Ennis Rakestraw Jr. was born in Texas and raised just outside of Dallas. He then rose to fame during his stellar career as a defensive back for the Missouri Tigers.
Last month, the Detroit Lions selected him in the second round of the NFL draft. When Rakestraw received the phone call from the Lions, not only did it turn his life's dream into reality, but it also meant he would be able to fulfill a childhood promise.
When Rakestraw was in fourth grade, he wrote a letter to his teacher, Mr. Gammon, saying, “I hope you are alive because if I ever become a professional football player, I will talk about you.” »
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Missouri defensive back Ennis Rakestraw Jr. speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 29, 2024, in Indianapolis. (Trevor Ruszkowski-USA Today Sports)
“Dear Mr. Gammon
You are the best teacher ever. You have always supported and supported me and you give me confidence. When my little brother had a sejere (convulsion), you gave me food and snacks. I wish I didn't want to leave you but I have to but I hope you will come see me at Daniel's please. Come see me, I hope you miss me like I miss you and I hope you're alive because if I can become a professional football player. I'm going to talk about you, Mr. Gambon. Please give me your phone number before you leave.(sic)”
Rakestraw's former elementary school teacher caught wind of Rakestraw's post and responded by expressing the great pride he has in the NFL rookie. Gammon also joked about how he “threw several touchdowns” against Rakestraw during recess.
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“You started it at the age of 10 and you made it happen!!! I have no words to express how proud I am of you! Also, I tell everyone that I played with and against you and threw several touchdowns to you and so on. Yes, it was recess…but it's technically true!
“Once again, SO PROUD!”
Tigers defensive back Ennis Rakestraw Jr. during an SEC conference game against the Tennessee Volunteers on November 11, 2023, at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri. (Rick Ulreich/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Rakestraw finished his college football career with 107 tackles, three forced fumbles and one interception.
His strong performance last year helped the Tigers reach an 11-2 record, which marked the team's first winning season since 2018.
Ennis Rakestraw Jr. of Missouri runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine on March 1, 2024 in Indianapolis. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
The Lions made their defensive backfield a priority in this year's draft. Before selecting Rakestraw, the team drafted former Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold in the first round.
Detroit also used a second-round pick on a former Crimson Tide cornerback in 2023 when they selected Brain Branch.
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The Lions qualified for the NFC Championship last season and will enter the 2024 campaign with high expectations.
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