Every year, we get to witness some of the most unforgettable moments during the NFL Draft and this year was no different. For one Tampa Bay Buccaneers pick, the moment of being drafted brought more emotion than most.
In the second and third rounds, alike, the Bucs addressed a need many fans wanted to see prioritized: cornerback. First up at pick 21 in Round 2, Tampa Bay selected Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison.
The Fighting Irish product came into the draft as one of the top overall cornerbacks in his class, and from the jump, Bucs fans are going to love him, especially after seeing the moment he knew his life had changed.
The best Draft call reaction you’ll see all weekend 🥲
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) April 26, 2025
The Krewe is lucky to have you, @BMoe_21! pic.twitter.com/WrozDVTLQz
"I'm not going to let you down, man," Morrison told coach Todd Bowles through tears. "I promise you."
It was a moment which football fans from all teams could appreciate. Different players react in different ways, but this is an example of one of those pure, unforgettable moments.
Benjamin Morrison has a deep connection to Bucs head coach Todd Bowles
When Bowles told Morrison to tell his dad "hi" late in the video, he was, in fact, referring to an old teammate of his.
Darryl Morrison, Benjamin's father, was drafted back in 1993 to Washington where he would play a season with Bowles. Darryl wound up playing four seasons in the NFL as a defensive back and in 28 starts, he proved to have a nose for the football by racking up an impressive seven fumble recoveries while even returning one of those for a touchdown.
Fast forward over 30 years and now, Bowles gets an opportunity to coach his old friend and teammate's son.
The new Bucs cornerback enters the league after three years with Notre Dame where he finished with 18 pass breakups and five interceptions. More impressively, he was an absolute force when it came to limiting opposing quarterbacks.
In three seasons with the Irish, Morrison allowed passer ratings of 58.4, 60.8 and 29.2 per Pro Football Focus. Those numbers aren't just good Those are elite numbers.
The Bucs not only got themselves an instant fan favorite due to emotional ties, but Morrison now gives Tampa Bay a legitimate future star in the secondary.