The mother of new Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. went viral Thursday during a green room interview at the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit.
When discussing the road to her son’s NFL dream, ESPN’s Laura Rutledge asked Sondra Thomas, “How far has this family come,” to which the matriarch offered a literal response.
“We came from Baton Rouge, Louisiana,” she said.
Rutledge followed up her original question by asking the Thomas family, “When you think about the journey that you’ve been on together, what does tonight mean to you?”
“It means the world,” Sondra said. “It’s amazing. I’m so grateful to God. I’m so happy for him and we are so proud of him.”
Social media immediately embraced Thomas’ family, with users on X commenting the innocent exchange was “the best NFL draft moment.”
Thomas was regarded as one of the top receivers in this year’s draft class and was the fourth wideout off the board in Thursday’s first round at No. 23 overall.
Marvin Harrison Jr. went to the Cardinals at No. 4 while Thomas’ former LSU teammate Malik Nabers was drafted by the Giants at No. 6, followed by Rome Odunze to the Bears at No. 9.
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“I’m ready to get going,” the 21-year-old Thomas Jr. said upon getting drafted by Jacksonville. “Trevor [Lawrence]’s a great quarterback. I’m just ready to get there, put in the work and see what happens from there.”
The Walker, Louisiana, native spent three seasons with the Tigers and was named Second-Team All-SEC in 2023.
Through 13 appearances in 2023, Thomas Jr. recorded 68 receptions for 1,177 yards and 17 touchdowns.
The first night of the 2024 NFL Draft was filled with memorable moments inside the green room, notably when former Alabama linebacker Dallas Turner was selected 17th overall by the Vikings.
“Toni, you’ve been out here cheering. I need another Vikings cheer,” Rutledge said, to which Tonya Turner corrected, “Tonya.”
“Oh, sorry, Tonya. I am so sorry. I’m glad we got that corrected. Tonya, give me another Vikings cheer,” Rutledge said before Tonya exclaimed, “Go Vikings!”
The second and third rounds of this year’s NFL draft get underway Friday before wrapping up Saturday with the final four.
