Former Oklahoma linebacker Eric Striker was one of hundreds of NFL Draft hopefuls who didn’t hear his name called this weekend, but he still managed to shine because of a heartfelt speech broadcast on ESPN.
Late in the seventh round, ESPN went live to Striker’s draft watch party, where dozens of family members were gathered. Striker addressed the room, thanking them for being there and imploring them to not be too upset about his draft fate.
He reminded his family that it took somebody else getting hurt for him to get a shot his sophomore season at Armwood High School in Seffner, Fla.