Make-A-Wish Recipient Chosen to Attend NFL Draft, Announce Jets' First Pick

Having battled bone cancer, New York native will see his wish become reality on Draft night

When the New York Jets hit the clock on Thursday night at the 2023 National Football League Draft, Kyle Stickles will have his special moment. 

After successfully fighting cancer, Stickles, a Jets' fan who hails from Ghent, NY, will announce Gang Green's first-round selection at No. 13 overall. 

Scheduled to accompany NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on stage in Kansas City, the Make-A-Wish recipient will be one of the first to know his favorite team's newest player.

Stickles and other inspirational fans will be special guests of the NFL over the course of the three-day Draft. Set to take center-stage, the participants come from organizations such as Make-A-Wish, Pat Tillman Foundation (PTF), Big Brothers Big Sisters, and more.

From the NFL Communications Release: 

"Kyle Stickles (Make-A-Wish) – Pick 13, New York Jets: Make-A-Wish recipient Kyle Stickles will have his wish granted when he joins Commissioner Goodell on the NFL Draft stage to make his favorite team, the New York Jets' first pick. Kyle was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, bone cancer, in his left tibia in 2020. He received chemotherapy until June 2021 and after a lot of hard work and physical therapy, he has been able to walk again. Kyle is from Ghent, New York."

The 2023 NFL Draft begins on April 27 with Round 1 selections. The second and third rounds will transpire on April 28 followed by Rounds 4 through 7 on April 29.

The Jets currently own six total picks, three of which are in the Top 43, over the course of three days.

The NFL Draft Stage / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Last year, Gang Green hit home runs with its first two choices. 

Cornerback Sauce Gardner, the No. 4 overall pick, went on to win the 2022 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who landed with the Jets at No. 10 overall, eclipsed the 1,100-yard mark en-route to NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

JETS 2023 DRAFT SELECTIONS
Round 1 - No. 13 overall
Round 2 - No. 42 overall (from CLE)
Round 2 - No. 43 overall
Round 4 - No. 112 overall
Round 5 - No. 143 overall
Round 6 - No. 207 overall (from SF thru HOU) 

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