A long-held dream of playing in the NFL became reality for defensive back Julian Neal, drafted by the 'world champs' Seattle Seahawks in the 99th overall pick. He grew up in the Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood, and said he hopes his journey can serve as inspiration for other young people in San Francisco.
Sunday, April 26, 2026 11:44PMA 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. MORE: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.
" Neal also worked closely with trainer Rico Armstrong, who said Neal stood out for his dedication. Armstrong said Neal was the first high school athlete he trained who went on to the professional level.
"It was his focus. And his commitment. I told him to come to work, six in the morning. Just to see if he would be consistent.
And he did," Armstrong said. Neal said he began to see the NFL as a real possibility during his junior year of high school. He lost his senior season to COVID-19 but later received an opportunity to play at Fresno State. There, he committed himself to training, gaining about 20 pounds and initially playing safety before moving to cornerback and transferring to Arkansas.
"And that's when my whole life changed. I moved up on the depth charts. Got some reps and games. 2024, had a breakout season. After that, my dad said, 'You know, it is time to show the world you can play football.
' Transferred to the SEC. That's what I did. Top 100 pick," Neal said. Growing up in Bayview-Hunters Point, a neighborhood known to be plagued by crime, Neal said he lost many friends to gun violence. He said he wants his success to bring hope to others.
"Gun violence, gangs, I really don't like to get into too much of that. I just want to be able to shed light on the situation. And bring hope to my community and my people," Neal said.
"But I definitely want to come back and talk to the youth, hold football camps and talk to them, shake hands. Let them know, 'You can do this. You can literally do this. There is nothing stopping you.
'" Neal's rookie NFL season is still months away, and details of his contract are being finalized. He is scheduled to report to rookie minicamp in Seattle on Thursday.
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