Tre Nixon reacts to being Ernie Adams’ final draft pick
Tre Nixon was Ernie Adams’ final draft selection in his time with the New England Patriots. On Thursday, Nixon was asked about Adams.
PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 26: Tre Nixon #16 of the UCF Knights catches a touchdown pass against Linwood Crump #11 of the Temple Owls in the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on October 26, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The UCF Knights defeated the Temple Owls 63-21.
Mitchell Leff/Getty ImagesOne of the lasting images from this year's Patriots draft actually didn't come until late on Day 3. In a video the Patriots shared to their Twitter account, Bill Belichick stands up in front of the draft room and announces 2021 was the final draft for long-time football research director Ernie Adams.
Adams is then given the floor to make the Patriots' final pick in the draft. With the selection Adams - and the team - chose UCF wide receive Tre Nixon.
Nixon quote tweeted the video after it was posted by the Patriots, saying "Wow!! What an honor. Can’t wait to get up there and get to work. God is great." That was back on May 3, but now more than a month later, Nixon says he still gets a reaction from watching the clip. "To this day, I get chills going back and watching that video," he relayed when speaking to the media on Thursday.
Adams' retirement has been more of a step back than a full departure from the team. He was on the field for part of the team's first public OTA practice, and players have mentioned him being around the facility. In fact, he was one of the first members of the organization to greet Nixon when he arrived in Foxborough.
"It’s funny because Ernie - Day 1 when I reported here, he was one of the first people I saw in the building," Nixon recalled. "So, I instantly smiled, introduced myself, he introduced his self and ever since then, I’m in his debt. I owe him a lot. I really respect that dude."
After missing the first few days of OTAs while recovering from an injury, Nixon has begun practicing and seems to be catching on. If his development continues, it will be quite the story to say Adams' final contribution to the Patriots' draft room was a key one, like so many players before.
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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
