Sports have a way of making their athletes seem invincible to those who watch from the sidelines. But for players like Casey Pachall, he knows that no one is invincible.
After a solid start to his career at TCU, Pachall had a few slip-ups, both with the law and with substance abuse. Even after committing to getting himself right and working to become the starting quarterback again for his senior season, Pachall went undrafted in 2014.
So when he got that call on Wednesday morning to be the fourth pick and franchise player in the MLFB draft, he was humbled.
“Im just extremely thankful for this opportunity, these guys having the trust and being willing to take a chance with me is huge, I appreciate what they have done so much and for giving me the opportunity to play again.”
The coach who selected Pachall, Robert Ford, knows of Pachall’s story. He’s had the chance to get to know him himself. While he got to know Pachall as a man, he also got to know him as a player. That part of Casey Pachall, according to Ford, has always deserved praise.
“He loves to play the game, and he has a very good football mind on his shoulder. You really can see on film that he takes command of the game,” Ford said. “He’s a general and a leader on the field, which I like a lot.”
Being a franchise player is being more than just a leader on the field. In Major League Football, the league isn’t looking for the players who will flirt with the line of trouble, but instead go above and beyond what they can do for those around them — not just their teammates. Pachall knows that’s part of the gig, and is just as excited about proving that part of his selection.
“Being the face and kinda the name that comes with the franchise tag they have given me is a big responsibility. Being aware and involved in things in the community, especially here in Texas when it comes to football is huge, a lot of people look up to that stature, its something I have never shied away from I love being a part in the community and doing things for the fans.”
As his time on the clock came to a close, it was clear coach Ford was happy with his selection, and is excited to see his quarterback go to work.
“We are excited about it and he’s excited about it. He’s going to be the face of our franchise and he’s going to be ready to go.”
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