When the Atlanta Falcons moved up from No. 31 to No. 26 to select UCLA defensive end Takkarist McKinley, a dream was fulfilled and a promise was kept.
Raised by his grandmother Myrtle Collins, Takkarist issued her a deathbed vow that he would get out of Richmond, California, play for a Division-1 football team, and make it to the NFL.
As he walked down the steps after hearing his name called, McKinley proudly held a framed picture of his late grandmother, the woman who inspired and motivated him to be great.
The overwhelming emotion of the moment was evident to all.