In 2016, Laremy Tunsil’s NFL draft night quickly turned from a dream into a public spectacle due to a leaked video showing him smoking from a gas mask. This incident, occurring moments before the draft, had a significant impact on his career trajectory and reputation.
At the time of the 2016 NFL draft, Tunsil was a highly anticipated top draft pick. Hailing from Ole Miss, he was poised to be selected early, with experts projecting him to go within the top ten picks. However, just before his name was called, a video was leaked from his hacked Twitter account, showing Tunsil in a compromising position. Realizing the severity of the situation, Tunsil’s immediate reaction was to contain the damage, but it was too late.
The video became the unexpected centerpiece of the draft night story, leading to a precipitous fall from his original projected pick. The Baltimore Ravens, who were interested in selecting Tunsil as the 6th overall pick, opted for Ronnie Stanley instead. As the video circulated widely, other teams also passed on Tunsil, raising questions about his judgment.
Tunsil eventually landed with the Miami Dolphins as the 13th overall pick, a slide that cost him an estimated $8 million in potential earnings. Despite this setback, Tunsil’s professional career rebounded impressively. By 2020, Tunsil had signed a lucrative three-year, $66 million contract extension with the Houston Texans, where he became a key player and two-time highest-paid left tackle in the league.
Now an integral part of the Houston Texans, Tunsil’s journey is a testament to resilience. His performance on the field earned him four Pro Bowl selections and solidified his reputation as a top player, despite the initial challenges. As he continues to protect quarterback C.J. Stroud, Tunsil remains committed to proving his worth every game.
Reflecting on the draft night, Tunsil uses the experience as motivation. He acknowledges the mistakes of his past but focuses on his goals, such as being named All-Pro and eventually earning a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He aspires to be remembered not just for the draft incident but for his skill and contributions to the game.
Years after the incident, Tunsil took an innovative approach by turning the infamous video into a non-fungible token (NFT) to support cannabis criminal justice reform. This move highlights his desire to transform a negative into a positive impact on society.
In the context of his broader career, the 2016 draft incident has become just one chapter in Tunsil’s ongoing journey. Laremy Tunsil has defied expectations and silenced critics, earning accolades and respect from peers and the football community alike.
Laremy Tunsil’s story is one of overcoming adversity and turning past mistakes into future successes. As he continues to excel in his NFL career, Tunsil seeks recognition for his talents and contributions rather than the draft incident that almost overshadowed his professional life.
