By Brea Lassek

Joe Spivak will wear the #1 jersey for Northwestern during the 2021 football season, according to head coach Pat Fitzgerald’s Twitter. The 10-year tradition within NU’s football program awards the uniform to the ‘Ultimate Wildcat,’ a player chosen by the team who embodies Northwestern’s values “not some of the time but all the time” in their academics, athletics and personal life.

Wearing the 1️⃣ is the highest honor in our program, and it's decided by our players. Congratulations @JoeSpivak!! #GoCats pic.twitter.com/QpvgQtaqAe

— Pat Fitzgerald (@coachfitz51) August 4, 2021

Spivak began his career at NU in 2017, appearing as a backup defensive tackle in five games as a true first-year. Since then, the fifth-year has amassed 37 appearances in his time with the Wildcats and earned his first career start against Iowa last season. The defensive lineman finished his 2020 campaign with 14 tackles and one sack, also appearing as a fullback during goal-line opportunities.

The Darien, Ill. native has also been recognized for his efforts off the field with Northwestern’s Uplifting Athletes chapter; he was named to the 2020 Uplifting Athletes Rare Disease Champion Team and is a current candidate for the AFCA Goodworks Team and the Wuerffel Trophy. Along with his athletic and philanthropic contributions, Spivak is a well-known personality on the team. Last season, he hosted “WOW!,” a social media segment during the 2020 season in which he ranked his teammates’ various talents each week.

Spivak and the ‘Cats open training camp today ahead of their season opener against the Michigan State Spartans on Friday, September 3 at Ryan Field.