Top NFL Draft Prospect Opens Up About Lifelong Stuttering Struggle

KC Concepcion shares emotional letter about overcoming adversity and bullying as a kid with a stutter

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:09pm

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KC Concepcion, a top NFL Draft prospect and former Texas A&M wide receiver, has written an emotional letter addressing NFL general managers about his lifelong struggle with a stutter. In the letter, Concepcion opens up about being bullied and made fun of by other kids at school for his speech impediment, and how he had to learn to cope with the criticism on his own without much support from teachers or other adults. Despite the adversity, Concepcion went on to have a standout college career and is now preparing to enter the NFL draft.

Why it matters

Concepcion's story shines a light on the challenges faced by the millions of people, including many children, who deal with stuttering issues. His openness about his personal experiences aims to raise awareness and provide inspiration for others who may be struggling with similar speech difficulties.

The details

In his letter, Concepcion described how other kids at school would mock him, point at him, and ask if he was "dumb or something" because of his stutter. He said he would often come home from school "totally beat down" and crying to his mom. While he found solace in playing football on the weekends, Concepcion said he would still have trouble getting the words out when trying to call plays as the team's quarterback. Despite attending speech therapy classes, nothing seemed to permanently fix his stutter. Concepcion said he learned to either not talk much around people he didn't know or develop comebacks to deal with the criticism.

  • Concepcion wrote the letter ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
  • He faced continued criticism for his stutter at the NFL Scouting Combine in March 2026.

The players

KC Concepcion

A 21-year-old former wide receiver for the Texas A&M Aggies who is a top prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft. Concepcion has dealt with a lifelong stuttering issue that he was bullied for as a child.

The Stuttering Foundation

A nonprofit organization that estimates more than 80 million people around the world, including about 3 million Americans, deal with stuttering.

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What they’re saying

“The other kids at school, they'd notice how I'd get stuck on certain words. Or that it would take me a second to respond to the teacher, or to tell them my name. And look — kids are mean sometimes. Simple as that. They'd point at me, or make faces, or raise their eyebrows, and then it'd be like, 'What's wrong with you?!??!?'”

— KC Concepcion, NFL Draft Prospect

“So, to any kid out there who is carrying something heavy right now — a stutter, something that makes you feel different, anything that's ever made someone look at you sideways … just know this: My success … it is your success, too. I want you to come along on this journey with me. Because you and me? We're not weird. There is nothing wrong with us. Whatever makes you different — that's not the thing holding you back. That's your thing. Own it. Be you, fully. Without apology.”

— KC Concepcion, NFL Draft Prospect

What’s next

Concepcion is expected to be one of the top wide receiver prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, where he will look to be selected in the early rounds and begin his professional football career.

The takeaway

Concepcion's powerful letter shines a light on the challenges faced by those dealing with speech impediments like stuttering, and serves as an inspiring message to others who may be struggling with adversity or feeling different. His story underscores the importance of providing support and understanding for those facing such difficulties.