DETROIT – A new Detroit Lions star made a promise to his teacher way back in fourth grade, and now, he can follow through on it.
Ennis Rakestraw Jr. was Detroit’s second-round pick in this year’s draft. The Lions said they ranked him as their second-best cornerback prospect (after their first-round pick, Terrion Arnold), and they got him at No. 61 overall.
Over the weekend, Rakestraw posted a picture of a note he sent his fourth-grade teacher, Mr. Gammon. Mr. Gammon said Rakestraw snuck into his classroom and left the note on his desk on the final day of school.
Here’s what the note said:
Dear Mr. Gammon
You are the best teacher ever. You always had and have my back, and you give me confidence. When my little brother had a seizure, you gave me food and snacks. I wish I didn’t want to leave you, but I have to, but I hope you come and see me at Daniel, please. Come and see me. I hope you miss me like I miss you and I hope you’re alive because if I make it to a professional football player, I will talk about you. Mr. Gammon, please give me your phone number before I go.
From: Ennis (middle name) Rakestraw Jr.
P.S. Good bye.
Ennis Rakestraw Jr. to his fourth-grade teacher
“You put it out there at 10 years old and made it happen,” Mr. Gammon tweeted to Rakestraw. “I have no words for how proud I am of you. Also, I’m telling everyone I played with you and against you and threw multiple touchdowns to you and on you. Yes, it was recess, but it’s technically true. Again, so proud.”
Rakestraw posted a picture of himself and Mr. Gammon with the note, which is now framed.
“Fourth grade I made this commitment, and if I make a promise, I’ll keep it, no matter how difficult it is,” Rakestraw said.