Former Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle was selected by the Miami Dolphins at No. 6 overall in the 2021 NFL draft. Shortly after he was drafted, memes flooded the internet because of his reaction.
When NFL commissional Roger Goodell announced the pick, Waddle stood up from his seat and immediately turned and walked out of his draft pod, which he shared with friends and family.
While the live video showed Waddle hugging former teammates Patrick Surtain II, DeVonta Smith and Mac Jones, he was not seen celebrating with his family.
Did Waddle diss his family by not wanting to hug or celebrate with them?
Well, no.
In a video posted to social media by the Miami Dolphns, Waddle explains that he had received a call from the team roughly five minutes prior to having the selection announced.
He says that he had the celebration at that moment, but the camera crew wanted him to sit back down to “capture the moment.”
Jaylen Waddle explained the draft night memes of him walking out of the green room 😂
(via @MiamiDolphins) pic.twitter.com/qAXyUW1smT
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) May 3, 2021
The video below is what viewers saw live from the draft.
Jaylen Waddle had no time for hugs 😭pic.twitter.com/WIwzQnSVcW
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) April 30, 2021
However, this is what wasn’t seen on live television.
Jaylen Waddle celebrating with his family after getting the call 🙏 @brgridiron
This is what viewers didn't see
⁰(via @MasterTes) pic.twitter.com/prBbnEpmWZ— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 30, 2021
