Potential 2019 NFL Draft no. 1 pick sends powerful message to fallen soldier's family
Not a single NFL rookie from the class of 2018 has taken an in-game snap yet, but that never means it’s too early for NFL junkies to look ahead to next year.
One of the top prizes of the 2019 NFL fraft could be defensive end Nick Bosa. The Ohio State edge rusher has a lot going for him.
Bosa passes the eye test with flying colors. In two seasons with the Buckeyes, Bosa has notched 23 tackles for a loss and 13.5 sacks.
Nick Bosa also has the benefit of an actual NFL pedigree. Nick’s father, John Bosa, enjoyed a pro career with the Miami Dolphins. His brother, Joey, is currently a budding star for the Los Angeles Chargers.
Perhaps just as important as his actual talent, Nick Bosa has one more thing going for him — he seems to be doing some great PR work for the NFL before even hearing his name called at the draft podium.
Case in point, the family of slain Army Sgt. Nicholas Casey recently shared a personal, handwritten letter that Bosa sent them.
If this isn't the coolest thing ever pic.twitter.com/3BhDUUSh8p
— Sam Casey (@SamEC37) June 2, 2018
Bosa mentioned in the note that he was a junior in college, which means the letter was sent this year.
“The fact that I am able to get up every day without questioning my security makes me unbelievably proud to be an American and thankful to have brave heroic people like Nicholas watching over me,” Bosa wrote.
Casey was killed by a suicide bomber on October 27, 2008, as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, per the Military Times. He was just 22 at the time, and originally from Canton, Ohio. Casey was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne).
Casey was survived by his wife, Rachelle, and his two sons, Nicholas II and Curtis.
“For Nicholas’ family members I want to say that he will never be forgotten and the courageous acts that he did will also be appreciated by not only me, but everyone here on the team,” Bosa said in the letter.
It’s a touching gesture from Bosa, who has gotten virtually no media coverage for it. Instead, many outlets instead chose to criticize Bosa for daring to have unpopular opinions about movies like “Black Panther” and “Star Wars.”
Bosa is projected to have a monster year for Ohio State in the upcoming college football season.
Nick Bosa the NFL prospect does have some areas of his game to address. His speed isn’t considered “elite” by many scouts, and he needs to add several moves to his pass-rushing repertoire, as his current size and athleticism advantage won’t necessarily translate from college to the pros.
But Nick Bosa the person? If the letter he sent to the Caseys is any indication, he seems to have his head on correctly.
“We will never forget, but also cherish the loving memory of Nicholas Casey,” Bosa concluded in his letter.
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