Ennis Rakestraw Jr. was born in Texas and raised in the suburbs of Dallas. He then rose to stardom as a defensive back for the Missouri Tigers.
Last month, the Detroit Lions selected him in the second round of the NFL Draft. When Rakstro received the call from the Lions, it meant not only his lifelong dream came true, but also the fulfillment of his childhood promise.
When Rakestraw was in fourth grade, he wrote a letter to his teacher, Mr. Gammon, saying, “I hope you’re still alive. If I ever become a professional football player, I’ll tell you 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 Rashkowski-USA Today Sports)
“Dear Mr. Gammon”
you are the best teacher ever. You always supported me and gave me confidence. When my brother had a sehele (seizure), you gave me food and snacks. I wish I didn’t want to leave you, but I had to, but I would appreciate it if you could come and see Daniel. Come see me, you miss me as much as I miss you, and if I could be a professional football player, I hope you’re alive . Gammon, let me tell you about you. Please give me your phone number before you go. (sic)”
Rakestraw’s former elementary school teacher learned of Rakestraw’s post and responded by expressing the immense pride he has in the NFL rookie. Gammon also joked about how he “threw multiple touchdowns” against Rakstro during recess.
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“You put it out there at 10 years old and you made it happen!!! Words can’t express how proud I am of you! And I played with you and played against you and To everyone who threw multiple touchdowns at you: Yes, it was recess…but technically it’s true!
“Once again, I’m so proud!”
Tigers defensive back Ennis Rakestraw Jr. during an SEC conference game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium on November 11, 2023 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 pushed the Tigers to an 11-2 record and marked the team’s first winning season since 2018.
Missouri’s Ennis Rakestraw Jr. runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine in Indianapolis on March 1, 2024. (Kevin Savitas/Getty Images)
The Lions made defensive backfield a priority in this year’s draft. Before selecting Rakstro, the team drafted former Alabama cornerback Terion Arnold in the first round.
Detroit also used a second-round draft pick on the former Crimson Tide cornerback when they selected Blaine Branch in 2023.
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The Lions advanced to the NFC Championship last season and will enter the 2024 season with high expectations.
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