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Dallas County has a unique connection to the NFL Draft.

Over the last 20 years, three local players were selected by NFL teams: Michael Johnson, Ben Obomanu and Lachavious Simmons.

Obomanu, who played at Selma High School, was a member of the undefeated 2005 Auburn team that did not play for a national championship. Obomanu was a seventh-round pick of the Seattle Seahawks in the 2006 NFL Draft. Obomanu, now an attorney in Seattle, played seven NFL seasons in Seattle.

Johnson, who played at Dallas County High School, was a third-round selection of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. Johnson, who starred collegiately at Georgia Tech, played 10 NFL seasons, 2009-2018, mostly with Cincinnati.

Simmons grew up in Selma, but graduated from Keith High School. Simmons, who played collegiately at Tennessee State University, was a seventh-round pick of the Chicago Bears in the 2020 NFL Draft. Simmons is currently on the Tennessee Titans’ roster.

What impresses me about all three athletes is they haven’t forgotten their roots. Obomanu often returns to Selma and gives back to his hometown. Johnson lives in town and is always giving back through the MJ 93/90 foundation. Simmons will have a youth football camp in June. 

Obomanu, Johnson and Simmons were not first-round picks, meaning they did not earn eight-figure salaries right off the bat. Johnson’s selection meant he’d automatically make the roster and be in line for a starting role.  Teams with selections in the first three rounds mean they are looking for starters.

Johnson answered the challenge and had a 10-year NFL career. Obomanu and Simmons were picked in the final round, but overcame odds to work their way onto NFL rosters, something I respect greatly. Rounds four and five are players in reserve roles. Rounds six and seven are practice squad players.

For the local players with NFL aspirations, they should follow the examples set by Obomanu, Johnson and Simmons. All three worked their way up the NFL ladder and did things the right way. For that, we are proud of them.