Bruce Smith to Announce First-Round Pick

by Brian Galliford on Apr 27, 2007 7:09 AM EDT in 2007 NFL Draft

Smith in 1985 as a rookie

Yesterday, the Buffalo Bills announced on their Official Website that in honor of the tragedy at Virginia Tech, former Bills DE and future Hall of Famer Bruce Smith will announce the Bills' first pick from the podium at tomorrow's NFL Draft. Smith's appearance is part of the NFL's "Salute to Virginia Tech", and other Hokie affiliates such as Michael Vick, DeAngelo Hall and current VA Tech head coach Frank Beamer will be on hand as well. Smith was the first overall pick by Buffalo in the 1985 draft; as most Bills fans recall, Smith attended Virginia Tech.

Bruce was quoted in the article:

Smith commented, "We will be at this year's Draft to honor the victims of this tragedy and to the whole Virginia Tech family. It's just a sad occasion, one in which we're still searching for answers and reasons for why this took place. All of us in 'The Hokie Nation' are heartbroken. As far as the league asking me to announce the Bills pick, I consider it to be an honor. To be able to make the announcement on who the Bills will take with their first-round selection in the 2007 Draft, wow, I'm speechless."

It's great to see the NFL take a step like this to honor the people who lost their lives in this tragedy. It will add yet another emotional dimension to what is already a great day - NFL Draft Day.

And on a much lighter note, I will feel far less like a fool now that Bruce is there. With my Willis McGahee jersey collecting dust in the farthest corner of my closet, the old-school white Bruce jersey was my only option this weekend. Now I am even more proud to don his number this weekend.

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