From Mulvane to the NFL: Jayden Value makes Saints’ 53-man roster

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — From Mulvane Excessive Faculty to the NFL, former all-state quarterback Jayden Value made the New Orleans Saints' 53-man roster over the weekend.

After a number of follow squad stints and a yr within the Canadian Soccer League and the United Soccer League, Value lastly discovered a house in New Orleans and is in place to make his NFL debut this season. 

He mentioned it's been an extended journey, however when you’ve got a dream, go chase it.

"Doesn't matter how huge of a college, how little of a college," Value mentioned. "Doesn't matter how huge of a city, how little of a city. Simply that if you belief the method, you’re employed laborious, you do the precise issues and you may play soccer, then they'll discover you."

Value was a three-year starter at Mulvane Excessive Faculty, enjoying quarterback and defensive again. He was recruited to North Dakota State as a cornerback. He appeared in 71 video games and helped the Bison win three FCS championships. 

He mentioned the assist he has obtained from his hometown through the years means the world.

"Simply attempting to set instance for these younger youngsters in that city and attempting to make them proud and make that city proud," Value mentioned. "And giving them one thing to stay up for and type of be extra grateful that they’ve my again."

All through his profession, Value by no means forgot his roots. He's nonetheless near his highschool coach Dave Fennewald and former teammates.

Fennewald is now the athletics director at Mulvane Excessive Faculty, and he acquired to be in Dallas to observe Value's final recreation on the reserve record.

"We have been driving again yesterday, and his mother texted me that head coach had textual content him and referred to as him and mentioned, 'You made the group,' and I used to be at residence at the moment, and I did I teared up," Fennewald mentioned. "You simply can't put that in phrases."

Fennewald mentioned Value's character is what made him stand out and made the others round him higher.

"If he got here into college proper now, you’ll by no means know he performed for the NFL group," he mentioned. "You wouldn't know. He'd stroll round identical to a traditional child."

Fennewald mentioned that he has little doubt Value will benefit from this chance with the Saints.

"He ain't completed but. He's not," he mentioned. "He's going to make an impression someplace, a way on that group. He's going to make an impression."

Value's first shot to see the turf on an NFL Sunday will likely be towards the Detroit Lions on Sept. 13.

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