As the NFL Draft approaches, stories of rising stars and franchise-building decisions dominate headlines. But this year, amid the flurry of scouting reports, trade speculation, and draft boards, one story stands apart—not for its impact on a team’s depth chart, but for the way it touches hearts. Samuel Barrett, a Make-A-Wish recipient, is about to have a moment that transcends the game. The Denver Broncos have invited the young fan to announce their first-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, giving him a stage shared by only the most prominent voices in professional football.
Samuel, a 13-year-old from Aurora, Colorado, has long dreamed of standing under the bright lights of the NFL. Diagnosed with a life-threatening illness several years ago, he’s faced challenges that would test even the toughest NFL veteran. But through it all, Samuel has held tight to his love for football—and more specifically, for the Denver Broncos. The team has been his outlet, his passion, and, in many ways, his hope.
When Make-A-Wish Colorado learned of Samuel’s dream, they got to work with the Broncos to make something special happen. It didn’t take long for the idea to take shape: what if Samuel didn’t just visit the team or attend a game? What if he played a meaningful role in one of the biggest nights in the NFL calendar? What if he stepped up to the podium in front of millions of viewers and proudly called out the name of Denver’s top draft pick? The Broncos loved it. And they went all in to make it unforgettable.
It all started with a surprise. Samuel was invited to Broncos headquarters under the impression that he would simply get a tour and meet a few players. But when he walked into the locker room, he found something entirely unexpected: a locker with his name on it, filled with a personalized jersey, a Broncos helmet, gloves, and even his own draft card. But the most powerful moment came when he opened a letter from Broncos General Manager George Paton, officially inviting him to represent the franchise on the opening night of the 2025 NFL Draft.
As Samuel read the letter aloud, his eyes widened. His hands trembled. And then, as it hit him, a smile spread across his face—a smile that told a story of dreams realized. In that moment, surrounded by the people who had worked behind the scenes to create this opportunity, Samuel wasn’t just a young fan. He was part of the team.
Since the day of that surprise, Samuel has been treated like a star within the Broncos organization. He’s attended practices, met players, and even taken part in mock press conferences. Head Coach Sean Payton spent time talking with him about the team’s strategy for the upcoming season, and several players, including quarterback Bo Nix and defensive captain Patrick Surtain II, gave him a behind-the-scenes look at life in the NFL. For a kid who’s spent too much time in hospital rooms and too little time being a kid, it was more than a distraction—it was a life-affirming experience.
The connection between the Broncos and their newest honorary draft representative has only grown stronger in the lead-up to the draft. Samuel has become something of a symbol within the facility—a reminder of the power of hope, the importance of community, and the role football can play in lifting people up. His locker still stands in the team’s locker room, with players often stopping by to leave notes of encouragement or sign memorabilia for him. He’s not just a guest. He’s family.
And now, as the draft nears, Samuel is preparing for the biggest moment of his young life. When he takes the stage in Green Bay on the night of April 24, he’ll do so as the face of the Broncos. It’s a responsibility he takes seriously. He’s been practicing his announcement in front of mirrors, in the living room, even on video calls with friends and family. He wants to get every word right—not just the player’s name, but the emotion behind it. He wants the future Bronco to know just how much this moment means to him.
The NFL has fully embraced Samuel’s involvement as well. League Commissioner Roger Goodell personally called to welcome him to the draft family and thank him for his courage. In a league that values toughness and resilience, Samuel embodies both in ways that numbers and scouting reports could never capture. He won’t be measured in 40-yard dash times or vertical leaps. His worth isn’t found in bench press reps or shuttle drills. But on draft night, he’ll be one of the most important people in the building.
As for who the Broncos will select, that remains a tightly guarded secret. Samuel doesn’t know—and he doesn’t want to know. He wants to experience it live, just like the fans. What matters more to him isn’t who the name is, but what the name represents. It represents a future. A new chapter. And for him, it represents being a part of something bigger than himself.
In many ways, Samuel’s story is a microcosm of what the NFL Draft is all about. Yes, it’s about adding talent and building rosters. But at its heart, the draft is about hope. It’s about imagining what could be. About believing in possibilities. About seeing someone’s lifelong dream come true, whether they’re a Heisman Trophy finalist or a 13-year-old kid from Colorado with a dream and an unwavering spirit.
The Broncos organization has received an outpouring of support from fans who’ve followed Samuel’s story. Social media has lit up with messages of encouragement and admiration, with hashtags like #SamuelStrong and #BroncosDraftDay trending in the Denver area. For a franchise looking to turn a new page and return to its winning ways, the timing couldn’t be better. Samuel represents everything the team aspires to be: tough, optimistic, loyal, and unbreakably determined.
When Samuel walks out onto that stage and looks into the crowd, he won’t see strangers. He’ll see a sea of orange and blue. He’ll see people who believe in him, people who have rallied around his journey. And when he speaks those words—“With the ___ pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos select…”—he’ll be doing more than reading a name. He’ll be writing a chapter in a story that spans much further than football.
This one night will become a lifetime memory for Samuel, but its ripple effects will be felt far beyond the draft. It’s a reminder that the game can be more than just a game. That the people who play, coach, and cheer can lift others up. That franchises can change lives, not just scoreboards. And that even the smallest voice, when given a microphone and a moment, can echo through stadiums and inspire millions.
As Broncos fans watch the draft this year, they’ll do so with pride—not just in who their team picks, but in who is doing the picking. Samuel Barrett will carry the hopes of a fanbase, the spirit of a community, and the resilience of a young life lived with courage. And in doing so, he’ll remind us all of what truly makes the NFL great.