Why Texans' draft pick Kayden McDonald was crying happy tears: 'Mama don't have to work no more' originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

He was in the green room for the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday night, but the Ohio State defensive tackle didn't get picked.

The Houston Texans changed that on Friday with the fourth pick of the second round. They traded up two spots to get McDonald.

"Mama don't have to work no more," ESPN's Booger McFarland explained as he watched McDonald cry on everyone's TV screens.

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McDonald has the potential to be a stud in the middle of DeMeco Ryans' defense.

"It's emotional," McDonald told ESPN's Laura Rutledge. "... Where I came from, now I'm here, it's a blessing."

He was obviously invited to the first round of the draft because most people thought he'd go in the first round. But 32 picks came and went, and McDonald had to sit back there without knowing his NFL future.

What a moment for Kayden McDonald ❤️NFL Draft on NFLN/ESPN/ABCStream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/GACJSsYiCd

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Now, he's got motivation. The tears show how much this moment means. He came back for night two because he wanted to walk out and hug commissioner Roger Goodell.

But when he leaves the stage, he'll also have motivation.

There were 35 players picked in front of McDonald. He'll want to prove that wrong.

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