Mauldin, Petty and Simon sign

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Lorenzo Mauldin was so overcome with emotion upon being drafted by the New York Jets that he choked up during a conference call with reporters late Friday night.



For the former Louisville linebacker, chosen in the third round, it was the culmination of a remarkable and gut-wrenching journey. At the age of 2, Mauldin and his four siblings entered the foster-care system because their parents were in jail. Growing up in Atlanta, he spent time in 16 different foster homes. Undaunted, he received a college scholarship, earned a degree and fulfilled his dream of being drafted into the NFL.



What an amazing story.



Mauldin's emotions poured out as he spoke to reporters. He paused several times, sobbing over the phone.



"My emotions right now ... I'm speechless, I can't talk right now," he said. "I've been working my butt off since I could remember. Now that I've got a chance to show an NFL team what I've got ... I want to show them more than what I've got. I'm ready to do this.



"I'm going to shut up all the critics. I'm going to shut up everybody that has ever doubted me. I'm going to do what I've got to do to get where I need to be in the NFL -- and beyond."



After an awkward silence, Mauldin went on, crying louder than before.



"This is my chance! This is my chance to show everybody," he exclaimed. "This is my chance to show everybody that I can do what I do, and I'm going to do it beyond what I do. I'm going to work hard. I'm going to work harder than hard, no matter what [anybody] says."



Most of the time, these post-pick conference calls are mundane exercises, with the player speaking in clichés. I just want to help the team. ... I'm excited to be drafted. This was touching and candid, with Mauldin losing himself in the moment. Obviously, no one can relate to what he was feeling.



"From where he came to where he is now, getting drafted, I could see where he'd be emotional," coach Todd Bowles said.