On Thursday, April 25, 19-year-old Kacey Reynolds of Maysville, Georgia, will take center stage in front of millions of fans to announce the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' first-round pick at the 2019 NFL Draft.
Through Make-A-Wish, Reynolds, a lifelong Buccaneers fan who is battling Hodgkin's Lymphoma, will have his wish granted to read off the Buccaneers' selection live from the Draft alongside NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. The Buccaneers currently hold the fifth overall pick, the first of seven selections this year.
"I knew it was something I could never spend money to do," said Reynolds. "It will be a really great moment, but it's going to be a really nervous moment, too."
On April 18, Reynolds was surprised amongst family and friends at his high school in Georgia that his wish would be granted. Following a special performance by his high school band, of which he was an active participant as a student, Reynolds was surprised with a video message from his favorite player, Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Evans.
"I heard you are one of our biggest fans and that you've been battling through some tough times," Evans said in the video. "A few years ago, the Buccaneers drafted me in the first round and it was one of the best nights of my life... I'm excited to let you know you're going to Nashville for the NFL Draft to represent the Bucs and announce our first-round pick in front of millions of fans. I'm so excited for you and I know you'll do an awesome job representing Bucs Nation. I'll be watching, Kacey. Go Bucs!"
"I was completely shocked when they played the video of Mike Evans and he said my name," added Reynolds. "That was the minute I realized my wish was coming true."
Reynolds will be accompanied by his parents, Kenneth and Kelly, for this week's memorable trip to Nashville.
"As a parent, you just want your kids to be happy," said his mother, Kelly Reynolds. "The worst feeling is knowing that there's nothing you can do to make things better. Seeing him smile was pretty special."
Draft Day 2 Announcements
Day 2, which kicks off on Friday, April 26 at 7:00 p.m. E.T., will feature a pair of Buccaneers Legends announcing the team's selections. Trent Dilfer, the Buccaneers' first-round pick (sixth overall) of the 1994 NFL Draft, will announce the team's second-round selection. Super Bowl XXXVII MVP Dexter Jackson, drafted by the Buccaneers in the fourth round (113 overall) will read off Tampa Bay's third-round selection. In addition to announcing NFL Draft picks, the former players will be on site to mentor the 2019 prospects and give back to the city of Nashville through participation in a variety of community service events.
Draft Day 3 Announcements
On Day 3 of the NFL Draft, which begins on Saturday, April 27 at noon E.T., the Buccaneers will help showcase the Tampa Bay area's world-class beaches through the annual Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival. During rounds four and five, Team Reporter Casey Phillips will join Captain Fear, Buccaneers Cheerleaders and pirates amongst one-of-a-kind sand sculptures to announce the Buccaneers' selections. Fans in attendance will also enjoy the Buccaneers Street Team activations throughout the afternoon as the festival pays tribute to sugar sands, sunsets and world-renowned art. Clearwater Beach will play host to free activities for all ages, including live entertainment, performers, fireworks and more.
Buccaneers Draft selections in rounds six and seven will be made from the stage in Nashville, Tennessee. Fans can stay up-to-date all weekend long with Bucs Draft Coverage, presented by Raymond James, at Buccaneers.com/road-to-the-draft.