The NFL Draft is a life changing moment for many young men both financially and the realization of their dreams.
Don’t ever think for a moment that one of these young men didn’t work their tails off for this very day. In many cases a player has a dream but, realistically speaking, is never sure it will be realized until the moment comes when his name is called. At that instant he will quickly reflect on all the work it took to be selected by a NFL team. There are so many unknown factors that a college player faces to get to this point, did he play up to his potential, did he develop physically and mentally. Did he escape injury during his college career. And in today’s NFL world, the players character will be the deciding factor for a team to select one player over another. Now with the scouting combine playing such a significant role on a players future, it is difficult for a player to slip under the radar and be judged primarily by his college statistics or the success of his team. He will be put under the microscope and will be tested ever way possible, mentally and physically in a very unique setting. Hundreds of sets of eyes watching your every move, how you communicate, your strength, your speed, your quickness, your physical build, how you run, throw, catch or defend. At this interview, one bad day can cost you, literally, millions of dollars even a career in the NFL. The best part of this process though, even a player from a small school can become a household name overnight. I am confident that no other sport scrutinizes it’s potential employees like the NFL.
So at the draft, watch the emotions of the players, they will tell you about their dreams coming true and what this moment means to them.
Good luck to your team.
This is for my dad who passed away recently at the age of 93. For it was dad who gave me the talent and support to eventually play in the NFL, thanks Dad!
The Outdoor Quarterback