Upstate New York Teen Steals Show with Powerful Draft Performance

Yesterday, we introduced you to 13-year old Kyle Stickles, a resident of Ghent, New York.

Through the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northeastern New York, Stickles was given the opportunity to announce the New York Jets' first round selection at the 2023 NFL Entry Draft, which began on Thursday evening. Stickles is a massive Jets' fan, and had already captured fans' hearts during an introductory press conference earlier this week.

So, when he took the stage alongside the commissioner on Thursday evening, it was no real surprise to us that Kyle Stickles stole the show.

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13-Year Old Kyle Stickles of Ghent, NY Steals Show at 2023 NFL Draft

As the 2023 NFL Draft began on Thursday evening, a group of football fans in the Capital Region were keeping a close eye on the draft board, waiting for the 15th overall selection to come around. The New York Jets owned that draft pick, after acquiring the pick in the trade that brought Aaron Rodgers to the Empire State.

More importantly, however, the 15th selection was when Ghent, New York teen Kyle Stickles would be taking the stage, along with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, to announce the draft pick on behalf of the Jets.

Let's go, indeed!

No one in that building was more hyped-up for the New York Jets than Kyle Stickles last night, and the energy he brought was truly palpable. His positive demeanor is especially impressive, given how much he has been through at just 13 years old.

At the age of 11, diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. He went through months of chemotherapy, and thankfully, heard the news that he was in remission after undergoing treatment.

Roughly two years later, and Kyle Stickles was getting the chance to live his dream at the NFL Draft.

To be fair, we already felt pretty confident that he would be an instant-favorite when the first round of the draft came around. He got the chance to speak to the media earlier this week, while visiting the New York Jets' training facility.

Here was one of his answers to a question asked by the media:

His story is one of perseverance and positivity in the face of adversity, and he is truly a hero among us in the Capital Region. After his awesome performance at the draft, he's also officially a hero to football fans around the country.

A huge congratulations to Kyle and his family for getting to experience this incredible moment!