NFL Draft 2020: Cesar Ruiz picked up by New Orleans Saints but it's his dad's death that has fans in tears
Michigan center Cesar Ruiz was sure he would make the first round of the NFL Draft picks and he was right. Needless to say, he turned a tad emotional when he heard his name called at his home in New Jersey. on April 23.
The NFL Draft 2020 is being held online for the first time in history after we've been confined to our homes because of the coronavirus pandemic. Currently, we hold on to hope that this pandemic will simmer down before the NFL season starts.
Ruiz is the first Michigan football player who has been taken in the NFL Drafts 2020. The New Orleans Saints drafted Ruiz as the 24th overall pick. Since 2014, Ruiz has been the highest offensive lineman that has been picked from Michigan. The pick was even more emotional as Ruiz had said at the NFL scouting Combine that his motivation came from the memory of his father, Cesar Edwin Ruiz, who was killed in 2007 when Ruiz, was all of eight. His dad had been helping a stranger fix a tire on the side of the road in Camden, New Jersey, when he was struck and killed by a car.
Ruiz's father has been the driving force behind him being determined to get into the NFL Drafts 2020. According to Wyoming news, Ruiz said, "This whole entire experience is dedicated to that whole situation, that tragedy. I still do it, every night, every day, I think about it. If my dad was here to see what I’m doing right now, he would be mind-blown. So I’m still playing for my dad, I still play through my dad, my dad still lives through me. And that’s how it’s always going to be."
Fans on Twitter said they were in tears. "Just want to let Cesar Ruiz know that your father would be very proud of you brother. @Saints #NFLDraft #NFLDraft2020," a fan said. While another fan shared, "Respect to Cesar Ruiz #NFLDraft2020 A lot of powerful stories outta this draft.."
"Aww Cesar Ruiz’s story and reaction to being drafted by the @Saints makes me happy for him and his family #NFLDraft2020," a fan wrote. Another fan added saying, "Cesar Ruiz an amazing story! His Dad tragically was killed in Car Crash in 2007! He'll help Saints O-Line in 2020!#NFLDraft2020."
"I'm in tears hearing the story of how Cesar Ruiz lost his father. Don't worry, he's watching over you from heaven and is very proud of you. Congratulations on being drafted by the Vikings," a fan said. While another shared, "Wow... @Saints draft pick Cesar Ruiz is the first to bring tears to my eyes! What an emotional and loving reaction! #WhoDatNation be proud!! #NFLDraft2020."
"Ok I am crying omg Ggs fo Cesar Ruiz ans he’s a Michigan guy. Omg tears what a sorry #NFLDraft2020 #cezar," a fan said getting emotional.