The sixth round of an NFL draft can usually rarely convince with the most spectacular deals. The surprise was all the greater when the Dallas Cowboys provided an emotional highlight this year with a late pick.
Chris Vaughn will probably never forget the 212th pick of this year’s draft. The scout, who has worked for the Cowboys since 2017, was completely taken by surprise by Jerry Jones on Saturday. The team owner gave him to understand that the team will choose his son Deuce.
The proud father was even allowed to convey this happy news to his offspring personally. “Look man, do you want to come to work with me next week?” Chris asked his son over the phone, his voice cracking.
“I wouldn’t mind at all,” Deuce replied promptly, to applause in the Cowboys draft room. Jerry Jones then explained to the newcomer that the entire staff had “tears in their eyes” beforehand.
Dallas head coach Mike McCarthy also emphasized how unique the running back’s pick was. “In 30 years in this league I’ve never seen anything like it. That was a very special moment.”
NFL Draft: Surprised father and son alike
Chris Vaughn’s surprise, however, was not fake. The scout did not report on his son before the NFL Draft and stayed away from the sessions where his peers discussed Deuce. So he had no idea how things were going with his offspring.
For his part, Deuce wasn’t too keen on inside information anyway. Especially since the leap into the NFL should succeed without outside help. “I wanted it to happen organically. I wanted everything to fit together the way it was going to be,” said the 21-year-old.
Draft picks, meanwhile, weren’t that important to Deuce Vaughn. Only when it came to the team did he have a very precise idea, which ultimately became reality. “That it’s Dallas, oh man, that’s incredible,” enthused the NFL rookie.