Being drafted in a life-changing event, so it comes as no surprise that it leads to some emotional moments. For the athletes themselves, their parents, families, and friends alike, the emotions of the moment are palpable to the viewers watching at home. For those of us who spend Sundays in the fall watching these guys execute in a collision sport, it creates heartwarming moments.
From Proud Parents to Emotional Hugs, These Reactions Captured the True Spirit of the NFL Draft
What it meant to be drafted was on full display early in the 2025 first round. It was close to a foregone conclusion that Cam Ward was going to be the first overall pick, but that didn’t mean he didn’t feel the magnitude of the moment when his name was called.
WHOLESOME: Cam Ward was balling TEARS after being drafted by the #Titans with the first pick.
🥹
(📸NFL) pic.twitter.com/cmhspxh6ao
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) April 25, 2025
Ward had temporarily entered the 2024 draft before withdrawing and then had his best collegiate season for Miami last year. That journey culminated with being taken number one overall, so the tears of joy were well earned.
The video of Emeka Egbuka’s draft call should come with a warning to turn down your headphones. Egbuka got through his call with the Buccaneers staff by confidently repeating that he was ready for the moment. After he hung up with his new team, the room erupted.
HEARTWARMING: OSU legend Emeka Egbuka was emotional after getting drafted by the Tampa Bay #Buccaneers.
🥹🥹🥹
This is super special.
pic.twitter.com/iq8wHNrD4h— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) April 25, 2025
The Egbuka video is a great reminder that while these athletes are deservedly the stars of the night, it truly does take a village.
Maxwell Hairston may well have been the heartwarming highlight of the night. After being front and center to congratulate each and every player drafted ahead of him, it was finally his time when he got the call from the Buffalo Bills.
Maxwell Hairston’s draft call and walk to the stage were full of emotion 🥹
🎥: @BuffaloBills pic.twitter.com/yWc17KWzwF https://t.co/tN9xVszu8C
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) April 25, 2025
From the second he answered the phone all the way through to his conversation after walking off the stage, Hairston was full of emotions. The pure joy and appreciation in his voice and reaction will put a smile on your face.
Fourth overall pick, Will Campbell, was all smiles until he tried to talk about all of the work it had taken him to get here. Understandably, looking back on all those practices, hot August training sessions, and days in the gym, brought tears to his eyes at the moment of realization.
HEARTWARMING: New #Patriots left tackle Will Campbell broke down in tears talking about what it means to be drafted.
“I’ve worked my entire life to hear my name. It means everything to me.”
How special is this 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹
pic.twitter.com/jaCGL7QaFs— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) April 25, 2025
Draft night is a special moment for all involved. For each player, one stage of their football career is over, and the next one is beginning. These are the milestones that guys will remember forever, and for those of us watching, they remind us of what this is all about.
KEEP READING: Top 300 Prospects — Get Your Free Printable 2025 NFL Draft Big Board
There’s nothing like the NFL Draft.
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