Joseph George Alt Bio
Joseph George Alt is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, where he earned unanimous All-American honors in 2023 after being named a first-team All-American in 2022. The Chargers selected Alt with the fifth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year rookie contract worth $33.2 million guaranteed, with a $20.9 million signing bonus. Alt is the son of former Kansas City Chiefs player John Alt and the younger brother of professional ice hockey player Mark Alt.
Early Life and Background
Alt was born on February 28, 2003, in North Oaks, Minnesota. He attended Totino-Grace High School in Fridley, Minnesota, where he was a three-sport athlete playing inside linebacker, offensive tackle, and tight end. His versatility and physical tools made him a highly regarded high school prospect in the Minnesota prep football scene.
Coming from an athletic family, Alt grew up with a strong football foundation. His father, John Alt, played in the NFL for the Kansas City Chiefs. His older brother, Mark Alt, pursued professional ice hockey and appeared in 20 games in the National Hockey League as a defenseman. This family legacy in professional sports provided Alt with valuable guidance and expectations for his own athletic career.
Path to American Football
Alt established himself as an elite high school prospect at Totino-Grace High School, demonstrating the size, strength, and technique that would characterize his collegiate career. His performance as both an offensive tackle and defensive player attracted attention from major college programs across the country. His ability to dominate at multiple positions showcased his exceptional athleticism for his frame.
Following his standout high school career, Alt committed to play college football at the University of Notre Dame. This decision placed him at one of the premier offensive line programs in college football, where he would develop under experienced coaching and compete against top-tier competition in the Atlantic Coast Conference and independent schedule.
Joseph George Alt Career
College Career at Notre Dame (2021–2023)
Alt arrived at Notre Dame as a highly anticipated prospect and immediately demonstrated his potential. As a true freshman in 2021, he played in all 13 games and started the final 13 games at left tackle. This rapid transition to a starting role on a major college offensive line signaled his readiness for the next level.
During his sophomore season in 2022, Alt earned first-team All-American honors, establishing himself among the top offensive tackles in college football. His performance solidified his reputation as a dominant blindside protector and run blocker. In 2023, he elevated his game further, becoming a finalist for the Outland Trophy, awarded to the nation’s best interior lineman or offensive tackle.
Alt was unanimously named to the 2023 College Football All-America Team, capping an outstanding collegiate career. Following the season, he declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, leaving Notre Dame after three years as one of the most decorated offensive linemen in school history.
Los Angeles Chargers Era (2024–Present)
The Los Angeles Chargers selected Alt with the fifth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, recognizing his elite traits and potential as a cornerstone offensive tackle. On June 10, 2024, Alt signed his four-year rookie contract worth $33.2 million guaranteed, a reflection of his high draft status and the importance the franchise placed on strengthening their offensive line.
In his rookie season, Alt started 16 of 17 games, only missing week 4 due to injury. His consistency and performance earned him recognition on the PFWA All-Rookie Team, validating the Chargers’ decision to select him fifth overall. He quickly became a reliable anchor on the left side of the offensive line, protecting the quarterback’s blind spot and creating push in the running game.
The 2025 season began with Alt continuing his strong play through the first four games. However, he suffered a high ankle sprain in a 21-18 loss to the New York Giants. After missing three games, he returned to the lineup for weeks 8 and 9 before suffering another ankle injury that required season-ending surgery. Despite the setback, Alt was named to the Pro Bowl, recognizing his impact during the portion of the season he was healthy.
Playing Style and Strengths
Alt possesses exceptional size for the offensive tackle position, standing at 6 feet 9 inches and weighing 322 pounds. His length allows him to engulf edge rushers in pass protection while his footwork enables him to mirror speed rushers effectively. He demonstrates strong hands and grip strength to control defenders once engaged, showing the technique and nastiness coaches seek in an elite offensive lineman.
Notable Events and Milestones
Alt’s professional career has been defined by rapid success followed by significant adversity. Being selected fifth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft marked his arrival as an elite prospect. His immediate impact as a rookie, earning All-Rookie honors, established his credentials. The 2025 Pro Bowl selection, despite the season-ending ankle injury, demonstrated the respect he earned from peers and coaches across the league.
Joseph George Alt Awards and Honors
Throughout his football career, Alt has accumulated notable awards at both the collegiate and professional levels. His collegiate honors established him as one of the premier offensive linemen in college football before transitioning successfully to the NFL level.
College Honors
Alt earned first-team All-American honors in 2022, followed by unanimous All-American recognition in 2023. He was a finalist for the Outland Trophy in 2023, placing him among the elite linemen in the nation. These accolades reflected his dominance as a left tackle protecting the quarterback’s blind side and establishing the run game for Notre Dame.
Professional Honors
In his rookie season, Alt was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team, recognizing his immediate contribution to the Chargers offensive line. In 2025, despite suffering a season-ending injury, he earned his first Pro Bowl selection, indicating the high standard he set at the professional level.
Joseph George Alt Family
Family Background and Athletic Lineage
Alt comes from a distinguished athletic family with professional sports experience across multiple leagues. His father, John Alt, played in the NFL for the Kansas City Chiefs, establishing a football legacy that Joseph would follow. This family connection to professional football provided Alt with firsthand knowledge of the demands and expectations of playing at the highest level.
Personal Life
Alt’s older brother, Mark Alt, is a professional ice hockey player who appeared in 20 games in the National Hockey League as a defenseman. The Alt family has achieved success across two major professional sports leagues, with Joseph representing the next generation of the family’s athletic excellence. Growing up in North Oaks, Minnesota, Alt benefited from the guidance of family members who understood elite-level competition and professional athletics.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a challenging year for Alt and the Chargers offense. After a strong start that saw him begin the first four games at left tackle, Alt suffered a high ankle sprain in the loss to the New York Giants. The injury required him to miss three games, disrupting his sophomore campaign.
Upon returning in Weeks 8 and 9, Alt showed resilience in attempting to power through the injury. However, he suffered another ankle injury against the Tennessee Titans that proved more severe. The Chargers announced on November 3, 2025, that Alt would undergo season-ending ankle surgery. The team placed him on injured reserve on November 5, concluding his season after he had started six games.
Despite the injury cutting his season short, Alt’s peers and coaches recognized his impact by selecting him to the Pro Bowl. This honor reflected the high expectations he had established after his rookie season and indicated his status as one of the league’s top young offensive tackles. The Chargers will look to have Alt healthy and ready to return to form for the 2026 season, as he remains a foundational piece of their offensive line.