A Leap for His Late Brother—and the Dream His Whole Family Carried

For Barryn Sorrell, the 2025 NFL Draft wasn’t just a career milestone—it was a deeply personal tribute to the brother he lost, the parents who never gave up on him, and the dream that bonded them all.

At just 16 years old, Sorrell faced the kind of heartbreak that could break anyone: the sudden loss of his older brother, a figure who had guided and inspired him through childhood. That tragedy could’ve derailed his life—but instead, it became his fire. “I play for something bigger than football,” Sorrell said. “Every snap, every drill—it’s for my brother. It’s for my family.”

That fire carried him through Holy Cross School in New Orleans, where he developed into a standout defensive end. Though lightly recruited, he fought for every opportunity. Initially committing to Northwestern, he ultimately chose the University of Texas, where he transformed from a little-known recruit into a defensive leader. Over three seasons, he recorded 15.5 sacks and 24.5 tackles for loss, carving out a reputation for relentlessness and resilience.

Yet even with impressive college stats, Sorrell didn’t receive an invitation to attend the NFL Draft in Green Bay. But that didn’t stop him.

With quiet determination, he booked his own flight and traveled to Wisconsin on his own dime. He waited—two full days in the green room, surrounded by the silence of other dreams fading. When most prospects left, Sorrell stayed. He wasn’t leaving without a moment. And on Day 3, with the 124th pick, the Green Bay Packers gave him one.

The moment was electric.

Sorrell exploded from his seat, raced to the stage, and embraced Commissioner Roger Goodell with a mix of joy, relief, and raw emotion. But then came the part that lit up social media and the hearts of fans everywhere—he turned, ran to the crowd, and launched into the stands, executing a perfect “Lambeau Leap.”

“That leap was for my brother,” Sorrell said later, his voice cracking. “And for my parents—for everything they gave up so I could chase this dream.”

In the post-draft press conference, he tearfully thanked his family, especially his parents, who were sitting front row. “They’ve been with me through everything. This isn’t just my dream—it’s ours.”

Sorrell’s story is a reminder that not every star rises on Day 1. Some rise slowly, through pain, sacrifice, and sheer will. And when they leap, they carry more than themselves—they carry the love of those who never stopped believing.

Let’s revisit the unforgettable moment when Barryn Sorrell was embraced by fans in celebration—an outpouring of emotion that captured the spirit of the draft and the heart of Green Bay.