The NFL Draft is years in the making — years of work, dreams and anticipation condensed into four days. The 2025 NFL Draft was meant to be a career highlight for Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins.
Ultimately, though, an unforeseen moment turned that big night into a forever-memorable humorous story.
One Moment in the Bathroom Turned Quinshon Judkins’ NFL Draft Night into an Unforgettable Viral Story
The Cleveland Browns were about to use the 36th overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft to select Judkins and make the expected call. Yet Judkins was not with his phone.
ESPN captured the scene at his draft party, where his family noticed the incoming call and answered it for him.
Quinshon Judkins missed the draft call from the Browns because he was in the bathroom.
“When nature calls, sometimes that beats out when the Browns call.” – Mike Greenberg #NFL #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/INVHYmLfnY
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 26, 2025
Before Judkins returned to take the call himself, they were seen celebrating. Initial reports even suggested he might have been in the bathroom retrieving a cup of lemonade when the call came in.
“I went and got a drink real quick,” Judkins explained in an interview with the Browns Radio Network. “I came back and my phone was ringing. My mom, she answered my phone, and it was on FaceTime. They were already on there. It was insane.”
The Browns’ front office took the incident in stride, laughing off the timing mishap. ESPN’s Mike Greenberg joked during the broadcast, “When nature calls, sometimes that beats out when the Browns call.”
From Draft Day Blunder to Browns Backfield
Despite the brief absence, Judkins’ selection by the Browns was a significant moment. He brings a strong collegiate resume, having rushed for more than 3,700 yards and 45 touchdowns during his time at Ole Miss and Ohio State. The Browns view him as a physical, tough and productive three-down back — qualities that align with their philosophy.
Assistant general manager Glenn Cook praised Judkins, stating, “He brings the brand of football that we want. Exceptionally strong, physical, tough, productive three-down guy.”
Judkins joins a Browns backfield that includes Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong Jr., providing depth following Nick Chubb’s departure to free agency. The Browns, aiming to improve on their 3–14 record from last season, hope Judkins will reinvigorate their running game and overall offense.
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In the end, a simple trip for lemonade added a memorable chapter to Judkins’ draft story, endearing him to fans and highlighting the unpredictable nature of draft-day events.
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