When former Duncanville graduate heard his name called by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft, he was quick to acknowledge his past competing in the Lone Star State. Ennis Rakestraw Jr. posted a picture of a note he once left for his fourth-grade teacher on the final day of school in a post that has since gone viral.
The note read:
Dear Mr Gammon
You are the best teacher ever. You always had and have my back, and you give me confidence. When my little brother had a seizure, you gave me food and snacks. I wish I didn’t want to leave you, but I have to, but I hope you come and see me at Daniel, please. Come and see me. I hope you miss me like I miss you and I hope you’re alive because if I make it to a professional football player, I will talk about you. Mr. Gammon, please give me your phone number before I go.
From: Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
He then posted a picture of himself and Mr. Gammon with the note, which has since been framed, and it has been reposted by the Detroit Lions’ official social media platforms.
“You put it out there at 10 years old and made it happen,” Mr. Gammon tweeted. “I have no words for how proud I am of you. Also, I’m telling everyone I played with you and against you and threw multiple touchdowns to you and on you. Yes, it was recess, but it’s technically true. Again, so proud.”
Mr. Gammon, who served as Rakestraw Jr.’s math teacher at Duncanville and is now the principal of Mansfield ISD’s Anna May Daulton Elementary School, stood behind his former student during his NFL draft party in Lancaster.
With Duncanville, Rakestraw Jr. was a three-star defensive back who led his team to back-to-back championship game appearances. In 2019, he won the 6A Division I State Championship game, defeating Southlake Carroll 49-35. He went on to play three seasons with Missouri.
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