He sat in his family’s home in Philadelphia, his head down, taking in the moment.
Jonathan Taylor became a pro on Friday night, as a second round pick – the 41st selection overall – in the 2020 NFL Draft, heading to the Indianapolis Colts.
The Doak Walker Award winner and finalist in numerous other awards had been working out in Arizona while physically distancing and enduring stay-at-home orders due to coronavirus. It has greatly affected how he has had discussions with NFL teams considering him.
“It’s a real tedious process, especially at a time like this. Before, you would have visits…private workouts,” said Taylor, the sixth-leading rusher in the history of NCAA Division 1 FBS football.
“Now, you’re on Zoom meetings. You’re on Facetime. You’re sending videos of workouts.”
Taylor got a leg up on many draftees, as the University of Wisconsin held its pro day ahead of many other schools – and before coronavirus really struck.
“Now, I’m actually thankful. If it wasn’t for an early Pro Day, I wouldn’t have had a chance to showcase my talents another time.”