Former Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald felt more emotions on draft night after seeing his young nephew’s reaction.
On April 24 during Day 2 of the 2026 NFL draft, the league shared a clip of McDonald reacting to a video of his sister, Justice, and nephew congratulating McDonald on his success. McDonald’s nephew began to sob when talking about McDonald’s football career, which made McDonald cry as well.
“I go to all of your football games, when you was in high school,” said McDonald’s cousin, before beginning to sob.
“I grew up with you all your life, and you finally made it. You dreamed this all your life and you just did it,” he continued while crying.
McDonald’s sister encouraged his nephew to tell McDonald that he loves him and is proud of him.
“My little nephew, like I can that he wants to do the same thing, you know. It can be anything, but I love him to death,” McDonald said.
The Houston Texans selected McDonald with the No. 36 pick in the draft. He was the third defensive tackle picked.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Sobbing nephew brings Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald to tears at NFL draft
Reporting by Dan Aulbach, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
