The NFL Draft is a time of celebration for young athletes achieving their dreams. But for Detroit Lions rookie cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr., draft night held a deeper meaning. It marked the fulfillment of a heartwarming promise made over a decade ago, a story beautifully captured in a tweet by MLFootball that stated: “@_MLFootball HEARTWARMING: #Lions 2nd round draft pick Ennis Rakestraw Jr. made a promise to his teacher in fourth grade and has now delivered… “If I make it to be an NFL player I’ll talk about you” IT DOES NOT GET BETTER THAN THIS.”
A Promise Written in Ink: A Fourth Grader’s Dream
Ennis Rakestraw Jr.’s journey began in elementary school. A young student with a big dream of playing in the NFL, he encountered a teacher who left a lasting impact. Details about the teacher, mentioned only as “Mr. Gammon” in news reports, remain scarce. However, the impact is undeniable, thanks to a letter Rakestraw Jr. wrote in fourth grade.
In the letter, unearthed on draft night, Ennis Rakestraw Jr. expressed his gratitude to Mr. Gammon for his support and confidence. He specifically mentioned a time when Mr. Gammon helped him through a difficult moment involving his younger brother. The letter concluded with a powerful promise: “If I make it to be an NFL player, I’ll talk about you.”
From Classroom to Draft Night: A Promise Kept
Years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance on the football field eventually led Ennis Rakestraw Jr. to the doorstep of his NFL dream. Drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round, Rakestraw Jr. didn’t forget his promise. He took to social media, sharing the heartfelt letter alongside a picture of himself reuniting with Mr. Gammon.
The image, amplified by the MLFootball tweet, quickly went viral. Fans and sports analysts alike celebrated the heartwarming display of gratitude and the enduring power of a teacher’s influence.
