‘My dad’s my world,’ Justin Schmidt on why he joined Huddle for Hearts

Justin and Don Schmidt love football and giving back.

Football, family, and heart health are deeply intertwined in the Schmidt story.

For Purdue long snapper Justin Schmidt, the game he loves has always been about more than wins and losses, it’s about the people who stand with him. And no one has been more important on that journey than his dad, Don.

Justin grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, playing youth football and rising through the ranks at Thomas Jefferson High School, where his talent eventually earned him a roster spot with the Purdue Boilermakers.

Before his freshman year, he was also invited to play in the Big 33 Football Classic — known as the “Super Bowl of High School Football.”

But behind the Friday night lights and game-day excitement was a challenge no family expects: Don’s heart.

Several years ago, doctors discovered he had an irregular heartbeat. In 2019, during a pre-surgical physical, Don was diagnosed with Atrial fibrillation (AFib), a serious heart rhythm disorder. Since then, he has endured two cardio ablations, three cardioversions, and a long journey to stability.

“My dad is my world,” Justin shared. “He’s my best friend. Losing him would be like losing a part of me.”

For Justin, the wake-up call came when Don had a recurrence of AFib.

“It spiked something in me,” he said. “It made me feel upset and made me want to do something.”

That “something” became joining Huddle for Hearts, where Justin and Don now use their story to raise awareness, encourage screenings, and remind others how important heart health is.

Don, a history teacher, has always emphasized giving back.

“There’s a famous quote by Gandhi that I share with my students: ‘Be the change you want to see in the world.’ That’s what this is about. Training your body, protecting your health, and helping others.”

The Schmidt family’s journey shows the powerful connection between sports, health, and community. Visit Justin’s page on HuddleforHearts.org to support his efforts and learn how athletes like him are empowering others to save lives.