Every NFL draft pick gets ‘the call,’ informing them of their impending selection, and former Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson got his from Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera.
“Yes, Jahan Dotson, please,” Rivera said when Dotson picked up the phone.
Dotson said he was watching a New Orleans Pelicans-Phoenix Suns NBA playoff game when the phone rang.
”Jahan, this is Ron Rivera with the Washington Commanders, how you doing?”
After brief pleasantries, Rivera got to the point.
”How do you feel about being the first-ever first-round pick of the Commanders?” Rivera asked.
“I would love that,” Dotson replied. “I would love that.”
“Well we look forward having you as a member of our football team, alright?” Rivera said.
“Yeah I appreciate it,” Dotson responded. I really do. You have no idea.”
”You have no idea how happy we are to have you on our football team,” Rivera said.
“Yes, sir,” Dotson responded. “Thank you. Thank you.”
”Well we like who you are as a football player,” Rivera said. “We really think you’re going to be a big part of what we’re trying to do as we try to turn this franchise around and head in the right direction, alright?”
”Yes, sir,” Dotson responded. “Yes sir. Appreciate you, coach.”
“Congratulations, and welcome to the Commanders, kiddo.”
Dotosn became the 16th overall pick and the first Penn State receiver to be selected in the first round since Bryant Johnson in 2003. Before Johnson, Kenny Jackson (1984) and O.J. McDuffie (1993) were first round receivers out of Penn State.
Dotson finished his Penn State career as one of the best receivers in program history, ending up second on the school’s all-time receptions list and fourth in receiving yards.
Dotson thanked Rivera as the conversation drew to a close. Here is a full video of the conversation.
The call that made @JahanDotson a Washington Commander 🥹#HTTC | @BIG100Radio pic.twitter.com/K2zonsicYr
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) April 29, 2022
