Jeremy Maclin had no idea. The Philadelphia Eagles didn't show a lick of interest in him prior to the 2009 NFL Draft, and yet when it was time to make the 19th pick in that Draft, the team didn't hesitate: It was Maclin, the former Missouri star who was watching Night 1 from his home with his friends and family and a camera crew and he was … stunned.

And very, very happy.

"You go through such a long process, so many interviews, and it's exhausting," said Maclin, now the head coach of Kirkwood High School in Missouri, his alma mater. "To be drafted by an organization that is so well respected, that knows how to win, I knew I was going to be in a good position to have success. It was the most fulfilling experience for me in my career. Everything I dreamed about, every bit of work I put into it, it all paid off. It was a weight lifted off my shoulders.

"It's a crazy time. You don't know where you're going to be. You're on edge. But you have to rely on the work you've put in and now it's time to be a professional."

Maclin played five seasons with the Eagles and had 343 receptions, 4,771 yards, and 36 touchdowns. His 2014 season, a Pro Bowl year, was prolific with 85 receptions, 1,318 yards, and 10 touchdowns. It was his final year in Philadelphia as Maclin then moved on to play in Kansas City for two seasons and Baltimore for one before retiring after the 2017 campaign.

His career started with a phone call from the Eagles. From there, it was all about football.

"I truly loved it and respected the game and everything about it and I think I conducted myself the right way the entire time and that is what I am most proud of," said Maclin, who was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2023. "I earned the respect I got and that is the ultimate for every player."