TOLEDO, Ohio —
University of Toledo football's Quinyon Mitchell was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
UToledo's vice president and director of athletics, Bryan Blair, said he's "on cloud nine" after watching the draft last night.
The last time the football program had a first-round draft pick was Dan Williams in 1993 — 31 years ago. Mitchell was the only draft pick not from a major conference.
Blair said this is not only great for the school, but for Toledo as well because the community will get more attention.
Blair said he was watching the draft last night with the team and that the energy was unparalleled.
"You have all those picks leading up to it," Blair said. "You're like 'OK, is this the one? Is this the one? Is this the one?'"
He said once Mitchell's name was called it was cathartic.
"I mean the unleash of emotions," Blair said. "Everyone jumping up and celebrating and high-fiving. It says a lot about Quinyon that the team would celebrate the way they did."
Blair said he wants this to be an opportunity to build off of and continue the success of UToledo's athletic program. He said he hopes other Toledo student-athletes use Mitchell as an inspiration.
He said this means a lot for the program as Mitchell had opportunities to go to other schools, but chose to stay at UToledo.
Blair said although he grew up being a Panthers fan, he's not going to be switching to the Eagles.