Mykel, I want to take a moment to send you a message, as you embark on one of the most significant moments of your life. Being drafted 9th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers is an achievement that not only reflects your immense talent but also the hard work, dedication, and character you’ve shown throughout your career. From the first time I saw you on the field, I knew that you were a special player, but more than that, I knew you had something inside of you that set you apart — something that couldn’t be measured on a scouting report or in combine drills. It’s that drive, that hunger, that sense of purpose, and that willingness to do whatever it takes to get better every day. That’s the real reason you’re standing here today as one of the top picks in the draft.
I’ve seen you grow from a young man coming into Georgia, full of potential but with so much to learn, to the polished, elite player we saw on the field last season. You’ve always been someone who handled himself with class, whether you were battling through tough practices, dealing with adversity, or even just showing up every day with the same mentality to get better. From the first day you stepped onto the field in Athens, I knew you were meant for something special.
What we often forget when we see these draft picks is the journey it took to get there. For you, Mykel, that journey began long before you ever put on a Georgia jersey. It started when you first picked up a football, and from that day forward, it’s been one moment after another, one sacrifice after another, one challenge after another. There were times you could’ve given up, but you didn’t. You stayed true to yourself. You trusted the process. And it’s that process, that dedication, that determination, that got you to this moment.
Now, let’s talk about what’s next because the reality is, while the draft is a huge milestone, it’s only the beginning of a whole new chapter in your career. The NFL is a different level. It’s the best of the best. Every player you meet will be just as talented, just as driven, and just as hungry as you are. You will face new challenges every day, whether it’s competing against the top quarterbacks in the league, going up against world-class offensive linemen, or adapting to the speed of the NFL game.
But here’s the thing: you’ve been preparing for this your whole life. You’ve spent countless hours in the weight room, in the film room, on the field, and in the classroom. All of that work has prepared you for the grind that awaits you in San Francisco. I know you’re ready. I’ve seen it in your eyes, your work ethic, and your ability to rise to the occasion. You’ve been tested before, and you’ve passed every test with flying colors. The journey you took at Georgia wasn’t just about the football skills you honed — it was about the mental and emotional toughness you developed along the way.
I want you to remember this, Mykel: the road to success in the NFL is never linear. You’ll face moments of doubt, moments where you wonder if you’re good enough, moments where you feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. It’s during those moments when the great ones separate themselves from the rest. It’s during those moments when your true character will shine through. You’ve already demonstrated time and again that you have the ability to respond to adversity with resilience. Whether it was bouncing back from an injury or coming through in a clutch moment in a big game, you’ve shown that you are someone who rises to the occasion when the stakes are highest.
I also want to remind you of something that’s easy to overlook as you enter this new chapter: never lose sight of what got you here. Keep that chip on your shoulder. Keep that hunger. It’s easy to get caught up in the bright lights, the fame, the endorsements, and the attention that comes with being a first-round pick. But the true greats — the ones who build legacies, who set records, who dominate year after year — they stay grounded. They keep the same mindset that got them to the top and they build on it. That mindset is about continuous improvement, about being a leader, and about setting the tone every single day.
While you’re stepping into the NFL, don’t forget the lessons you learned in college. Don’t forget the bond you shared with your teammates, the commitment you made to every practice, every drill, every game. The culture we built at Georgia is something you can carry with you. It’s a culture of excellence, accountability, and belief in the process. It’s a culture that expects greatness but also understands that greatness doesn’t come without sacrifice. Your work ethic, your attention to detail, and your willingness to lead by example will serve you well in San Francisco.
But it’s not just about what you do on the field, Mykel — it’s about who you are off the field as well. You’re not just a football player. You’re a role model. You’re someone who will inspire young kids to dream big, to work hard, and to believe that anything is possible. Your story is one of perseverance, of dedication, of overcoming obstacles. And when you get to San Francisco, it’s important that you recognize the platform you now have. Your impact extends beyond the field. You have the ability to affect lives, to influence those around you in a positive way, and to help build a culture of success.
As you enter the NFL, you’ll be surrounded by some of the best athletes in the world. But you’re not just there to be another player — you’re there to make a difference. You’ve earned this opportunity, Mykel, and now it’s time to show everyone why you belong. The 49ers have a storied history and a passionate fan base. You’re not just representing yourself — you’re representing a team, a city, and a legacy. You’re now a part of something much bigger than yourself, and that responsibility should be something that drives you every day. Be proud of the jersey you’ll wear, but also carry the weight of it with pride, knowing that your actions will define the future of that franchise.
I want you to know that we at Georgia are all incredibly proud of you. We’ve seen you grow from a young man full of potential into the standout player and leader you are today. We know that this is just the beginning of what will be an incredible career in the NFL. But no matter where your journey takes you, always remember that you have a family here. You’ve always been a part of the Georgia Bulldog brotherhood, and that’s something that will never change. You can always count on us for support, guidance, and encouragement.
Finally, Mykel, I want you to enjoy this moment. Don’t rush through it. Take it all in. You’ve earned every second of it. But as you enjoy it, also remember that the hard work is just beginning. You’ve already proven you belong at the highest level, but now it’s about building on that, continuing to grow, and making a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
Keep pushing, keep striving, and keep believing. You have the talent, the mindset, and the heart to achieve greatness, and I have no doubt that you will.
Congratulations once again, Mykel. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.
With great pride and respect,
Kirby Smart
Head Coach, University of Georgia
