NFL Draft: Former Bruin DE Takkarist McKinley Fulfills Promise

Former UCLA Football defensive end Takkarist McKinley is NFL-bound after being selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft last night.

With the 26th pick of the 2017 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons selected former UCLA Football player Takkarist McKinley. For McKinley, this is just the beginning of what should be a successful career. But last night, the former Bruin let everyone know this moment meant a little more than that.

McKinley grew up in a rough neighborhood in Richmond, California. Abandoned by his mother at a young age, he was raised by his grandmother, who collected bottles and cans on the street to make ends meet.

Given his surroundings, McKinley’s life could have easily taken a very different path. But his grandmother, Myrtle Collins, wanted more for him. That’s why, when Collins was on her deathbed, McKinley promised his grandmother he would go to a D1 school and then the NFL.

That promise once seemed within easy reach when McKinley was set to play at the University of California. Unfortunately, an academic problem disqualified the young defensive end from the team. The promise was to wait a little longer.

Soon after, McKinley enrolled in the Contra Costa Community College. This setback was costly for the young player as he began to feel he had failed in making good on his promise. Reaching a crossroad, he considered quitting football and applying to jobs at fast food restaurants.

But McKinley would get a second wind. He stuck to the program and his characteristic relentlessness would take him to UCLA after just one year at Contra Costa. Part of his promise was officially fulfilled; he had made it to a D1 school.

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At UCLA, McKinley was a valuable player, but it wouldn’t be until his senior year when the defensive lineman would really show his worth. In a heartbreaking season for the Bruins, McKinley was one of the few things that made the team worth watching. His toughness was unmatched. Most often, McKinley was an unstoppable force, even while playing injured.

Then the NFL Draft came.

McKinley was invited to Philadelphia as one of the top prospects in the nation. A player who once thought of working for Taco Bell, dressed up and made his way to one of the most important events in football.

And then things got interesting.

As the first round was winding down and the picks were getting less controversial, the Atlanta Falcons traded up to select McKinley. Not only was McKinley going to the NFL, a team had negotiated a trade to make that happen.

Welcome to the Brotherhood, Takkarist McKinley! (@Takk)#InBrotherhood pic.twitter.com/AcJcPohHKz
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) April 28, 2017

McKinley walked up to the stage carrying a framed picture of his grandmother. When the cameras settled on him, he was pumped, telling everyone how he had fulfilled a promise he made long ago.

The newly selected Falcons player’s energy was overpowering. In his on air interview, he dropped an F-bomb, apologized, and then said, “Fine me later.” This incident caused a mix of excitement and backlash.

The backlash is uncalled for. McKinley’s exceptional energy is what makes him a special player. If you know McKinley’s road to the NFL, you understand his excitement is on another level compared to his peers. But more importantly, the person he would have loved to have by his side could not be there. Only certain people can understand what that must have felt like.

Next: Reactions to Takk McKinley's Selection by the Falcons

Congratulations on fulfilling your promise, Takk. Your grandmother would be proud. Best of luck in the NFL!