DeeJay Dallas tells NFL Draft stars ‘don’t be anxious’ and urges them to ‘take in the moment’ in advice to prospects | D1I8RSW | 2024-04-28 02:08:01
DeeJay Dallas tells NFL Draft stars 'don't be anxious' and urges them to 'take in the moment' in advice to prospects | D1I8RSW | 2024-04-28 02:08:01
ARIZONA Cardinals running back DeeJay Dallas has a special message for 2024 NFL Draft prospects: Don't overthink it.
The former Miami standout wants soon-to-be NFL players to know that they can still thrive in the league regardless of their draft position.
"If I could give advice to any prospect – or my younger self getting drafted – is, wherever you go, that's just really a number," Dallas, 25, told The U.S. Sun during the draft week.
"The work really starts once you get to your destination."
Dallas started his career with the Seattle Seahawks, who selected him in the fourth round of the 2020 draft.
Despite modest production in college, he became a Day 2 pick in big part thanks to his versatility and strong work ethic.
The Georgia native played quarterback in high school before being converted to wide receiver and then running back in Miami.
He was also named the Hurricanes' team captain in 2019.
After arriving in the NFL, Dallas didn't get to enjoy many opportunities to play out of the backfield, serving as a third-down back in the past three seasons.
But he found other ways to deliver, utilizing his size, speed, and vision to become a top return specialist in the league.
The former Hurricanes star finished the 2023 regular season with the fourth-most kick return yardage (440) and ranked 15th in punt return yardage (265).
His effort earned him a three-year contract from the Cardinals in the offseason.
<!-- End of Brightcove Player --> "Once you get to your team, it doesn't matter where you go," Dallas said.
"You can go first or you can go last. It doesn't really matter where you go.
"And people have proven that it doesn't matter where you go.
"So don't be anxious, just take in the moment, be in the moment.
<!--googleoff: all--> <blockquote class="article__quote"> </blockquote> <!--googleon: all--> "And just know that the work starts once the draft ends."
The 2024 NFL Draft takes place between April 25-27.
Dallas recently visited US Army bases in Poland as part of the NFL's Salute to Service Initiative in partnership with United Service Organizations (USO).
He went on the trip alongside new Cardinals teammate Trey McBride.
They got to interact with the American troops stationed at NATO's Eastern Flank, learn about their mission, and even compete against them in a combat fitness test.
Dallas, whose brother serves in the military, said it was an "eye-opening" experience.
"It was an honor,"
"Anytime I can do anything to hold our troops up on that pedestal, I'll do it – just to show them that we haven't forgotten about them back home."
More >> https://ift.tt/LFoAU2W Source: MAG NEWS
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