But while the team is being lauded for what experts are dubbing stellar selections, it was the guy who made the big announcement who stole the show.
Sam Prince, a Make-A-Wish New Jersey recipient from North Caldwell, announced the Thibodeaux pick in perhaps the most touching moment of the night.
Sam Prince, you got your wish! Thank you @WishNJ for making dreams a reality 💙
— New York Giants (@Giants) April 29, 2022
📺: #NFLDraft on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/ZdYuLtSM1f
Thibodeaux, known for his own outsized personality, celebrated exuberantly with Prince, dancing and screaming before the pair joined NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for a photo op.
Prince, who was born with multiple congenital heart defects and received a life-saving transplant when he was just 8 years old, has become a passionate advocate for organ and tissue donation and hopes to be a sports broadcaster some day.
He learned that his wish would come true earlier this week from New York Giants legend Eli Manning, General Manager Joe Schoen, and Head Coach Brian Daboll.
An ESPN crew was on-hand to capture the big surprise for a feature that will air as part of the ESPN "My Wish" series in July.
Sam, your wish has been granted 💙
— New York Giants (@Giants) April 27, 2022
Our @WishNJ friend Sam Prince's wish was to announce a Draft pick live from Las Vegas. This week, we surprised him with the exciting news! pic.twitter.com/fsS2864yqO
Friday, April 29, marks the 42nd anniversary of the founding of Make-A-Wish, known as World Wish Day, in 1980.
Since then, more than 500,000 wishes that have been granted for children like Prince with critical illnesses around the world.
How we all felt last night 😁 pic.twitter.com/k2UAaJYbqZ
— New York Giants (@Giants) April 29, 2022
ALSO READ | Giants, Jets make selections in wild 1st round of NFL Draft
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