Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones discusses what will be his first NFL coaching change while on a team on Friday, Feb. 2, 2018, in Minnesota. Video by Dave Birkett/DFP
This is the first installment of an occasional series of draft diaries from Central Michigan tight end Tyler Conklin, as told to Dave Birkett. Conklin caught 83 passes in three seasons at CMU. He’ll chronicle his experiences leading up to April’s draft.
I’ve played football since I was little. I started playing tackle football when I was 8 years old, and my brother, Trevor, and I always used to play in the front yard growing up, or even in the living room until we got in trouble. We always were competing against each other, and it was always a dream of ours to eventually make it to the professional level.
I went to college to play basketball at Northwood initially, but transferred to Central Michigan to play football in 2014. Honestly, as soon as I made the transition from basketball to football, I thought reaching the NFL was possible.
My sophomore year, when I was a backup behind Ben McCord, Ben ended up having a real good season and when he was getting his looks and his opportunity, that kind of made it reality that it could happen to me, too. I was close with Leterrius Walton, my former teammate who’s now with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he always told me that I can do it. And I always knew I had the physical traits to make it happen.
With the combine this week and my dream coming closer to reality, I have to say thank you to Central for my four years and multiple opportunities I had to expand my academic and football career.
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I received unlimited support, guidance, and mentorship that will follow me through my career and life. The coaches at Central Michigan provided me with the chance to do what I love and enhanced my game to a caliber that allowed me to pursue my childhood dream of becoming an NFL player. I am forever grateful to the coaches at Central Michigan for allowing me to walk-on four years ago and earn a scholarship to play the game I love.
Coach Sherrone Moore, thank you for all you have done for me on and off the field. I hope you continue to influence players and impact their lives the way you did mine. Without the unconditional love, support, and guidance of my family none of this would have been possible.
To the fans that came out rain or shine and rooted for us, you are appreciated! Fire up Chips !! I look forward to all the future successes and opportunities to make an impact on the field and the community.