Dear Cody Schrader, Brady Cook, Ja’Mori Maclin, and Brett Gabbert,
After your legendary, heroic performances in high school and college, we are so proud of your enthusiasm for making an NFL roster. But we think it may be time for you to come home.
Ja’Mori, we watched you star as a wide receiver at Kirkwood High School before recording more than 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns at North Texas. While your productivity at Kentucky last year was admirable, we know you are capable of more.
Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
Nov 16, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Ja'Mori Maclin (9) catches a pass in the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Murray State Racers at Kroger Field.
Brett, after quarterbacking the 2018 CBC team to the Missouri Class 6 state championship, you amassed historic numbers at Miami (Ohio) University. In 2024, you earned first-team All-MAC, while surpassing 10,000 career passing yards.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Dec 28, 2024; Tucson, AZ, USA; Detailed view of the jersey of Miami (OH) RedHawks quarterback Brett Gabbert (5) against the Colorado State Rams during the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl at Arizona Stadium.
Brady, what can we say? A hometown boy who lived his childhood dream of starring as quarterback for the Missouri Tigers. After attending Chaminade College Preparatory School, you embarked on a storybook Mizzou career that included four bowl games and a 2024 SEC Scholar Athlete of the Year award. You are cemented in Mizzou lore.
Cody, your story is about the quintessential underdog who overcame every obstacle. After attending Lutheran South and Division II Truman State University, you walked on at Mizzou and became a record-breaking running back. Running the ball 30-plus times per game without slowing down, you were the definition of a workhorse. In addition to earning first-team All-SEC in 2023, you set the Missouri single season rushing record in a 14-3 victory against Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl. After getting signed by the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2024, you were waived by the 49ers and then claimed by the Los Angeles Rams.
Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Sep 17, 2022; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers running back Cody Schrader (20) runs with the ball during the second half against the Abilene Christian Wildcats at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium.
Many of you have family here. And we know you still spend a lot of time in St. Louis, as we see you around town at St. Louis Cardinals games, golfing, shopping, and eating at Imo’s.
Let me paint a picture. A loud, raucous stadium in your hometown losing their voices cheering for their hometown boy. You can shine here and let the world know what you are capable of on the gridiron, much like you did as illustrious players in high school and college.
Your grit, determination, and perseverance embody what it means to be a midwestern boy. We are proud of you more than you know. You beat the odds and proved the naysayers wrong every time. Come back home and let us help you overcome the next obstacle by giving you a chance to play, and star.
We know about the state-of-the-art facilities in the NFL, but we have made improvements here in St. Louis too. Don’t you want to know how that brand new turf feels under your feet? And imagine that beautiful blue Battlehawks logo glistening off your helmet from the bright new lighting inside the dome.
And don’t forget about the St. Louis cuisine and all the potential sponsorship opportunities. Steve’s Hot Dogs may even name a menu item after you, the “underdog”.
We know timing is everything, so if not this year, maybe next. Just something to consider. We kindly await your reply.
P.S. Cody,
As a reminder, the St. Louis Battlehawks drafted you on July 17, 2024. Plus, we don’t have to remind you who owns the Los Angeles Rams…