When a Chicago native from the city’s West Side made history in the 2026 NFL Draft, he did it all with his late mother by his side.
Ohio State star wide receiver Carnell Tate was selected fourth overall by the Tennessee Titans Thursday night.
The star wide receiver reflected on the moment as he honored his late mom, Ashley Griggs, who was killed in a drive-by in 2023.
Her name was inscribed in the lining of this jacket.
“My mom she’s my everything, she’s my rock, she’s my world,” said Tate. “If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be here she sacrificed everything for me.”
Tate attended Marist High School before graduating from I.M.G. Academy in Florida.
His former youth football coach was with him in Pittsburgh for draft night, cheering on Tate from the green room along with his family and friends.
“It was tears of joy seeing how they called by his name man it was wonderful,” said Michael Willis, Chicago Chargers and NXT Level Athletics founder.
Willis, who is also a family friend, said he couldn’t be more proud of Tate and his journey.
“To witness a young man from our community reach this step, it’s just awesome. On the biggest platform in football—it was very powerful,” he said.
Tate got his start playing football at Columbus Park. Willis said Tate was part of the Chicago Chargers youth program from 7 to 13 years old. Willis said Tate was determined even as a young kid.
“He was always looking ahead. He had a smart mindset, he wanted to be coached,” he said. “He wanted to be coached hard.”
Willis has no doubt that Tate will be explosive on the field. He said this isn’t just a moment, but a statement for young athletes in Chicago that anything is possible.
“Dreams do come true if you keep working towards it, keep pressing towards it. Don’t give up,” he said. “You’re going to hit some roadblocks, but you’ve got to keep going because dreams come true.”
