DEAR NEXT WAVE By Patrick Johnson

Dear Next Wave,

If you are reading this letter and you're a student-athlete that has decided to attend Tulane University, you just made one of the best decisions of your life.

As a Green Wave student-athlete, your journey will not be easy, but nothing in life that's worth having is supposed to be easy.

There will be times where you might wonder if all the hard work that you are about to put in is truly worth it.

I'm living proof that the hard work you put in is absolutely worth it.

When I arrived on campus in the fall of 2017, I wasn't exactly a blue-chip recruit. I'm not even sure if I was a two-star recruit. But at the end of the day, none that mattered to me, I knew I could play, and I knew I had the work ethic to succeed both academically and athletically at the Division I level.

But it's one thing to say it, you have to go out prove it – each and every day.

By the time I left New Orleans, I became the school's all-time sacks leader, an All-American and a three-time all-conference honoree. I also was part of a team that went to three-straight bowl games for the first time in program history.

The memories and moments I had with my teammates are what I will treasure the most – our team accomplished things that had never been done in program history and we did it because we were all bought in as a team.

Being part of our team here at Tulane allowed me to reach my goals athletically and academically.

Earlier this month, I received a call that changed my life forever, as I was selected in the seventh round of the NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. Because of my time at Tulane, I will have an opportunity to live out my football dreams.

As an NFL player, I work alongside some of the finest athletes in the world. Although I know competing in the NFL will be challenging, I believe that the Tulane has prepared me for life as a professional athlete both on and off the field. I can't think Coach Fritz and our coaching staff enough for their guidance along the way.

No one can say how long a career in the NFL will last, but one thing is certain, my degree from Tulane will last forever.

This week I will earn my degree in Health and Wellness from Tulane. As a student-athlete, you have to realize the weight that a degree from Tulane holds.

This is an institution that is recognized throughout the world not only for its great academic pedigree, but also because of its remarkable location in New Orleans.

The opportunities that are available at Tulane are truly limitless.

In reflecting over my time at Tulane, I can honestly say that I have grown as a student, an athlete and as a person and you will have those same opportunities.

As I leave New Orleans, I want the new members of the Green Wave family to embrace your journey and watch yourself grow.

I would encourage everyone to jump at the opportunities that present themselves to you. You are already at an advantage because you have chosen to go to school at Tulane and you will have every opportunity to seize greatness, so don't wait to be great.

Be great today!
Patrick Johnson

Class of 2021
Health and Wellness

Players Mentioned

Patrick Johnson

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