Jacksonville Jaguars pick Tyrone Holmes and Brandon Allen from 'second home' in London
Saturday 30 April 2016 23:34, UK
Jacksonville Jaguars fan Hamish Shilliday took the spotlight to make two of the team's sixth round picks in the NFL Draft.
Shilliday had London's Tower Bridge as his back drop as he announced University of Montana defensive end Tyrone Holmes as the team's opening sixth round selection.
The 29-year-old, from Birmingham, had been due to announce Jacksonville's fifth round pick, but the franchise traded it on Friday to move up in the second round and select linebacker Myles Jack.
"It was absolutely brilliant to play my part in the Draft," he said. "I will obviously be keeping a close eye on Holmes' career and when he goes on to become a superstar I'll be able to say it was me who introduced him to the NFL - that would be incredible.
"I didn't really have any nerves to be honest. It was just really exciting to be involved and I had a fantastic time with the Jaguars team and can't thank them enough for the opportunity.
"I've been a fan of the Jags for such a long time. I think the Draft picks by the team this year have been brilliant and I can't wait to see them come and play in London in October."
Shilliday was joined by defensive tackle Michael Bennett to make the pick, or picks as it turned out, with Bennett having been selected from London in last year's Draft when it was the first time a pick announcement had been made outside the United States.
Bennett was on hand to join in with the naming of Arkansas quarterback Brandon Allen with the 26th pick in the sixth round.
He said: "It is a lot less stressful being on the other side this year around. Waiting for that phone to ring was one of the most nerve racking experiences of my life but the feeling when I was selected was the best.
"It is great to be here in London, where it all began for me, and it's fantastic to be able to include our fans in the UK in occasions like this. They are just an awesome part of the Jaguars so I hope by including them in things like this they will keep doing what they're doing."
