And with the first pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs make history. In selecting offensive tackle Eric Fisher, Fisher has become the first Central Michigan Chippewa to ever be selected first overall in the NFL Draft.
The 6-7, mammoth road grader faced a long road to the top.
A relative unknown during his collegiate career, Fisher wowed coaches and scouts with his Senior Bowl performance. It was there in Mobile, Alabama that Fisher declaired he would be the number one overall pick in the draft.
Leading up in its final weeks to the draft, speculation and debate grew over who would go first: Fisher or Texas A&M general consensus number one Luke Joeckel. In the end, Kansas City Cheifs headcoach Andy Reid and general manager and general manager John Dorssey went with Fisher for the pick.
“Ya know, the whole week they kept saying the three tackles, the three tackles,” Fisher said dawning his brand new draft day cap. “Three tackles in four picks, that’s a lotta love for the big boys up front; which we usually don’t get. I’m so excited right now. It’s been great competition right now with all these tackles, always trying to be hungry. I always wanted to be number one and the fact that this just happened is awesome.”
As historic as it was Fisher, he was not the first Chippewa selected in the first round. That honor belongs to current San Francisco 49ers’ Pro Bowl tackle Joe Staley. And with a fellow alum nearing history and such a monumental moment in life, Staley offered some wisdom to the young Fisher.
“Joe Staley has been a huge mentor for me. Someone who’s been there and done that, he’s played in the Super Bowl — you reall can’t do much more then that. He’s been such a help, given me so much advice, supporting me through all this and really helping me out.”
While acting as composed as good be after having his life changed infront a live national audience, Fisher was still for a loss of words.
“It’s hard to process, right now, what just happened. I’m so excited to be part of this organization. I’m really excited to be picked by Kansas City,” Fisher said.
It was even speculated that the Chiefs might not select a tackle with their first overall pick as in the offseason they placed their franchise tender on veteran Branden Albert. However, Kansas City began to actively shop Albert around about a week before the draft and with the selection of Fisher the speculation rises even more and that’s without taking into consideration the dedication Fisher has put into his career.
“I’ve played with a chip on my shoudler for so long. My goal now is to be a Pro Bowler in my rookie year. It such an opportunity. This has been my dream for so long.”
However for all the football talk that floated around Radiocity Music Hall this Thursday evening, it couldn’t be over shadow by what matters most: family.
My mom has been my biggest supporter for everything my entire life,” Fisher said.
“I think in college she only missed three games of mine. The fact that she would get in a car and drive to wherever I was playing that week, she’s been behind me in everything I’ve wanted to do in life, she’s supported me, she’s sacrificed so much to help me get here. I’m so happy I could help her out. Ya know, she’s worked for 33 years and hopefully she can retire now. I’m really looking forward to helping her out.”
