Temple's Haason Reddick, No. 13 draft pick, returns to fmr. middle school

CAMDEN (WPVI) -- Last Thursday night, Temple University defensive end Haason Reddick was on stage at the NFL Draft. He was selected at number 13 by the Arizona Cardinals.

Six days later, Reddick was back home, where it all began in South Jersey, having a heart to heart with the students at his alma mater, Camden's Promise Middle School.

"To get to where I got today I had to work hard, you go to pay attention, you got to listen to your teachers, listen to your parents," Reddick said.

Reddick shared the challenges he overcame to become a star linebacker at Temple.

He said he sat in their seats; he played in the very gym where he spoke to the students.

Reddick told them not to let anyone tell you that you can't do something. He told them to believe in yourself, work hard, and have determination.

"I was once in their seat. I was once just like them. So to show them that somebody who was once in your seat and went to this school, you can make something out of yourself. I always want to come back and give back to the kids," Reddick said.

Reddick said his dream was always to be an NFL player and now he's living his dream.

Before he left, Reddick left the school a little something. He signed a Temple football to put in their trophy case.

----------

Send a breaking news alert
Report a correction or typo
Learn more about the 6abc apps