The story behind Will Anderson Jr.'s special jacket at NFL Draft 2023

KANSAS CITY, Mo. ― As Will Anderson Jr. strolled the red carpet, the silver 'Terminator' chain drew the most attention.

Rightfully so. It shined and sparkled, half of it the face of The Terminator, Anderson’s nickname, and the other side of the chain Anderson’s last name. The bright blue pinstripe suit popped, too, as did the gold pins on his right chest with his initials.

Each part of his outfit had careful planning, but none more than the inside of his sport coat, which featured photos of he and his late grandmother, Betty, who died in 2020.

“I wanted to do something special for her and just have that feeling that she’s with me because I know she would love every moment of this,” Anderson told The Tuscaloosa News.

He would have loved to have her with him in the green room Thursday, sitting there when he got the call from the Houston Texans, telling him he would be the No. 3 selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Texans, led by new coach DeMeco Ryans, traded four picks with the Arizona Cardinals to be able to select him.

Alabama coach Nick Saban sat on the edge of Anderson’s chair as he got the call. Former outside linebackers coach Sal Sunseri and defensive back Brian Branch also stood nearby while Anderson was on the phone as well as former coaches and family.

As much as he loved all the support from those in his circle, Anderson missed his grandmother.

“She loved football just as much as me,” Anderson said. “She always wanted me to go strive to be the best that I can. I know she’s looking over me and still loving me and she’s still with me. This is dedicated to her.”

WILL ANDERSON: A career-altering decision that made Will Anderson Jr. cry put him on path to NFL Draft

HOUSTON: Why Texans and coach DeMeco Ryans are ideal fit for Alabama's Will Anderson Jr. | Goodbread

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Will Anderson Jr.'s jacket at NFL Draft 2023 has special meaning