The parents of Jacksonville Jaguars first-round draft pick Brian Thomas Jr. are going viral for their perfect response to what some fans on Twitter believe was a “patronizing” question from a reporter.
Speaking to the parents of former Louisiana State University wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., usually well-received ESPN host Laura Rutledge asked Thomas Jr’s mother Sandra “How far has this family come?”, seemingly trying to get her to speak on their socioeconomic journey to this point.
However, Thomas Jr.’s mother quickly put an end to the inquiry by taking it literally and stating that they were from Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
A prominent response to the widely shared video featuring Thomas Jr.’s parents said that Laura Rutledge, host of NFL Live, was the interviewer, making her “cringe all night” and “somehow making every interview awkward.”
Another viral tweet that captured the scene said, “This question was clearly hoping to induce some stereotypical, sappy story of struggle and triumph and sis basically said, ‘Oh the flight over was easy, love.”
This is funny considering their favorite tale to promote in the draft is about a “black family from poverty.” Even when it’s untrue, they attempt to impose that cliché. Read another: “Mama said she wasn’t going.”
With the Jacksonville Jaguars selecting the former LSU wide receiver with the 23rd overall choice in the draft, Thomas Jr. won’t have to travel far to make the transition from college to the professional ranks.
Thomas Jr., who played three seasons at LSU and started 27 of his 38 games as a Tiger, was named to the All-American team for the third time last season.
Thomas Jr. caught 127 passes for 1,897 yards and 24 touchdowns in those 38 games. Last season was his best at LSU, setting career highs for yards (1177), touchdowns (17), and catches (68).
With Calvin Ridley leaving for the Titans, the Jaguars will undoubtedly be looking to Thomas Jr. to become their number one wide receiver.
