For Nicholls State football player Joe Bradford, the water has always been more than a backdrop –  it’s where his story begins.

He grew up in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, before moving just a few miles down the coast to Pass Christian in eighth grade. Though the towns were different in name, life in both felt much the same: quiet, coastal and close to nature.

“It’s a very nice area on the Mississippi Gulf Coast,” Joe says. “Both towns are right next to each other, so life in both was the same. Growing up, I did lots of fishing since we lived near the bay and just enjoyed being in the outdoors.”

Those days of casting lines into the water and spending weekends outside built a foundation that has shaped Joe into who he is.

Parental Influence

Whether spending time fishing on area waterways or suiting up as an offensive lineman on Saturdays for the Colonels, Joe has always carried with him a love for being active and making the most out of what life puts in front of him.

At the heart of his values are his parents, Jordan and Yara Bradford. 

“The biggest role models in my life would be my mom and dad,” Joe explains. “They’re both extremely hard workers, but at the same time, they always did the right thing, even if that was the harder choice. Both of my parents always found the good in situations and always taught me to appreciate everything we had.”

Joe said his everyday mindset of working hard, staying humble and being grateful was instilled early. His parents reminded him to appreciate what he had, even if it wasn’t the newest or nicest. They expected him to give his best effort, whether he was cutting the grass or playing football.

Joe mentioned his parents encouraged him to always make the right choices in life, even when those decisions weren’t easy.

Football became the perfect arena to live out those lessons. Joe first fell in love with the game at just 5 years old. His father’s experience as a player also helped shape his path.

Jordan Bradford played college football at Delta State University, and Joe grew up wanting to follow in those footsteps.

“My dad is a very humble guy. However, any time he does something, he always gives his best effort,” Joe says. “He pushed these ideas for football. Growing up, I also wanted to play in college, knowing he did, so that was one big reason I started football in the first place.”

The Family Business

Joe says playing football isn’t the only thing his father built. 

After college, Jordan joined the family business, eventually taking over from Joe’s grandfather. Today, he runs Long Lagoon LLC, an oyster company based out of Hopedale in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana.

With a small fleet of boats, Jordan manages the day-to-day work of tending and harvesting oysters, a business that demands patience, toughness and grit.

The business has been a big part of Joe’s life, too. As a kid, he spent countless weekends helping his dad in any way he could.

These days, when he’s home, he still tags along to learn more about how things operate. 

“I would go down there with him just about every weekend,” Joe says. “Now I go with him when I have a chance, and I’m starting to learn how he operates.”

Joe has seen firsthand the challenges that come with running Long Lagoon. Engines break down, boats need repairing, and sometimes people even try to steal oysters. But what stands out to him is how his dad handles the pressure and keeps things afloat. One day, he hopes to take over and continue what his father built.

“Yes, I would like to take over,” Joe admits. “I have a lot to learn, but once I finish college, I plan to start working with him so that if my family and I take over, we understand how to effectively operate the business.”

Playing for the Colonels

For now, Joe’s focus is on football. Despite facing five major injuries and still feeling the effects of them today, he’s pushed forward and made it to the Division I level.

His proudest moments so far include earning that first Division I offer to Nicholls State and stepping onto the field to play for the Colonels in a game against LSU in Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge during the 2024 season. 

LSU won the game 44-21, but Joe said it was incredible to play against the team he grew up cheering for.

Joe emphasized that this season is especially important to him. He is in the final year of his eligibility as a senior and he’s determined to make the most of it.

 “My first goal is just to stay healthy,” he says. “The second goal is to do my job correctly all the time, so the team has the best chance to win. My last goal would be to earn some type of honors for my performance on the field.”

Off the field, Joe describes himself as “chill, responsible, goofy.” He enjoys fishing, spending time outdoors and even cooking when he gets the chance.

Music helps him get in the right headspace before games. Listening to Adele starts things slow and calm, then Creed cranks up the intensity.

When it comes to leadership, Joe leads by example. 

“I’m a very vocal person, but when it comes to serious times to lead, I’m more quiet,” he explains. “I always try to do what’s right, and do it to the best of my ability.”

Looking ahead, Joe is focused on both his long-term goals and the steps it takes to get there. In five years, he hopes to be married, living in his own home, and successful in whatever career path he takes, whether that’s running Long Lagoon LLC or even venturing into real estate.

Above all, he wants to stay close to God and his family.

Through it all, his parents remain his biggest source of motivation. 

“Seeing how hard they worked to get what they wanted inspires me,” Joe says.

His mother, Yara, moved from Mexico to the U.S. to build a better life, showing Joe the power of sacrifice and determination. 

His father, Jordan, has modeled effort, persistence, and balance through both football and business. 

“Seeing how hard they worked to get what they wanted inspires me,” Joe says.

There’s one more dream Joe hopes to check off his list soon: finishing up the boat he and his dad started fixing this past spring and taking Jordan out on a fishing trip in it. 

For Joe, that would be more than just a day on the water; it would be a full-circle moment, honoring the bond that shaped his childhood, his football career and his future.