Laquon Treadwell’s emotions got the better of him on Monday, and in a good way.
Treadwell, who is considered the best receiver in this year’s NFL draft, spoke at his high school, Crete-Monee. He walked into the crowded gym with his daughter, Madison, at his side.
His highlights from high school and his three-year run at Mississippi were shown on two large screens, and his No. 6 jersey was retired.
“In high school, having my daughter, it scared me,” Treadwell said during his speech. “And … whoo.”
Treadwell paused, choked by emotion. The crowd loudly cheered Treadwell on, and he was offered support on the stage.
“Everything that I’ve been through up to this point it helped me become the person I am today,” Treadwell said.
It was that type of day for Treadwell, the Chicago area’s best draft prospect. He helped lead the Warriors to the Class 6A state title in 2012 before becoming a star receiver at Ole Miss.
Treadwell was appreciative and thankful as he made stops at Crete-Monee, Balmoral Elementary School in Crete, Cottage Grove Upper Grade Center in Ford Heights. Treadwell will sponsor programs at all three schools.
“Just stay focused on your goals, your dreams,” Treadwell told the crowd. “Work your hardest. Never think enough is enough, and that’s with whatever you do.”
Treadwell told students at Crete-Monee to “be different” and to seriously consider the decisions they make, especially in college.
Afterward, he described the experience as amazing.
“Something came over me where I was just breaking down,” Treadwell said. “But it was all worth it. I think it was the right move for the speech. It came from the heart.”
Treadwell is widely expected to be the first receiver selected Thursday in the first round. He’s also the only area product projected to go in the first round.
“All the way from high school to now, I’ve been away from my family, traveling and training and going to college,” Treadwell said. “Everything was just always on the move.
“Just to come back all the way home for the draft in Chicago, it just showed me that it was worth it and that everything is going to come around and be positive at the end.”
