Unnerved Chris Rodriguez: "I'm ready to play football."
Most people in Chris Rodriguez’s position, a likely-but-not-certain NFL draft pick, would be nervous. All of his friends and family were texting him throughout the draft, asking him, “Are you nervous? How nervous are you? I’d be nervous?” and so forth. But not Chris Rodriguez. Not CRod.
Rodriguez spoke to reporters via Zoom after the Washington Commanders drafted him in the 6th round with the 193rd overall pick. He led off by saying:
“For me, no, [I’m not nervous]. I’m ready to play football. Today was an exciting moment when they called my name. I was extremely, I wouldn’t say nervous, but you get that anxious feeling. Are you ready to get off the board and see where you’re going? But at the same time, I knew I had to be patient and it wasn’t up to me. So it was definitely a great feeling once it happened and I’m ready to get to work.”
Chris Rodriguez
Rodriguez’s late mother would be very excited for him
Rodriguez was surrounded by his loved ones while he spoke, save for perhaps the most important person in his life, his mother, who had lupus and passed away in January.
“My family is huge to me. People don’t know my mom passed away on January 11. You know, it was hard.
My mom would be extremely excited [today]. If she were here right now, she’d probably be over my shoulder and just kiss me with all the excitement. I tell everybody that I had a dream [of playing in the NFL] but so did she. She always wanted me to be in the NFL and see him accomplish my dreams. I know she is looking down on me now and proud.”
Chris Rodriguez
As for everyone else, he doesn’t know who has reached out to him because he hasn’t even had a chance to check his phone.
“My phone has been blowing up. I haven’t had a chance to check all of the messages, all the FaceTimes, all the phone calls, and Twitter and Instagram. I haven’t been able to take it all in, but eventually, I’ll get around to it and reach out to some of those guys like Jamin [Davis].”
Chris Rodriguez
CRod is ready to get to Washington for the first time
Jamin Davis anchors the Washington Commanders’ defense and took huge strides last season. He will no doubt serve as a mentor when Rodriguez gets to Washington, a city he admits to never visiting.
“I’ve never been in Washington, so we are going to get out there ready to meet people. I’m ready to see what it’s like. Just ready to take that next step.”
Chris Rodriguez
Rodriguez will join a crowded backfield, but, to no one’s surprise, this does not concern him. He is happy to be part of a run-heavy offense, but willing to help wherever he can.
“They love to run the ball. They have big, physical backs and I feel like I can fit in well. Whether its third down or even special teams, I can fit in perfect.”
Chris Rodriguez
The Commanders got a good one. Make us proud, CRod.
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