Newest New York Jets QB Zach Wilson gets touching letter from parents on NFL Draft Day
Apr 30, 2021, 11:35 AM | Updated: 1:19 pm
Local Utah artist Aljay Fuimaono works on his Zach Wilson mural contracted by Bose in Provo, Utah on April 29, 2021. (Mitch Harper, KSLsports.com)
(Mitch Harper, KSLsports.com)
SALT LAKE CITY — Taking the #2 spot in the NFL Draft Thursday, former BYU Quarterback Zach Wilson secured a four-year $35 million+ contract to play for the New York Jets.
.@zachkapono1 is a New York Jet.#TakeFlight | #NFLDraft
— New York Jets (@nyjets) April 30, 2021
But among all the lights and glitz and glamour that was Draft Day, Wilson received a touching letter from his parents congratulating him on his newest achievement.
Moments after being drafted, @NYJets QB Zach Wilson was surprised with a letter from his parents ❤️ @zachkapono1 pic.twitter.com/SFZYkodIJx
— NFL (@NFL) April 30, 2021
A letter to Zach Wilson from his parents
Shortly after his selection, while doing interviews, Wilson shared the surprise letter from his parents, Mike and Lisa.
To our beautiful son,
What an amazing journey. We’re so blessed to have been given the opportunity to raise you and to be a part of your incredible life.
At 7 yrs old you played in your first little league football game. We knew that moment you were different, that you were special. Your passion and love for the game set the stage, and we were officially a football family. You had always said you were going to play in the NFL. We loved you, supported you and tried to give you all the tools you needed to live your best life, even though the NFL seemed like a distant dream . . . until it wasn’t.
As you know, it wasn’t an easy road. It wasn’t a story of state championships, Mr. Football awards and dozens of college offers. It was more of a Cinderella story. All of the people that doubted you, that said you weren’t good enough, played a huge role. in you standing on this stage tonight, living that dream, that you refused to let anyone take away from you. Every no, every doubt, lit a fire in you and set you out to PROVE THEM ALL WRONG.
From 4th string QB in HS to BYU. With the help of your amazing coaches and teammates, you made an impact on and off the field that will never be forgotten. When the world stopped turning due to a global pandemic, when so many others froze, you chose to live big, you trained and studied harder than ever before. Your refusal to quit and positive attitude, brought a light to so many during a difficult time. Thank you for giving us and all BYU fans a happy place away from the darkness.
We are most grateful, that even with your incredible success and incredible popularity, you have remained the gentle, humble and kind little boy that we love so much. The example you set for your 5 siblings and so many others is priceless. As you start on your new journey, know that your family is so proud of you. That we will wear any color for you, that will travel anywhere for you and will always be your biggest fans. Love, Mom and Dad.
Wilson joked after getting emotional that it was probably his mom that penned the letter because his dad isn’t that great with words.
“I can’t even express how much they mean to me and the impact that they’ve had in my life. You know, I can tell just by the hugs that we had, you know, coming out on draft night, how special this moment was for them and for the rest of my siblings. You know, I’m not an emotional person but I was definitely emotional tonight, giving them hugs,” he said.
The call of a lifetime for @zachkapono1.#NFLDraft | #TakeFlight pic.twitter.com/du5rwalQva
— New York Jets (@nyjets) April 30, 2021
🎥 First look at former #BYU QB Zach Wilson (@zachkapono1) in a @nyjets uniform on a mural in Provo.
🎨 Utah-based artist Aljay Fuimaono put together a masterpiece.
➡️ https://t.co/gXkExKTiPc#TakeFlight #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/3FRxHTLhVB
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) April 30, 2021
BYU football coach Kalani Sitake excited for Zach Wilson and other players at NFL draft
