Notre Dame Offensive Lineman Joe Alt's Girlfriend Steals the Show with Reaction to Draft Pick

Emilie Meyer, girlfriend of Chargers draft pick Joe Alt, went viral on social media for her serious expression during the NFL Draft.

Joe Alt, the former Notre Dame standout, made history as the first offensive lineman selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. As cameras focused on Alt's family and friends during the Chargers' selection at number five overall, one face in particular caught the attention of viewers. Emilie Meyer, Alt's girlfriend and former classmate at a private Minnesota high school, appeared to have a somber look on her face.

The broadcasts are typically on a short delay, so it's possible that Meyer was not aware which NFL team Alt would be playing for at the moment she was shown on camera. Nonetheless, her reaction sparked a flurry of commentary and speculation on social media.

"Blink twice if you need rescue," one observer wrote on Twitter.

Another person joked: "That's the face of someone who realized that his game checks will be taxed at 65% because he'll be in Cali," accompanied by a pair of laughing face emojis.

While Alt's paycheck from the Chargers will indeed be subject to California state taxes, he will also have to pay taxes when the team travels for road games. Professional athletes are often subject to what is known as the "jock tax," an income tax enforced on nonresidents when they earn money in a particular state.

However, Meyer's reaction was not all doom and gloom. She was eventually seen celebrating with Alt and others at the draft party. She is also an athlete in her own right, competing on the Drake University track and field team.

The Chargers' decision to draft an offensive lineman in the top five drew some criticism, but first-year coach Jim Harbaugh defended the pick.

"Offensive linemen we look at as weapons," Harbaugh said. "That group when we talk about attacking, when we talk about attacking on offense, offensive line is the tip of the spear."

Harbaugh, known for developing a physical brand of football during his tenure at Michigan, has identified Alt as a key component in building the Chargers' new offensive identity.

Alt's selection marks a significant milestone in his football career and a proud moment for his family and loved ones. While Meyer's initial reaction may have been a source of amusement for some, it also highlighted the emotional rollercoaster that comes with the NFL Draft. Behind every athlete's journey to the professional ranks lies a network of supporters, and Alt's girlfriend is undoubtedly one of his biggest cheerleaders.