Thomas Fletcher represents all of us.
As a native of Georgetown, Texas, he served the University of Alabama well for four years as a long snapper.
RELATED: Carl Tucker signs to Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent
Fletcher was the unsung model of perfection. He never botched a snap and he allowed names such as JK Scott, Mike Bernier, Ty Perine, Charlie Scott, and Will Reichard to have success. Fletcher arrived in the Crimson Tide’s top-ranked signing class in 2017.
He helped the program capture two national champions, but he never dreamed he would hear his name called at the NFL Draft.
As it got deeper into the sixth round, Fletcher started thinking about being an undrafted free agent. He got a call from Matt Rhule, head coach of the Carolina Panthers, thinking it was the case. Coach Rhule brought a reaction of joy from the Patrick Mannelly Award winner as he told Fletcher the Panthers chose to draft him. He was taken at No. 222 overall and could not be any happier.
.@longsnapfletch assumed he was getting a phone call about becoming an undrafted free agent.
Instead, he got the call of his life 📞 pic.twitter.com/V1bbyYglo3
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) May 1, 2021
“I cannot wait to help you win. I cannot wait to help you win, brother,” Fletcher said to Rhule.
Fletcher’s excitement grew more when David Tepper, Carolina’s owner, took the phone.
“Let’s go, baby!” Fletcher said when Tepper welcomed him to Carolina.
His hard work paid off as Fletcher was one of two long snappers drafted. He is one of 11 players from Alabama’s 2017 class that’s been selected in consecutive drafts. Fletcher joins Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, Najee Harris, Alex Leatherwood, Jedrick Wills, Jerry Jeudy, DeVonta Smith, Henry Ruggs III, Xavier McKinney, and Isaiah Buggs.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
