It Takes a Village: Derick Hall feeling the hometown love at NFL Draft watch party
Hopes were high for Gulfport High School alum Derick Hall who hosted an NFL Draft party in his hometown last night.
Those hopes are still high as the party continues tonight on day two.
The former Admiral went all 31 picks without hearing his name called and says the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs were actually considering him with that 31st and final pick.
Perhaps a slight disappointment, but also an extra day to celebrate Hall’s journey from signing with Auburn in December 2018 to now being less than 24 hours away from being an NFL draft pick.
Hall surrounded by family, friends, former team mates and coaches, essentially a village to bring it all full circle. Lifelong family friend April Jones-Curtis said, “I cannot put into words how special this night is. This is once in a lifetime, and I’m so grateful to be a part of it.”
Former Gulfport Head Football Coach John Archie said, “First time I met Derick you could see the type of young man he is. Miss Stacy did a really good job of raising him. Like she said, she had a whole village. They did a really good job raising him, and when he stepped on the field with his athletic ability, you knew he was going to be special.”
Derick’s uncle Kevin Gooden said, “I think this is a special moment for him and everybody else, to go through this with him, from being a birth baby that’s almost dead to now, almost being able to play in the NFL, that’s awesome, man.”
Derick’s mom Stacy Gooden-Crandle said, “The thing that means the most is just getting to this point. Derick has faced so many adversities in his life, and just for him to be at this point in his life is just an amazing feeling, and we’re going to soak up every moment.”
Day two of the NFL Draft kicks off at 6 tonight.
