Top NFL Draft Prospect Shares Powerful Story of Overcoming Stutter

KC Concepcion opens up about facing adversity and bullying as a child due to his speech impediment.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:37pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a football player in motion, with their face obscured by overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette, representing the struggle and anonymity of overcoming a speech impediment.A cubist interpretation of a football player's journey, symbolizing the adversity and determination required to overcome a speech impediment on the path to the NFL.Rochester Today

KC Concepcion, a top NFL Draft prospect and former wide receiver for the Texas A&M Aggies, has written a moving letter about growing up with a stutter and the adversity he faced. Concepcion detailed being mocked by his classmates for his speech impediment and the lack of support he received from teachers and administrators at his school. Despite the challenges, Concepcion persevered and is now on the verge of achieving his NFL dreams.

Why it matters

Concepcion's story shines a light on the struggles that many young people with speech impediments face in school, including bullying, lack of support, and feelings of isolation. His openness about his experience could help raise awareness and empathy for those dealing with similar issues.

The details

In the letter, Concepcion described how other students would mock his stutter, pointing and making faces at him. He said he would often come home from school in tears, feeling "totally beat down." Concepcion's mother tried to boost his confidence, but he struggled, especially when trying to call plays as the quarterback of his football team. Despite speech therapy, Concepcion's stutter persisted throughout his childhood, and he felt there was no one at his school looking out for him or supporting him.

  • Concepcion wrote the letter ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
  • He faced 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 been open about his lifelong struggle with a stutter and the adversity he faced growing up.

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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 a high draft pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, where he will have the opportunity to inspire others with his story of overcoming adversity.

The takeaway

Concepcion's powerful letter highlights the challenges faced by young people with speech impediments and the importance of providing support and creating more empathy and understanding in schools and communities. His journey serves as an inspiration for others who are dealing with similar issues.