Draft Diaries: Brian Calhoun
Main up the large occasion in Inexperienced Bay, FOX6’s Lily Zhao caught up with a former participant who obtained the respect of getting his title referred to as within the NFL Draft on this week’s “Draft Diary.”
OAK CREEK, Wis. – What goes on behind the scenes earlier than a participant’s title is named within the NFL Draft?
Main up the large occasion in Inexperienced Bay, FOX6’s Lily Zhao caught up with a former participant who obtained that honor on this week’s “Draft Diary.”
What we all know:
Oak Creek’s Brian Calhoun was a power on the bottom.
The previous operating again went from Colorado to Wisconsin, and in a single season for the Badgers in 2005, he led the Huge Ten in scoring and all-purpose yards that 12 months.
From there, he made the choice to declare for the NFL Draft after his junior season to organize for the 2006 NFL Draft.
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“I talked to clearly my household, another coaches,” Calhoun stated. “I talked to Coach Alvarez fairly a bit in regards to the resolution. It occurs actually shortly and so you have sort of obtained to modify your mindset from enjoying soccer to preparing for the NFL mix, Professional Day after which finally the NFL Draft.”
Forward of the draft, Calhoun had talks with the Packers, Rams and Patriots, so he knew he’d be drafted, however the query was the place.
On April 29, 2006, the primary day of the NFL Draft, which again then nonetheless featured the primary three rounds on Day 1, Calhoun had a draft celebration along with his family and friends at his dad and mom’ house in Oak Creek.
“I went and labored out within the morning after which I obtained again round 10 or so after which was simply hunkered down for the draft,” stated Calhoun. “I keep in mind having all our family and friends on the home. I keep in mind individuals exhibiting up round midday. We had meals, we had been laughing, watching the draft in a few totally different rooms. I did not get drafted till the third spherical, so it actually grew to become an all-day occasion.”
What they’re saying:
FOX6’s Lily Zhao: “And again then, we had landlines. So, what was that like? Have been you guys simply staring on the cellphone all the time because the hours glided by?”
“As we obtained deeper into just like the second and third spherical, loads of us sat in the principle lounge watching the TV, watching the picks go in,” stated Calhoun. “I keep in mind the landline ringing and my dad was like ‘Hey everyone, it is a Detroit space code. Possibly Brian, it is best to decide it up.’ And everyone sort of obtained quiet. I went and obtained the cellphone, and I ended up speaking to the top coach and the overall supervisor they usually’re saying they are going to decide me with subsequent decide, after which they did a recap on TV and my title popped up as a decide for the Detroit Lions.”
That is proper. Calhoun was drafted by the Detroit Lions within the third spherical of the 2006 NFL Draft with the 74th general decide.
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“It was very surreal, proper?” stated Calhoun. “As a result of everyone I feel has a dream of enjoying within the NFL, however it would not ever turn into a actuality till you really hear your title referred to as and undergo the wave of feelings. So, it was a way of aid, a way of pleasure and happiness. I used to be in a position to spend time with my household and buddies. Detroit was one of many few groups I didn’t have any prior dialog with, and so I actually wasn’t anticipating to get drafted by Detroit, however on the finish of the day, you do not actually concentrate on the group you get drafted by, you simply concentrate on being drafted and getting an opportunity to show to your self that you just’re in a position to play within the Nationwide Soccer League.”
And that he did. Calhoun performed two seasons for the Lions earlier than an ACL harm ended his profession early.
“I am joyful the way it went,” stated Calhoun. “I feel there’s at all times, you’ll be able to look again and see would you do issues in a different way. I am lucky sufficient to be drafted within the first place, so there’s not something I might change in regards to the draft course of, and I used to be grateful that I really obtained an opportunity to play.”
What’s subsequent:
A dream fulfilled. Today, he spends his time serving to the following generation of dreamers on the soccer subject.
Since his enjoying days, Calhoun returned to his alma mater final season to turn into the Oak Creek Knights soccer coach.
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He is additionally wrapping up his time at Divine Savior Holy Angels as their Director of Health and Efficiency.
With the NFL Draft quick approaching, Calhoun can be making a cease in Inexperienced Bay to see it.
The Supply: The data on this put up was produced by FOX6 Information.
