A lifelong dream came to fruition Thursday night when the Buffalo Bills drafted former Gators cornerback Kaiir Elam at No. 23 in the first round.
The moment Elam received word of the Bills’ decision was captured on camera, and it was emotional. He picked up the phone and told the Buffalo staff that he was in Palm Beach, Florida, before getting the good news. Fighting back tears of joy, Elam thanked his new coach for the opportunity as his friends and family began to celebrate in the background.
Shortly after, everyone at the watch party celebrated again when the pick became official as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced the pick. Elam removed his self-made hat and donned a fresh blue and red cap with the Bills logo front and center. Don’t worry about him forgetting his roots, though. Elam made sure to give a big Gator Chomp in celebration.
The moment @kaiirelam5 got the call! #GoGators | @BuffaloBills pic.twitter.com/dVi6xY8eEN
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) April 29, 2022
Elam isn’t the only one in the video who quickly acquires some Buffalo gear. There was a sense coming into the draft that Buffalo could be a likely destination after strong interviews with the team, so the family prepared accordingly. Speaking to WKBW, an ABC affiliate in Buffalo, Elam said he felt something special when visiting with the Bills and that it was a huge relief to finally come off the board.
The Bills traded up two spots to get Elam after the Kansas City Chiefs took Trent McDuffie with the 21st pick. General manager Brandon Beane said Elam was the only player left on the Bills’ board with a first-round grade, and they felt like they needed to get him.
Kaiir Elam shares his initial thoughts on getting drafted by the Bills @WKBW #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/Rtb4CHeiIE
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) April 29, 2022
Joining the Bills puts Elam in a good spot to contend for a championship at the start of his professional career. That opportunity isn’t lost on him, and he says his goal now is to win a Super Bowl.
Ready to work. 👏@kaiirelam5 | @CaesarsSports pic.twitter.com/rnT9cEEHIV
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) April 29, 2022
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