Our friends at Friends of the Children – Chicago just had a moment that felt bigger than football.

A young person in their program, Tylen, stood side by side with his professional mentor, his Friend, Timothy, under the bright lights of the 2026 NFL Draft. Together, they stepped up to the mic and helped announce the Chicago Bears third-round pick: Sam Roush.

It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment. But it didn’t happen by chance.

This milestone comes as Friends of the Children joins the NFL’s Inspire Change initiative, a project that recognizes organizations creating real, lasting impact in communities across the country.

And that’s exactly what this moment represents.

Because behind that stage appearance is something even more powerful: years of consistency, trust, and unwavering support. It’s what happens when a young person has someone in their corner for 12+ years, no matter what.

From Phoenix to Chicago and beyond, we’re celebrating this moment and what it says about what’s possible for every child we serve.

Read the NFL's full press release here. Watch Tylen and Timothy announce the pick below: