NFL rising star honors childhood promise to fourth-grade teacher following draft selection

A Detroit Lions’ new star player kept a promise he made to his fourth-grade teacher.

Ennis Rakestraw Jr., drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2024, wrote to his fourth-grade teacher before starting fifth grade.

“You are the best teacher ever,” Ennis started the letter.

Ennis continued the letter by appreciating Mr. Gammon’s support and encouragement, especially when his brother had a seizure, and Mr. Gammon provided food.

Ennis also said in the letter that he is sad to leave, and he hopes Mr. Gammon will visit him at Daniel.

“Come and see me. I hope you miss me like I miss you and I hope you’re alive because if I make it to a professional football player, I will talk about you. Mr. Gammon, please give me your phone number before I go,” the letter concluded.

Derek Gammon felt proud seeing Ennis’s post on X, celebrating his former student’s accomplishment:

“You put it out there at 10 years old and made it happen!!! I have no words for how proud I am of you! Also, I’m telling everyone I played with and against you and threw multiple touchdowns to you and on you. Yes, it was recess…but it’s technically true! Again, SO PROUD!”

When the Detroit Lions called to tell Ennis was drafted, Mr. Gammon, now a school principal, couldn’t help but feel overjoyed.

He vividly remembered the moment from fourth grade when Ennis had shown promise, WFAA noted.

Mr. Gammon, who was Ennis’s math teacher in 2012, was moved to tears, reflecting on the journey.

“Somehow, he snuck back into the school. I went to my class, looked at my desk, and the letter was on top of my desk,” Mr. Gammon said.

Ennis, a small kid with a big heart, bonded with Mr. Gammon over football.

The former fourth-grade teacher from North Texas and a Cowboys fan shared Ennis’s passion.

Despite his big dreams and talent, his former fourth-grade teacher didn’t foresee him becoming a pro player.

Mr. Gammon, recalling their bond, mentioned seeing Ennis near his apartment after school, playing football with him even after he left Mr. Gammon’s class.

The former fourth-grade teacher continued to keep in touch, texting Ennis during his high school and college football days.

Despite being considered small by many scouts, Ennis’s determination impressed Mr. Gammon, who noted that he always proved doubters wrong.

Ennis, 21, from Dallas, played college football at the University of Missouri.

As a cornerback for four seasons, he had impressive stats: 107 tackles, defended 24 passes, forced three fumbles, got one interception, one sack, and recovered one fumble.

Last season, Ennis helped the Tigers achieve their first winning record since 2018, winning 11 games and finishing as the 8th-best team nationally.

On the second night of the NFL draft, Mr. Gammon and loved ones eagerly awaited the call.

When it arrived, Mr. Gammon fetched a letter Ennis had left on his desk years before.

They shared a heartfelt moment, hugging and capturing it with a photo while holding the framed note.

Ennis texted Gammon to look up his name on Google a few days later, leaving the former fourth-grade teacher astonished by what he found: numerous articles and social media posts.

Mr. Gammon reflected on the bond he shared with Ennis, emphasizing that their connection went beyond just teaching math, and football is one of them.

He stressed the importance of teachers making students feel valued and supported, highlighting the impact such relationships can have on students’ lives.

Mr. Gammon thinks Ennis deserves the attention he’s getting for making his childhood dream a reality.

He feels lucky to have known Ennis and wishes other teachers could receive similar recognition.

Mr. Gammon intends to attend the Cowboys vs. Lions game, wearing a Cowboys hat and a Lions jersey with Ennis’s name to show his support.

He believes Ennis has worked too hard not to be supported.

Meanwhile, the Lions might have made a smart move by selecting him as the 61st overall pick in the second round.

Detroit drafted Ennis after selecting Terrion Arnold in the first round.

This suggests that Ennis, Terrion, and Brian Branch could be key cornerbacks for the Lions in the future.

Now part of a Lions team that reached the NFC Championship Game last season, Ennis might have a shot at playing in a Super Bowl soon.

Here’s news about Ennis fulfilling his promise to his former fourth-grade teacher: