Kev Moyé
News-Times Staff
STRONG – The tension inside the Dixon residence was thick.
The dialogue between the persons viewing the NFL Network Saturday afternoon was sparse. All eyes were locked on the television as the 2016 NFL Draft was being aired.
And then finally – it happened.
The moment Kenneth Dixon, his family members, and friends had longed for finally arrived. The graduate of Strong High School, and his agency team of Stan Wiltz and Martin Fischman, were contacted by an NFL general manager.
Eventually, each member of the trio stepped outside the house.
Once Dixon, Wiltz, and Fischman returned to the crowded living room – it was announced that the Baltimore Ravens were drafting the running back from Louisiana Tech. Soon after, the laughter, hugs, and handshakes came to a momentary halt as everyone looked intently at Dixon's name scroll across the TV screen.
He was officially a fourth round pick of the Baltimore Ravens.
A dream was fulfilled and a rather uncomfortable waiting period had reached its conclusion.
From Strong, to Ruston, La., now Baltimore, Dixon endured a daunting, nerve-racking path to the National Football League.
"I had a big sigh of relief when I was selected. I've been sitting here two days," he said. "I was hoping to come off the day before. But it was great once I got the call. I'm going to a great organization, a great coaching staff.
"I just stayed calm. I knew I was going to be in the right fit; whatever team that was. I know I'm going to have a chance to play. And that's based on the type of person I am and the style of play I use."
Wiltz admitted that it was not fun waiting to learn of Dixon's draft fate.
"It was a difficult process for him. It was a long waiting game," Wiltz said. "Everyone was on pins and needles waiting for his name to be called."
Sheila Baker, Dixon's mother, was overcome with a myriad of emotions.
"I was very happy when he was drafted. I was nervous at first, but now I'm happy," she stated. "It was a long wait. I was scared. I was also nervous. I'm just glad he made it. That's what he wanted, was to be in the NFL. I'm glad my baby made it."
Marcedis Govan – who is Dixon's girlfriend and the mother of his child – became vexed while observing the selection process.
"It was very frustrating. He can do everything. He's not just a third down back. He can get yards. He can get you touchdowns. Records don't lie. Numbers don't lie. He's an all-around running back," she said. "We knew he'd be drafted in the third or fourth round. But I'm just glad he got off the board. So just watch for him now. He's going to do well in Baltimore."
Kenneth Dixon Sr. did what he could to help his son cope with the situation.
"I told him to be patient. I told him to keep his head up, it will all work out," he stated. "But this is what I've always dreamed of because this is what he wanted. He's worked hard to get to this point. But this has been both stressful and exciting."
Baltimore was among the first teams to inquire about Dixon. For that reason, Fischman was optimistic that Dixon would be a Raven.
"Kenneth Dixon is a once-in-a-lifetime running back and we all wanted him to go as high as possible," he stated. "But more important than where he was drafted, was who picked him, and the current running back situation. We feel like it's an excellent opportunity for KD."