Former Missouri standout and newly minted Detroit Lions cornerback, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., recently had a heartwarming reunion with his fourth-grade teacher, Mr. Gammon, after fulfilling a promise made over a decade ago.
The touching moment occurred shortly after Rakestraw was drafted by the Detroit Lions with the 61st overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft on April 26th. Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter), Rakestraw shared photos of their reunion, clutching the letter where he pledged to remember Mr. Gammon upon achieving his NFL dream.
In the heartfelt letter penned by the then-fourth grader, Rakestraw expressed his gratitude towards Mr. Gammon, recalling his unwavering support during a challenging time. Despite deliberate typos, the sincerity of Rakestraw’s words shone through, promising to remember his beloved teacher should he ever make it as a professional football player.
Rakestraw’s journey to the NFL was not without obstacles, with critics citing concerns over his stature. Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 183 pounds, doubts lingered about his ability to defend against larger NFL receivers. However, Rakestraw’s resilience and adaptability have been hallmarks of his playing style, transforming him into a formidable presence on the field, particularly in the slot cornerback position.
His tenure at Missouri saw him overcome adversity, contributing significantly to the team’s resurgence. Departing after a stellar season, which culminated in an impressive 11-2 record, including a Cotton Bowl triumph and a notable No. 8 ranking in the final AP Poll, Rakestraw’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere.
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