Green Bay Packers’ 6th-round draft pick accidentally declines team’s call

During the NFL draft, college football players wait anxiously for that telephone call that welcomes them to the pros.

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When the Green Bay Packers made the call during Saturday’s sixth round, Jon Runyan Jr. declined it.

Oops.

Granted, it was an accident, but it sure caused some stressful moments for Runyan, an offensive guard, who was a two-time All-Big Ten first-team selection out of the University of Michigan.

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Runyan was in the middle of a text exchange with his agent, Ken Sarnoff, when he received a message for an incoming phone call, ESPN reported. Runyon’s texting thumb was near the red “decline” button, and he tapped it.

“I declined a call from Green Bay, Wisconsin,” Runyan told ESPN. “I tried to call back and my call didn’t go through, and I had no idea what I just did.”

The Packers called back seconds later. Runyan quickly accepted it and became the 192nd player selected in the NFL draft.

Runyan is the son of Joe Runyan Sr., who was an offensive tackle and played 14 years in the NFL, mostly with the Philadelphia Eagles and Tennessee Titans. The elder Runyan retired in 2009 and later spent five years in the House of Representatives for New Jersey’s 3rd District. He now works in the NFL front office.

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Like his father, Joe Runyan Jr. hopes to answer the call -- as a football player.

Cox Media Group