Making the Team: Jesse James relives ‘dream' draft day moment

Yahoo

15-04-2025

PITTSBURGH, Pa. (BLACK AND GOLD NATION) – Waiting during the NFL Draft is one of the most nerve-racking experiences that future players will ever endure in their careers.
'The draft is unpredictable,' longtime NFL tight end Jesse James said. 'Everyone likes to think they're going to a certain place, but it doesn't always work out the way you want.'
The first two days of the 2015 NFL Draft passed by James, keeping him on the edge of his seat to hear his name called during the final day.
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'When I was sitting there waiting, each pick that went by felt like there was a 45-pound plate being stacked on my chest,' the Penn State product said. 'I felt the pressure building.'
During the fifth round, the western PA native would receive a phone call from a familiar area code, 412. Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told James over the phone that his hometown team would be drafting him.
'It was definitely a dream come true,' the 160th overall pick said.
All of the draft day waiting, angst and anxiety was worth it for him.
'It's definitely a big moment in your life,' James said.
Not only was he going to play for the team he grew up rooting for but also suit up with his childhood hero in Steelers tight end Heath Miller.
'The knowledge that (Heath) gave me was huge and I built my career with that foundation,' James said. 'I went in and tried to copy all the processes he went through, and it became extensive. All the stuff that I learned from him really was the foundation for the success I had in my career.'
While it was a dream scenario for James, he knew he had to wake up and work to stay in the league.
'I didn't start off playing right away. I had a lot to prove,' the South Allegheny alum said. 'You weren't going to be given anything you did. So, I sat around the first couple weeks of the season as a healthy inactive and just trying to get a moment to prove myself.'
James' moment would eventually come during week nine of his rookie season against the Oakland Raiders. He would catch a touchdown in the fourth quarter to extend the Steelers lead to two scores, which ultimately helped them get the 38-35 win.
'That game I had to block against some of the best guys in the league,' James recalled. 'It was like Khalil Mack and Aldon Smith. So, it was a tough match up and I was able to step up to the challenge and prove my value to the team.'
James would go on to spend eight years in the NFL with five total teams, being a classic example that good things can come to those who work and wait.
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