SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – In April, we spoke with American International College running back Sidiki Kone and now, he’s one step closer to a potential NFL career. Over the last week, college football players across the country have had their lives changed forever by those part of the 2025 NFL draft class and those who were invited to mini rookie camps.
Kone is one of those players and the last time we checked in with him, he was preparing for a pro day to move one step closer to the NFL. “Receiving those numbers back, it was a relief, you know, being able to work hard for years on end and be able to perform the way you wanted to, it was a relief, I was just grateful,” he said.
This past weekend, he received a call, one that gave him the opportunity to set up the trajectory for a potential NFL career. “Getting a call from the Baltimore Ravens and them telling me I’m invited to mini rookie camp, it was a blessing. It was amazing, it was relief off my shoulders,” Kone added.
AIC head football coach Dan Chipka said Baltimore is a perfect place for his former running back since they’re a run centric offense. “I think that there’s a trend maybe throughout the NFL of devaluing the running back position, but that’s not the case at Baltimore. They certainly value it and I think it just fits his skill set a lot, so we’re excited for that,” he explained.
It is a prime example for how hard work can pay off. “Then from the highest ranks in the NFL, that’s being rewarded. All that hard work, determination, all that time he’s sacrificed, it’s just really awesome and we’re just really excited that he’s going to maximize this opportunity,” Chipka noted.
Kone represents a small portion of those that make it to the pros: Division II athletes. “A lot of kids see someone just like them, getting an opportunity, getting a shot, and that’s all we really ask for, an opportunity,” he said.
We asked him what his mindset is going into mini rookie camp. “It’s a business trip, trying to go out there and earn a spot, try to work hard and prove myself,” Kone added.
Kone will attend the Ravens mini rookie camp this weekend.
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