Many young football players dream of the opportunity to have their name called by the NFL Commissioner before they take the stage, slide on a hat and proudly smile for pictures as they hold up an NFL jersey, bearing the number one, of the team that just invested in their future by selecting them in the first round of the NFL Draft.
For Devin White, the Bucs’ first-round pick in 2019, it was a much different experience.
Kacey Reynolds, an avid Bucs fan and Maysville, Georgia native, received a message last April from star wide receiver Mike Evans, informing him that Tampa Bay would be flying him to Nashville for the draft where he would announce the Bucs’ first-round selection. While suffering from Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at 19-years-old, the Bucs’ organization, along with the Make-A-Wish Foundation made Reynolds’ wish come true.
Less than a year removed from that night in Tennessee, Reynolds passed away on Sunday, February 23, but the impact he left on White, his teammates, the Bucs’ organization and football fans around the country will last forever.
“I’m so happy that he got to put the pick in,” White said in his introductory press conference in Tampa.
“When he came up there and said my name, the first thing I told him was, ‘I thank you for saying my name because without you, I wouldn’t be here, you put the pick in,” White said. “So I’m thankful for him. He rode up there on the jet and he and his family are great, they love the Buccaneers through and through.”
We’re saddened by the passing of Buccaneers fan Kacey Reynolds. Our hearts go out to his family.
Kacey announced our first round pick at last year’s draft as his Make-A-Wish experience, and will forever be a part of the Buccaneers family. pic.twitter.com/RXwUcTf91N
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) February 23, 2020
You will always be a part of the Buccaneer family. RIP my friend. https://t.co/IYAbUZxm88
— Jason Licht (@jasonrlicht) February 23, 2020
This one hurts man. You loved the squad regardless of the outcome. It was great getting to know you. RIP my friend https://t.co/vrmOGciMui
— Mike Evans (@MikeEvans13_) February 23, 2020
