The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were one of the most talked about teams during the NFL Draft. With that 53rd overall pick, they took cornerback Benjamin Morrison from Notre Dame. Morrison was the fifth player chosen at his position. When that life-changing call finally came, he said his heart was overcome with profound feelings.
Morrison’s ascendance to this moment was not an easy road. He struggled with numerous issues all throughout his season at Notre Dame. A bilateral hip surgery limited him to only six games in 2024. Despite this setback, he showcased his resilience by participating in a workout just four days before the draft, impressing NFL teams with his performance.
Fiji’s candor and instinctive reaction to being drafted made for one of the most inspiring moments to ever be caught on film. He started crying the minute he got the news from Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht and head coach Todd Bowles. For Morrison, this moment represented more than career accomplishment – it was a victory of persistence.
“Thank you for believing in me.” – Benjamin Morrison
Morrison called the experience a blessing, adding on how special it is to be drafted in the NFL. At the end of the day, this is where God has me. I don’t want to interfere with God’s will of my life, or his great plan for my life. Obviously, every kid’s dream is to go first round, but look, that wasn’t my story. I mean, look, my story is a second-round pick — [No.] 53. I’m proud to say that. I’m very proud to say that. For it’s a blessing to be among the top one percentile of soccer players around the world …,” he said. I am so unspeakably lucky.
Compounding the emotional importance of his selection is the relationship between Morrison and Bowles. Morrison’s father, Darryl Morrison, played alongside Bowles in the Washington Commanders’ defensive backfield in 1993. Former Arizona Cardinals chaplain, Darryl Morrison, now team chaplain for the Arizona Cardinals.
Reflecting on his draft experience, Benjamin Morrison admitted he had a frustrating wait but maintained faith in what he believed was God’s plan for him. And I promised Bowles, I said, “I’m not gonna let you down, man.”
Morrison’s unique journey through injuries and uncertainty has shaped him into a mature young man ready to embrace this new chapter in his life. As he gears up to wear the Tampa Bay Buccaneers colors, he’s just as focused on winning in the community and on the field.
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