did not attend the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
Six years later, he is happy he decided to stay home instead.
Surrounded by family and close friends, Mercilus heard his name called on television when the Texans selected the Illinois outside linebacker with the 26th overall pick.
“I just went back home to Ohio and I just experienced it with close family, friends and old high school coaches and stuff like that,” Mercilus said. “That was pretty cool, especially when my name got called late in the first round.