The Biggest Winners on Draft Day… My Dad and I
The National Football League (NFL) Draft. Many define it as an iconic event, where the lives of players and fanbases are shaped forever. For me, this event was how I learnt the depth of love between me and my father.
My dad and I had woken up early, around five, for our flight to Dallas so we would get there in time for day three of the draft, where pro teams choose their players of the future to join their roster.. The anticipation of seeing the future of the NFL made everything move in slow motion as we waited to arrive. But once we saw “Jerry’s World” (AT&T stadium, and the home of the Dallas Cowboys), my dad and I were living the life. We would be leaving that night so we would have to make the best of it.
Walking through those doors felt like we were entering a castle. We were immediately greeted by the Draft staff and escorted to our VIP experience seats.
From the moment we got there my dad approached this experience with enthusiasm and friendliness. He was very excited and caring when speaking with staff while making our plans for the day. He shook everyone’s hand and introduced us with a smile on his face. I always admired his ability to connect with people in new environments.
With our tickets we went on a full tour of the stadium. My dad and I were amazed after walking through the pristine locker rooms and polished press boxes. We had always seen the locker rooms on TV and in pictures, but seeing it with our eyes was a memory never to be forgotten, unable to wipe the smiles off our faces.
My dad’s natural kindness attracted people. He connected with many people that day, it was really admirable. One of these people was a draft staffer who was working our section. Throughout the day he started small conversations with him, breaking the ice by asking about his background and where he was from.
After some time, the staffer walked up to us with a smile from ear to ear. My eyes lit up. He told us if we stayed longer we could announce a pick for the Miami Dolphins in the 7th round. My heart was about to burst with excitement as I imagined the stage we would be on, in front of thousands of people. Announcing a pick was the dream of any sports fan. It meant telling the world who could be the next big thing for every team. This was our chance.
Except we had a flight to get back on.
My heart split in half as my dad had to solemnly decline the opportunity. Tears flowed out of my eyes. All the possibilities I had imagined in my head came crashing down. The joy, hope, and anticipation that had built up in my body became despair and misery. My greatest opportunity, on my birthday, was gone.
We walked around as my dad tried to comfort me, but the tears wouldn’t stop. His eyebrows furrowed in concern. He knew how much this meant. There was a lingering moment of thought. Then I watched in awe as my dad walked back and told the staffer that the flight could wait. We were doing the pick.
I was thrilled! I was going to be like the people on TV, like Roger Goodell, the commissioner of the NFL. Once it was time, we made our way backstage. My heart was beating through my chest and my legs felt like jelly, but my smile remained. Staff behind the stage calmed me down and my heartbeat returned to normal. They explained to us how teams make picks, how it was communicated to draft staff, and how the cards held by announcers were made. We even met Jaguars legend Maurice Jones-Drew!
This moment only happened because of my dad. He put our plans on the line because he knew memories mattered more. I'll always be grateful for that decision. I held a deep breath, then walked swiftly to the podium with our script card. My dad put me on his shoulder, and the next few seconds were some of the most memorable in my life. From the large glass podium, bright lights filled our eyes as thousands of onlookers waited in anticipation for our announcement. I look back at that moment knowing I got to do something very special, and I got to do it with my dad.
My dad said, “With the 229th pick in the 2018 NFL draft, the Miami Dolphins select…” and I answered with, “Jason Sanders, kicker, New Mexico!”
A feeling of achievement filled me as I left the stage. We started someone’s professional career. The moment felt like it was just him and I, all the fear and anxiety gone the second he picked me up. We had done something very little people can say they’ve done, and we did it together. Every father and son have memories that they’ll never forget. This was ours. His sacrifice, his decision to put our flight home on the line, was what made it attainable. This experience together brought our relationship closer. Every year when the draft rolls around, he and I reminisce about the time we had. Just a father and his son.
I want to thank my dad. I thank him for giving me the opportunity to attend the draft. I thank him for his welcoming, kind, and loving personality that got us in that position. I will always strive to be able to form connections as well as him. Caring for others, even if it means putting things on the line. I thank him for caring more about his little son's dreams than a flight. I can’t thank him enough for always being my amazing dad.