Justin Strnad, a linebacker with the National Football League’s Denver Broncos, was born on August 21, 1996. At Wake Forest, he played collegiate football.
Strnad chose Wake Forest over other schools that offered him scholarships when he played high school football at East Lake in Tarpon Springs, Florida, including Illinois, Iowa State, Marshall, Florida International, and others.
Strnad redshirted his freshman season at Wake Forest but participated in each of the team’s 13 games. In his sophomore season, he was once again a backup linebacker, but he also led the Demon Deacons in tackles and interceptions on special teams.
As a junior, he advanced to the starting lineup and was named to the All-ACC Honorable Mention team. His senior year was cut short by a torn biceps tendon sustained in an October match versus Florida State.
In his brief senior season, Strnad recorded two sacks and an interception; the latter was a crucial play late in Wake Forest’s 38-35 victory over Utah State.
He received an Honorable Mention all-ACC nod once more in 2019. Strnad received an invitation to the 2020 Senior Bowl but was unable to go because of an injury.
Pro Football Focus gave Justin Strnad consistently high grades while he was on the field. His coverage grades were between 72.1 and 80.8, and his overall marks were between 71.8 and 78.4.
What Happened To Justin Strnad?
The Denver Broncos selected Strnad with the 178th overall choice in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
On August 31, 2020, he was placed on injured reserve after having season-ending wrist surgery.