In the fourth round, Matt LaFleur selected Texas star Barryn Sorrell with the 124th overall pick, finally filling their defensive end need. But the journey was more important to Sorrell and his family than the number at which he was drafted. Sorrell had no idea if he would be departing as an NFL player when he entered Green Bay earlier this week. Despite the stress, the uncertainty, and the heartbreak of not hearing his name on Day 2, he stayed. His parents stayed too, right by his side.

And when Saturday finally arrived, it was more than just a goal fulfilled; it was like honoring a lifetime of sacrifices. Barry Sorrell Sr., Sorrell’s father, grinned proudly and said, “Let me tell y’all something. He’s been special since birth. Special since birth, remember that.” Saylaina Givens, his mother, attempted to control her emotions by saying, “I just stopped crying. Now you’re trying to get me to start again.”

The 6-foot-3, 256-pound edge rusher, Barryn Sorrell, had been in Green Bay since Wednesday. In the hopes of experiencing the draft atmosphere and, perhaps, hearing his name called live. But he did not receive a call during Day 2. Many would have left and returned home. Sorrell stayed. His father excitedly remarked, “Green Bay fans gonna see that,” referring to Barryn’s choice to stick it out.

The Packers may agree. Sorrell is a former Texas Longhorns captain. He posted 15.5 career sacks and led the team with 49 pressures and 11 quarterback hits last season. He stood out among Day 3 prospects thanks to his 9.31 Relative Athletic Score and remarkable strength and agility measurements, such as a 40-yard sprint time of 4.68 seconds and 28 bench press repetitions.

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And that grit has been there since Day 1, if you ask his family. Being drafted was not the only goal. It was about demonstrating to the world what could be created through years of hard work, sacrifices made by family, and unflinching faith.

From tears to triumph — Barryn Sorrell’s draft day journey

Inside Lambeau Field, the scene was emotional, authentic, and unforgettable. Sorrell came to the mic to address the media, looking dapper for his big moment. However, the dam cracked as he looked at his parents, who were seated directly in the front row.

“Next, my mom, man, her and my dad, they sacrificed so much for me to be here,” Barryn said at his introductory press conference, almost sobbing and fighting back tears as his parents sat just feet away. “I’m just happy that I get to share this opportunity with them because they deserve it. They deserve it so much.”

This is the point of the NFL Draft. The event was expertly caught by Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman), who posted it on X: “This is what the draft is all about. Packers fourth-rounder Barryn Sorrell, who has been in Green Bay since Wednesday because he wanted to hear his name called in person, breaks down talking about his parents. They were in the front row for his press conference. (Via @packers)”

The guy wasn’t just content to be drafted. This was a man who understood the significance of all that had come before him, including every early practice, tough lesson, and sacrifice made by a hard-working family in New Orleans. His voice cracked as he said, “My dad, since day one, I’ve been playing football since I grew up. My dad did a lot for me to be here, and I’m thankful.”

Saylaina, Sorrell’s mother, acknowledged that it was nearly too much to handle: “I’m just grateful, that’s all I can tell you. More than anything, the fact that we were here.” And if you ask Barryn Sorrell what fuels him, the answer is simple: “I’m thankful, I’m just thankful to have them as my parents.” Green Bay drafted more than an athlete. They got a story and a heart that just won’t quit because he remembers the sacrifices of his parents.