Former USC wide receiver Makai Lemon experienced quite a whirlwind of emotions during the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh on Thursday night.
Initially, the Rams were expected to choose at No. 13, but Lemon was still available when the Cowboys picked at No. 20.
Then, in a twist, the Steelers reached out to let Lemon know they intended to select him at No. 21. However, while Lemon was still on the call with them, the Eagles, their in-state rivals, moved up to grab him at No. 20.
This chaotic sequence was recorded on video, but ironically, it wasn’t the most emotional moment for Lemon that night.
As he donned a fresh Eagles cap, Lemon was taken to a room to watch a surprise video made specifically for him. In that moment, he heard his sister’s voice.
“Hey, brother, I’m about to burst into tears…”
By the time Aliyah Lemon ended her speech, which included touching references to diapers and late nights, Lemon transitioned from a projected first-round pick back into a childlike state, visibly moved.
“My sister and I have this really close bond. Back in elementary school, she would walk to pick me up. Sometimes, I worried that no one would come for me, but she was always there. I love her so much,” Lemon shared, his voice quivering.
The NFL captured this poignant moment in a separate video, while Lemon’s parents, Mike and Brandi, supported him throughout. He touched on a sentiment many athletes hold dear.
“Sometimes, I feel like I might give up on myself… but they never gave up on me.”
Lemon was the first player drafted from the USC Trojans that night; however, more players followed in later rounds. Notably, Jacobi Lane, a friend and former teammate of Lemon’s, was selected by the Ravens at the 80th spot.
