LaDainian Tomlinson knows how much hard work it takes to become an NFL player. He was the fifth overall pick in 2001 after an illustrious career at TCU, continuing to play at a high level when he reached the pros by making five Pro Bowls and being named a first-team All-Pro three times.
So when he saw another family member also have his dream come true by being drafted, he got emotional. That family member, of course, is Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson.
The Rams selected Hodges-Tomlinson in the sixth round of the draft, grabbing the 2022 Jim Thorpe Award winner at No. 182 overall. When he got the call from Les Snead, his uncle was in the room and tried to fight back his tears.
Tomlinson reflected on that emotional moment with his nephew on NFL Total Access, calling it “an amazing feeling.”
LT's reaction to his nephew getting drafted is so wholesome 🥹🥹@LT_21 | @TreTomlinson | @RamsNFL pic.twitter.com/mzyIsnJzZC
— NFL Total Access (@NFLTotalAccess) May 3, 2023
“Seeing all the work he’s put in to get into this moment and having this opportunity to realize his dreams of being drafted, it’s an amazing feeling,” Tomlinson said. “And I know he was very relieved to get drafted and to go to such a great organization and franchise like the Rams.”
Hodges-Tomlinson comes from NFL bloodlines but he’ll try to make a name for himself with the Rams as one of their top cornerbacks in the secondary. And if he ever needs advice on being a pro, he has a Hall of Famer in his corner.
