Joe Alt, a former offensive lineman from Notre Dame, was the first lineman chosen in the 2024 NFL Draft. He watched the event from home as the Los Angeles Chargers selected him with the fifth overall pick. Cameras captured Alt’s reaction as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced the selection, as he was surrounded by family and friends. However, videos also surfaced showing Alt’s girlfriend, Emilie Meyer, who appeared to have a serious expression when the cameras panned to her during the draft party. Meyer, who went to the same private Minnesota high school as Alt, drew attention on social media for her reaction, which sparked various comments and jokes from viewers.
Despite the attention drawn to Meyer’s reaction, Alt’s selection by the Chargers raised some eyebrows due to their decision to pick an offensive lineman in the top five. First-year coach Jim Harbaugh defended the pick, emphasizing the importance of offensive linemen as weapons and the tip of the spear in terms of attacking on offense. Harbaugh, known for his physical brand of football during his time at Michigan, sees Alt as a key player in shaping the team’s new offensive identity. While Alt’s paycheck from the Chargers will be subject to California state taxes, he will also have to pay taxes in other states when the team travels for road games, facing the common professional athlete tax known as the “jock tax.”
Professional athletes like Alt and Meyer, who is also an athlete competing in track and field at Drake University, are often subject to various tax regulations when they earn income in different states. The jock tax is a way to tax nonresidents on the money they earn while visiting a state for work. While Alt’s career with the Chargers may come with tax implications, he and Meyer were seen celebrating together at the draft party. Meyer showed support for Alt as he embarked on his new journey in the NFL, despite the initial reaction that caught attention on social media.
The scrutiny faced by the Chargers for their drafting decision did not deter Harbaugh’s belief in Alt’s potential as a key player for the team. With a focus on building a strong offensive line, Harbaugh sees Alt as a foundational piece in shaping the Chargers’ offensive strategy. Alt’s selection as the first offensive lineman in the draft signifies the team’s commitment to strengthening their offensive capabilities, even if it raised some doubts among fans and analysts. The draft party where Alt celebrated with Meyer and others showcased their support for his future in the NFL, setting the stage for a promising start to Alt’s professional football career.
As Alt begins his journey with the Chargers, the attention may shift from the initial draft day reactions to his performance on the field. With his background as a standout player at Notre Dame and the support of his family, friends, and girlfriend, Alt has the potential to make a significant impact in the NFL. While tax implications may come into play as he navigates the professional sports world, Alt’s focus on his role as an offensive lineman and the support of those around him will be crucial in shaping his success in the league. Harbaugh’s confidence in Alt’s abilities and the Chargers’ investment in him as a key player indicate a promising start to Alt’s NFL career.
