San Francisco native DB Julian Neal drafted by Super Bowl champs Seahawks

San Francisco native DB Julian Neal drafted by Super Bowl champs Seahawks

A long-held dream of playing in the NFL became reality for San Francisco native Julian Neal, who was selected in the third round of the NFL draft by the Seattle Seahawks.

Neal, who grew up in the Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood, said he hopes his journey can serve as inspiration for other young people in San Francisco. Speaking with ABC7 Eyewitness News, Neal reflected on his path to the league and what he wants to represent moving forward.

When asked what number he hopes to wear in the NFL, Neal said, "I'm trying to get number 1. Hopefully I can get number 1. If I can't, I don't know."

The Seahawks selected Neal with the 99th overall pick. His name was announced Friday night, prompting a celebration with family and friends that included dancing captured in a video later posted on social media.

"The world champs, Seattle Seahawks, select Julian Neal. DB. Arkansas," the announcement said.

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Neal, listed at 6'2" and 203 pounds, credited his father with believing in his potential from an early age.

"My dad would always tell me, 'Son, you have the ability to go. You have all the tools.' I was always taller than everybody. Fast. You have all the tools to go to the next level. I am just like, 'What is he talking about?' You know, I am just out here having fun, catching passes. But he had a vision ever since I was a baby, literally. He had a vision," Neal said.

The celebration continued Saturday afternoon as Neal gathered again with family and friends. His parents said they noticed his athletic ability early on.

"He wanted to be a professional. So, whatever he dreamed of doing, he wanted to be the best at it," said his father, Emmett. "Him being drafted, first kid out of San Francisco... and let me clarify this, public school system in San Francisco - 20 years since a kid went to a Division 1, scholarship school. For me, it was just get drafted."