Ennis Rakestraw Jr. was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round of last month’s NFL draft. He is poised to make millions during his career in which it’s widely viewed he’ll be a starting cornerback for the defending NFC North champions.
So he could be forgiven if his mind might not be focused on anything other than what is in front of him. But that’s simply not the case.
Rakestraw shared a letter he wrote to his fourth-grade elementary school teacher. The letter included a promise for the man that clearly inspired him at the time.
His letter makes it quite clear that the Lions rookie had NFL aspirations even as a young child. And if he ever made it big, he was going to give his teacher, Mr. Gammon, some serious props.
“4th grade I made this commitment and if I make a promise. I’ll keep it no matter how difficult it is,” Rakestraw wrote on X.
The letter described Mr. Gammon as the “best teacher ever” and noted that “if I make it to a (professional) football player … I will talk about you.”
What an incredible story of making it in general, as well as making good on your promises.
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Ennis Rakestraw’s Teacher Responds!
Rakestraw’s letter praises his teacher for uplifting him as a young boy.
“You always had and have my back and gave me confidence,” he wrote.
As for his reference to hoping that Mr. Gammon is still alive when he makes it in the NFL – We’ve got great news!
The former elementary school teacher responded to his post and mentioned how proud he was. In fact, he had to create a social media account just for the occasion.
“You put it out there at 10 years old and made it happen!” he said. “I have no words for how proud I am of you!”
But Mr. Gammon also couldn’t resist taking a jab as well. Recess trash talking baby!
“Also, I’m telling everyone I played with and against you and threw multiple touchdowns to you and on you. Yes, it was recess … but it’s technically true!”
Detroit Lions Addressed A Pressing Need
The Detroit Lions were near the very bottom of the league in passing yards allowed last season, despite their success. Subsequently, they went heavy at the corners during the NFL draft, grabbing Terrion Arnold with their first-round pick (24) and Rakestraw in the second (29).
The two were viewed by some as the best cornerback prospects in the entire draft.
Ennis Rakestraw, Jr. had 35 tackles in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons for Missouri, 27 and 24 of which were solo tackles in each respective year.
Now he’ll be joining a Detroit Lions squad with Super Bowl aspirations.
“I am beyond proud of him!” Gammon wrote. “Ennis earned this!”
