It started with an email last fall. Its subject: senior Jacob Smith. Its sender: U.S. History teacher Sam Vincent.
For the entirety of Smith’s high school years, he has discussed the NFL with Vincent. He is also a student in Vincent’s Sports in American Culture class. Smith’s favorite team is the Atlanta Falcons, a love influenced by his uncle, Dan, talking about them with him.
“(I like) the players and in general, their logo,” Smith said.
Football team superfans, like Smith, can be invited to announce a pick at the NFL Draft, a yearly event where teams pick their potential new members from college football players. Last fall, Vincent sent an email to the NFL to see if Smith could possibly be invited as an Atlanta Falcons superfan. He received a response that said Smith would be considered but there was no guarantee he would be allowed to attend.
In December, Vincent met on Zoom with the Atlanta Falcons to talk about Smith.
“They let me know, but I wasn’t allowed to tell anybody, that they were gonna let him announce a pick,” Vincent said.
Following Christmas break, Vincent worked with Smith’s family and other teachers for him to go to the draft.
“From that point, it was ‘How are we gonna surprise him to let him know?’ Vincent said.
It came on April 14 under the guise of a regular day in his Sports in American Culture class for Smith. During first period, he attended a class video interview of Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London, one of his favorite players. But during the interview, London surprised Smith with a jersey and helmet he had signed, and an invitation to the NFL Draft to announce a Falcons draft pick. Smith was honored.
“Boy, was I surprised,” Smith said.
He attended the NFL draft in Pittsburgh, PA. on April 24 and announced the Falcons’ sixth round draft pick, Harold Perkins Jr., on April 25. Smith was accompanied by his grandfather, Dan Smith, health teacher Justus Robinson, junior Alfonso Valdez and Vincent.
“We had such a fun time and the people at the Falcons were amazing,” Robinson said.
Now, Jacob Smith, a two-year member of the WPHS News staff, remains ready for the 2026 NFL season.
“Lets hope there’s more wins and less losses, especially on rival games,” Smith said.
