INDIANAPOLIS – At the NFL Draft last week, the league invited each team to send a special guest to New York to read the card with the name of a fourth- or fifth-round pick. The chance on camera to identify the player chosen was a tremendous opportunity for a key follower of each team.
The Colts selected Jerry Canada, the executive vice president and CEO of Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, to perform the honor. Jerry and his wife, Mary, were at the club's draft table in the Radio City Music Hall on Saturday when the moment came. Jerry read the card announcing the first defensive pick of the draft for the Colts, Josh Chapman, a defensive tackle from Alabama.
This is the first year a fan of each team was selected to perform the honor. The moment had an impact on Canada, whose company holds the naming rights to the Colts' training facility.
"I was tremendously honored to be chosen to read the draft card bearing Josh Chapman's name," said Canada. "I am a long-time fan of the Colts and have watched the draft for many years, too. To have this chance to 'contribute' for my team is something I will remember for a long time. I have had a great connection with the Colts, and now I have a connection with Josh. I will cheer him and my team on in 2012."
