Londoner Jay Ajayi was Drafted this weekend by the Miami Dolphins! Read his thoughts as he went through the Draft process.
I watched the Draft on TV at parent’s house in Texas with my family and close friends. When the Miami Dolphins called and the General Manager and Head Coach told me they were selecting me, it’s hard to even explain what I was feeling. I was overwhelmed; I was excited; I was elated to know that I would be playing for such a great organization. The Draft is such an unpredictable process and not knowing what will happen next is stressful, but the moment I got that phone call, it was a massive family celebration that brought pure jubilation into our house.
believe that I am one of the most talented running backs in this year’s rookie class and I can’t wait to get out to Miami and get to work to prove that to this league and to the Dolphins organization.
I spoke to their running backs coach at the NFL Combine and I think they are a really unique and talented team. Ryan Tannehill can open things up with his feet and they have play makers all over the field that can make an impact. There is also an opportunity for me to come in and potentially compete for playing time right away.
After getting that phone call, I found out pretty quickly that the Dolphins are going to be playing in London this fall. On top of everything else, to have that opportunity, and especially in my rookie year, is absolutely the cherry on top of an already exciting time ahead.
The AFC East is a really strong division with the New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, and New York Jets. It’s full of strong teams, and especially the defending World Champions – what else can you ask for?
An added bonus to this whole process and one that is so special to me is that Jamar Taylor, a teammate of mine from Boise State, is also on the Dolphins. He’s like my big brother and he has been there for me throughout this process. I got a text from him the moment I was drafted and being back out on the field with him is going to be incredible. Another friend of mine, Tony Lippett, was also drafted by the Dolphins on Saturday. We trained together throughout the entire Draft process and Miami already feels like home to me.
Like I said, I can’t wait to get out to Miami. I’ve never been there before and all I’ve heard is how much the community embraces the Dolphins and how beautiful it is.
I head that way on Thursday for rookie mini-camp. I know that it will be an adjustment, but I’m just excited to get my hands on the playbook and to start competing.
The NFL Draft is a beginning, not an end. The hard work really does start now and while my dream has come true, this is only the first chapter.
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