against Cardinal Hayes during their football game at Iona Prep in New Rochelle, Oct. 16, 2021.
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See former Iona Prep standout and NFL draft prospect Justin Joly
Iona Prep's Justin Joly (7) breaks a tackle during their 38-22 win over St. Francis in the Catholic state championship at Iona Prep High School New Rochelle on Saturday, November 27, 2021.
5 / 12
See former Iona Prep standout and NFL draft prospect Justin Joly
Justin Joly, center, with parents Robby and Jennifer, signs national letter of intent with Univ. of Connecticut at Iona Prep High School in New Rochelle on Wednesday, December 15, 2021.
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Iona Prep's Justin Joly (7) pulls in a pass during football action against Christ the King at Iona Prep High School, on Saturday, September 25, 2021.
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See former Iona Prep standout and NFL draft prospect Justin Joly
Nov 18, 2023; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies tight end Justin Joly (17) runs the ball against the Sacred Heart Pioneers in the second half at Rentschler Field at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
8 / 12
See former Iona Prep standout and NFL draft prospect Justin Joly
Sep 11, 2025; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack tight end Justin Joly (7) catches a pass against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in second half at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Luke Jamroz-Imagn Images
9 / 12
See former Iona Prep standout and NFL draft prospect Justin Joly
Nov 21, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; NC State Wolfpack tight end Justin Joly (7) celebrates his touchdown to win the game during the second half of the game against Florida State Seminoles at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images
10 / 12
See former Iona Prep standout and NFL draft prospect Justin Joly
Oct 25, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack tight end Justin Joly (7) catches the ball for a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
11 / 12
See former Iona Prep standout and NFL draft prospect Justin Joly
Aug 28, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack tight end Justin Joly (7) looks on during the warmups prior to the game against East Carolina Pirates at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images
12 / 12
See former Iona Prep standout and NFL draft prospect Justin Joly
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NC State tight end Justin Joly (TE09) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
There isnât a single former Brewster resident in the NFL.
âIâm happy to be the representative,â said Joly, who was 7 when the family moved from the Bronx to the suburbs. "Weâre getting everyone together here in North Carolina to watch. I have a lot of family here in the South so everyone is coming to me in Raleigh.â
The personality is as big as those palatial mitts.
âAnd heâs as competitive as anyone Iâve every coached,â Spagnolo noted. âJustin has the ability to catch the ball in traffic. Thatâs a skill. When the coverage is tight, he doesnât need a lot of separation.â
That fight when the ball is in the air is well documented in every pre-draft profile. Joly measured 6-foot-3 œ and 241-pounds at the NFL Draft Combine last month.
Heâs a versatile red zone target.
âI play fluid,â Joly said. âThatâs how I describe myself. ⊠Iâm a threat, a receiving threat, someone whoâs hard to guard. Iâve been shifty my whole career. Iâm not the fastest or the strongest, but there are angles and techniques I can use to get one up on the opponent.â
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NC State tight end Justin Joly (TE09) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NC State tight end Justin Joly (TE09) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Next stops, UConn and N.C. State
Upon graduating from Wells Middle School and enrolling at Iona Prep, Joly was four inches shorter and 70 pounds lighter than he is now. A growth spurt the next year did not slow him down.
âUsually kids grow like he did they become gawky and have to grow back into their bodies,â Spagnolo said. âHe didnât have that issue.â
The pandemic temporarily put his rise on hold, but Joly was a lohud Super 11 pick senior year and went on to earn all-star recognition after catching 67 passes for 1,033 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2021.
He was originally heading to Delaware.
âJustin didnât have an FBS level offer going into his senior year,â Spagnolo said. âThe whole timing of the pandemic impacted the recruiting calendar, so we felt he was really, really underrecruited.â
When the college coaching carousel spun, Joly received an unexpected opportunity from Jim Mora who took over at UConn and got an introduction via new assistant John Marinelli. The former coach at Greenwich High School had a longstanding relationship with Spagnolo.
âThere is definitely something to be said for getting to a program where you can play early because the transfer portal is where the real money in the NIL world is,â Spagnolo said. âEveryone has their own journey, and I donât believe Justin regrets how it worked out.â
Joly appeared in all 12 games for the Huskies in 2022 and broke out sophomore year, catching 56 passes for 578 yards.
That got the attention of N.C. State.
Joly levelled up and started 13 games for the Wolfpack in 2024, finishing with 43 catches for 661 yards and four touchdowns. He earned first-team All-ACC honors last fall after hauling in 49 passes for 489 yards and seven touchdowns.
âThe opportunity to play that I got from coach Mora and coach Marinelli was all I needed,â he said. âI'm grateful. The difference between the two programs is the pace of the game. It speeds up on you and if you donât get in the playbook itâs gonna stay fast.â
Justin Joly was a lohud Super 11 seclection ahead of his senior year at Iona Prep. He made the 2021 lohud Westchester/Putnam All-Star team, as well.
Justin Joly was a lohud Super 11 seclection ahead of his senior year at Iona Prep. He made the 2021 lohud Westchester/Putnam All-Star team, as well.
Getting NFL Draft ready
After the season, Joly played in the Panini Senior Bowl then headed to Fort Lauderdale to begin training for the combine in February. He was back at N.C. State in March for the Wolfpackâs Pro Day workouts.
"I have one more semester to go and I'm going to complete my degree because my mom will have my head if I don't," he said.
âIâve been on the move the whole time,â he added. âHonestly, itâs fun. Iâve always taken pride in how I carry myself. I know there are people who look up to me and that I represent something. I canât go out there and not act right, so Iâve always been diligent on and off the football field.â
Years of preparation limited the pressure of the combine and pro day workouts.
âIâve been doing this for so long that Iâm completely confident in my abilities,â Joly said. âIâve always been the creative type so there are some (what-if) scenarios and pictures in my head ⊠but I donât think Iâm any different than I was. Iâm always going to bleed red like everyone else, itâs just that I happen to play football.â
With the select few who get to do it for a living.
Mike Dougherty covers high school football for The Journal News/lohud.
