An NFL prospect found out his pregnant fiancee was going into labor while he was stuck in Mobile, Alabama to take part in the Senior Bowl, an annual college football all-star game attended by NFL scouts.
Western Illinois defensive tackle Khalen Saunders decided he will stay in Mobile as his fiancee delivers their baby in Chicago.
Drama as Senior Bowl week begins: Western Illinois DT Khalen Saunders (AKA 320-pound backflip guy) just found out his fiancée went into labor in Chicago, I’m told. They’d discussed the possibility (she’s due Jan. 31) and agreed he nadam eeds to stay. Huge opportunity. Laser locked.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 22, 2019
Football fans’ reaction to Saunders’ decision was mixed. Some criticized the 22-year-old for not being present for the birth of his child and others pointed out he is doing something that could help him get an NFL job and provide better for his family later on.
However, as Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported, Saunders and his fiancee were prepared for the possibility that he’d be away when it came time for her to deliver.
A video of Saunders (whose first name is pronounced “Colin”) doing a backflip recently went viral on social media. Saunders is 320 pounds.
Time of year when small school guys get to show they can compete on the big stage. This is 320-pound, Western Illinois DT Khalen Saunders (@khalenNOTkaylen), who is heading to the Senior Bowl next week. Backflips at his size…. pic.twitter.com/s6QjAkA3zO
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 16, 2019
• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.
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