With family at his side, KC Concepcion picked by Browns
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José de Jesus Ortiz, Founder & Editor in Chief
- April 24, 2026
KC Concepcion was picked 24th overall
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – As KC Concepcion answered his smart phone more than two hours into the NFL Draft, hundreds of friends and family stood anxiously behind him at a local club in his adopted hometown. The Cleveland Browns were on the phone, and it didn’t take long before the All-American’s parents, girlfriend and agent realized that the Texas A&M star was about to be selected in the NFL Draft.
KC’s mom Ariel and his girlfriend looked over KC’s shoulder. Kevin Concepcion Sr. popped up, as if releasing pent up stress while his son KC nodded and talked on the phone with Browns personnel. Once KC’s agents began shaking hands and patting each other on the back in celebration, a buzz began to grow throughout the room.
KC got up as he kept talking on the phone while his mother stood up and clapped as the rest of the crowd hooped and hollered, getting louder and louder until NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced that the Browns had selected Concepcion with the 24th pick of the first round.
Then, it really got lit, setting off an atmosphere that could match any nightclub in America. “Charlotte made me,” KC said while explaining why he chose to host a draft party in his hometown instead of attending the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.
‘Felt amazing’
“It felt amazing,” he said. “It felt like a dream come true.”
Most mock drafts had KC Concepcion going in the final third of the NFL Draft, but one prominent NFL Draft expert didn’t have KC going in the first round of his mock draft.
KC wasn’t taking anything for granted despite being an All-American and an All-SEC First Team selection as a wide receiver, punt returner and all-purpose as a junior in 2025.
Concepcion was confident enough to declare himself the best receiver in the draft in a public letter he wrote to NFL general managers through the Players’ Tribune last week.
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Nonetheless, he knew that nothing was certain. The longer he waited as he watched the NFL Draft broadcast on a big screen while sitting next to his parents, siblings and agents, the more tense KC looked even though his family kept the mood festive while rapping and dancing often.
“As the night kind of progressed, he kind of reached over to me and said, ‘Pops, I’m getting kind of nervous,’” Kevin Sr. said. “I said, ‘Listen no matter what happens, whether you’re the first pick or the last pick, this is all part of God’s plan.
“Whatever God’s destiny and choice and plan for you and your life is, that’s what is it. So Cleveland is a blessing. Cleveland, you’re getting a dog. For my son, it’s an honor. Words can’t explain what this means and feels. It’s like a dream come true. It’s unreal. So, Cleveland, we’re on our way. We’re on our way.”
Proud mom
Ariel Concepcion appreciated the large turnout for her son. Soon after KC donned his Browns cap, Ariel hugged him tightly.
“I told him that I was so proud of him,” she said. “I knew that he could do it and this was his moment. It’s definitely a family moment. I’m just glad that all of his brothers, even the ones that are playing college football and have a spring game this Saturday, they were able to come and celebrate this moment with him.”
The 6-foot, 190-pounder was a 3-star recruit coming out of Charlotte’s Chambers High. He signed with NC State and was a Freshman All-American and the ACC Rookie and ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023.
Concepcion entered the transfer portal after his sophomore season and signed with Texas A&M. He quickly became a team leader while helping the Aggies make their first appearance in the College Football Playoff.
“You’re getting a dog,” Kevin said of his message to Browns fans. “You’re getting the best receiver in the draft. As KC said, the best receiver in the draft hands down. He’s going to show up every day.
“He’s going to work, he’s going to work and he’s going to work. And he’s going to elevate to make everybody else better, right? He’s going to elevate his game each and every day. He’s a great kid and he’s a humble kid. I thank God. All glory and honor to God. Without our savior up above none of this would be possible.”
KC finished 2025 with nine receiving touchdowns, 919 receiving yards and two punt returns for touchdowns. He won the Paul Hornung Award as the nation’s most versatile player.
Cleveland’s getting ‘A dog’
“Cleveland is getting a phenomenal athlete, but an even better person,” Ariel said. “He’s a great human being.”
KC is eager to show Browns fans what NC State and A&M fans and his parents already know.
“You’re getting a dog, a competitor, a winner,” KC says to Browns fans. “I love football. I’m coming in to work.”
KC, who has dealt with a speech impediment most of his life, also hopes to continue making a difference off the field. He also has a message for children who stutter.
“Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Be confident. If you need any help, I’m an outlet. Don’t ever let anybody tear you down (or) tear down your confidence. Always be confident.”
José de Jesus Ortiz
Founder & Editor in Chief
Award-winning writer Jose de Jesus Ortiz, a former lead sports columnist at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, has covered Major League Baseball since 1997 in Los Angeles, St. Petersburg, New York and Houston. He was the first Latino to serve as president of the Baseball Writers' Association of America.
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