Jan. 23, 2007
Please find below a letter from C.J. Gaddis to Coach Bowden and myself. With his permission, I asked to use this in my column to share with you. Certainly, it speaks to everyone’s thoughts and feelings in expressing our deepest thanks and gratitude for the wonderful support we receive.
In Solid Orange, Terry Don Phillips Athletic Director
January 10, 2007
Tommy Bowden Terry Don Phillips 100 Perimeter Road Jervey Athletic Center Clemson, SC 29633
Dear Athletic Director Phillips and Coach Bowden:
I am writing this letter to inform you and Clemson University that after much prayer, consideration, and evaluation with my family, friends and teammates, I have decided to forgo my final year of college eligibility and enter the 2007 NFL draft.
As most of you know, I was drafted by the Seattle Mariners to play baseball out of high school but decided to come to Clemson because I wanted to become a part of this wonderful university. I also played baseball here for a little while, but chose to stop in order to show my commitment to Coach Bowden and his staff by focusing all of my time and energy towards helping this football program achieve success. This past year I have been honored to be a part of a very special group of teammates and coaches at Clemson and I have cherished what has been an amazing college experience.
This decision was the toughest that I have ever made in my life and I wanted to take this opportunity to reflect on what Clemson and its fans mean to me. These past years at Clemson have been a tremendous learning and growing experience and I wanted to thank everyone at the University and the hundreds of thousands of Tigers around the world for their support.
It is my hope in making this decision that the fans, coaches, teammates and the Clemson athletic department continue to support me both through prayer and encouragement in the pursuit of my dreams – becoming an NFL football player.
Thank you for all of your time and understanding in this matter and I wish you and the Tigers much prosperity and success.
God bless,
C.J. Gaddis
April 16, 2024
