Ennis Rakestraw Jr., the newest addition to the Detroit Lions, fulfilled a heartfelt promise he made to his fourth-grade teacher.
Before advancing to fifth grade, Ennis reached out to his teacher, Mr. Gammon, with a touching letter expressing his gratitude.
Ennis began the letter by declaring, “You’re the greatest teacher ever.”
In his note, Ennis thanked Mr. Gammon for being an exceptional teacher, acknowledging the unwavering support he provided, especially during challenging times such as when Ennis’s brother experienced a seizure.
Ennis also conveyed his sadness about leaving Mr. Gammon’s class and expressed a hopeful wish for a reunion at his new school, Daniel.
Ennis concluded his letter with an earnest invitation: “Please come visit me. I’ll miss you like crazy, and I hope you’re doing well because if I make it as a professional football player, I’ll always speak about you. Mr. Gammon, please share your phone number before I leave.”
Derek Gammon felt a surge of pride as he came across Ennis’s post on X, celebrating the remarkable accomplishment of his former student.
“You set your sights on it at 10 years old, and look at you now—making it happen! I can’t even express how incredibly proud I am of you! And hey, I’m spreading the word to everyone that I’ve played with and against you, throwing multiple touchdowns to you and maybe a few on you too. Sure, it was just recess, but hey, it’s technically true! Once again, SO PROUD!”
When the Detroit Lions called to inform Ennis that he had been drafted, Mr. Gammon, now a school principal, couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed with joy. WFAA noted that he vividly recalled the moment in fourth grade when Ennis had displayed promise.
Mr. Gammon, who had been Ennis’s math teacher back in 2012, found himself moved to tears as he reflected on the incredible journey Ennis had undertaken.
“Somehow, he managed to sneak back into the school. I walked into my class, glanced at my desk, and the letter was on top of my desk,” Mr. Gammon recalled.
Ennis, a youngster with a heart as large as his aspirations, had formed a deep bond with Mr. Gammon over their shared love for football.
Despite Mr. Gammon being a former fourth-grade teacher from North Texas and a die-hard Cowboys fan, he found common ground with Ennis through their mutual passion for the sport.
Despite Ennis’s immense talent and lofty dreams, Mr. Gammon couldn’t have predicted back then that his former fourth-grade student would one day rise to become a pro player.
Mr. Gammon, reflecting on their special connection, reminisced about encountering Ennis near his apartment after school. Despite Ennis moving on from Mr. Gammon’s class, their bond remained strong, with Ennis often found playing football nearby. Their shared love for the game transcended the classroom, forging a lasting friendship beyond the confines of the school walls.
The former fourth-grade teacher maintained regular contact, staying connected with Ennis through texts during his high school and college football journey. Despite Ennis being perceived as undersized by many scouts, Mr. Gammon was consistently impressed by his unwavering determination, noting how he continually defied expectations.
Ennis, aged 21 and hailing from Dallas, made his mark on the college football scene as a player for the University of Missouri.
As a cornerback for four seasons, Ennis showcased impressive statistics, recording 107 tackles, defending 24 passes, forcing three fumbles, securing one interception, one sack, and recovering one fumble.
In his final season, Ennis played a pivotal role in propelling the Tigers to success, aiding them in achieving their first winning record since 2018. With 11 victories to their name, they earned the prestigious rank of the 8th-best team nationally.
Amidst the NFL draft’s second night, Mr. Gammon and Ennis’s loved ones eagerly anticipated the life-changing call that could mark the beginning of Ennis’s professional football career.
When the long-awaited moment arrived, Mr. Gammon felt a surge of excitement as he retrieved a letter that Ennis had left on his desk years before.
They shared a deeply heartfelt moment, embracing and immortalizing it with a photograph while holding the framed note.
A few days later, Ennis reached out to Gammon, urging him to search for his name on Google. What Mr. Gammon discovered left him astonished: a plethora of articles and social media posts celebrating Ennis’s achievements.
Reflecting on the profound bond they shared, Mr. Gammon emphasized that their relationship extended beyond the confines of the classroom, with football serving as a significant component.
He underscored the importance of educators making students feel valued and supported, highlighting the transformative impact such connections can have on students’ lives.
Mr. Gammon firmly believes that Ennis deserves every bit of attention he’s receiving for turning his childhood dream into reality.
He considers himself fortunate to have known Ennis and wishes that more teachers could receive similar recognition for their contributions to their students’ success.
Mr. Gammon’s choice to attend the Cowboys vs. Lions game while wearing a Cowboys hat and a Lions jersey with Ennis’s name is a powerful symbol of his support and pride in his former student. It demonstrates Mr. Gammon’s dual allegiance to both Ennis as a player for the Lions and his lifelong loyalty to the Cowboys.
Mr. Gammon’s belief in Ennis’s hard work and talent underscores the unwavering support he has for his former student. Ennis’s selection as the 61st overall pick in the second round by the Detroit Lions could indeed prove to be a smart move for the team. The Lions’ decision to draft Ennis after selecting Terrion Arnold in the first round suggests a strategic approach to bolstering their cornerback position for the future, with Ennis, Terrion, and Brian Branch potentially forming a formidable trio.
Joining a Lions team that reached the NFC Championship Game last season provides Ennis with an exciting opportunity to contribute to the team’s success and possibly even play in a Super Bowl shortly.
It’s heartwarming to see Ennis fulfilling his promise to his former fourth-grade teacher, highlighting the lasting impact of mentorship and the fulfillment of childhood dreams.
