New York Jets pick Jason Pinnock offered fans a behind-the-scenes look at day three of the NFL Draft, leading up to his eventual selection.
If the NFL doesn’t work out, don’t be surprised to see New York Jets cornerback Jason Pinnock‘s name at a theater near you someday.
The 175th pick of the 2021 NFL Draft has released a 15-minute film based on his experience as a prospect awaiting selection on day three of the NFL Draft. It is available to view on Pinnock’s YouTube channel and was partly funded through several sponsorships.
“This Pre-Draft process has been a long journey from long days at EXOS to Pro Day at Pitt,” Pinnock says in the video description. “This experience was an absolute whirlwind and it’s taught me a lot. I’ve documented my entire process so far and it wouldn’t be right if I didn’t share the big moment with you all.”
The Connecticut native begins his day by getting a phone call from Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni, who leaves the Pittsburgh defender an encouraging message to start his Saturday. Despite Sirianni and Pinnock’s wishes and the latter saying “the Eagles sound the most realistic”, it’s the last time they’ll converse that day.
Pinnock also mentions text conversations with Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, as well as representatives from the New Orleans Saints and New York Jets. Before joining his family at the Spare Time Entertainment bowling alley in Bristol to wait out the draft process, Pinnock treats viewers to a brief tour of his high school football stomping grounds in Windsor.
As the day rolls on, interviews are captured with Pinnock’s father Louis Jr. and his older brother Louis III. The latter fondly recalls his favorite collegiate moment from his brother, a leaping interception in the end zone during Pitt’s upset win over Central Florida in 2019.
Pinnock would finally get the call from Jets head coach Robert Saleh in the fifth round of the draft, part of New York’s focus on defense during the selections’ final days. Though Saleh’s voice is not heard, Pinnock emotionally tells him “all gas, I’m going to work”, partly referencing the new Jets coach’s mantra for the 2021 season.
After receiving the call, the Pinnock family waits until the Jets go on the clock in the fifth round, when his name is revealed on ESPN’s broadcast of the draft. Pinnock is quickly surrounded by his joyous loved ones as the selection is shown.
Toward the end of the film, Pinnock mentions that he has been “a fan since (Darelle) Revis” as he takes questions from the New York media for the first time.
“It’s almost like life comes full circle,” Pinnock says on his conference call. “I’m a vocal football player pre-snap and post-snap, great teammate, a lot of things.” Alas for Pinnock, his phone call doesn’t stop his brother from spraying him with champagne in celebration.
The full film can be viewed here.
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
