Former Left Tackle to Represent Jets on NFL Draft Day 2
New York Jets legend D’Brickashaw Ferguson will take the stage tonight at the 2023 National Football League Draft.
As part of the league's initiative to "connect the game’s greats with the next generation of stars," Ferguson is present in Kansas City and will announce the Jets' second-round pick at the podium.
Gang Green's former super-reliable left tackle, who last played in 2015, is set to introduce the No. 43 overall selection on Friday, April 28. Ferguson belongs to a contingent of NFL alumni that is available "on-site to mentor the prospects and give back to the city of Kansas City through a variety of service driven events to celebrate this momentous occasion."
One thing any young draftee can learn from Ferguson is that the best ability is availability. The 6-foot-6 bookend never missed a start during his entire 10-year Jets career.
Ferguson, who was the No. 4 overall selection in the 2006 NFL Draft, made 160 consecutive appearances for Gang Green until retiring following the 2015 season. The former Virginia Cavalier recovered five fumbles and earned three Pro Bowl nods during his NFL tenure.
The Jets' organization welcomed Ferguson into the Ring of Honor last October 30.
Former Jet Alan Faneca is also participating in the Day 2 festivities in Kansas City. After spending his first 10 professional seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Faneca joined Gang Green for the 2008 and 2009 campaigns. He started all 32 games.
Faneca, a 2021 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee, will announce the Steelers' second-round choice. Pittsburgh will open Round 2 after acquiring the No. 32 overall pick in a trade with the Chicago Bears.
One of the most-memorable moments from Thursday night in Kansas City was created by NFL special guest Kyle Stickles. The Jets' super fan from Ghent, NY had the honor of announcing the team's Round 1 selection alongside NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Having recovered from a bout with cancer, Stickles made his way to Kansas City thanks to the Make-A-Wish foundation.
"Kyle was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, bone cancer, in his left tibia in 2020. He received chemotherapy until June 2021 and after a lot of hard work and physical therapy, he has been able to walk again," according to an NFL Communications Release from April 20.
From the swagger in his walk to his sharp green tie, Stickles was ready for his primetime appearance. He sent waves of excitement throughout the Gang Green fan base by emphatically spelling out the J-E-T-S chant while flanked by Goodell.
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