The S20 NSFL draft was one of the highest points of my career which is pretty sad considering it was almost five seasons ago. I was highlighted as a fringe first round pick, with a few mocks showing my name was not going to be called until the second night. Regardless of where I went, I knew I had to be there during that night to hang out with some of my fellow Tijuana brothers to see them selected. Kyle Idlewyld and Inspectah Deck where both first round talent guys, with Kyle being seen as a top three pick for a team to build around. For me, he had first overall written all over him to Austin, a team that desperately needed a pass rush. Because of this I was one of the few to not be surprised when his name was the first called of the evening. I got to shake his hand as he went onto the stage to grab his hat and shake the commissioner's hand. I sat back in my chair, knowing full well where I was going. I had spoken to my agent and it was basically a formality at this point as to where I would end up. I kept repeating the message I had gotten, "No lower then four." I had spoken to the GM of the Liberty and we both fell in love with each other. As picks 2 and 3 were called, I knew I was next and got ready to stand up. However, the clock continued to run. I would later find out a ton of teams were looking to trade up to the pick to select me as a part of their team, and I wonder how my life would have been different. Then, with five seconds left, the words flashed "PHI: THE PICK IS IN." The feeling of joy that overcame me as I climbed the stairs to receive my Philly jersey and join the other first round picks in the back room. Idlewyld's big grin when I walked through was the second best feeling of the night, right after holding my blue Philly jersey. If a redraft was to be conducted, I definitely believe I would have been taken a bit higher, maybe 2 but definitely gone at 3. Overall, the draft has made me hold myself to a higher expectation. Going at 4th the team invested in me and I do believe it has paid off as I am a GM for the liberty as we try to fight for our first playoff appearance since I have joined the team.
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