Alum Pierre Desir was drafted by the Cleveland Browns at number 27 in the fourth round (127th overall) on Saturday, May 10. During his time at FHC, Desir was an all-state defensive back and was ranked the No. 17 athlete in the nation by Tom Lemming.

“I had so many emotions overcome me when I got the call,” Desir said. “I was shocked because I didn’t expect it and I’m very happy and filled with joy for finally reaching my dream. I am very happy to be a Cleveland Brown and I cannot wait to go out and compete for a job.”

While at Lindenwood,Desir earned a spot on the First-team AP Little All-American, the American Coaches Football Association (AFCA) All-American team, and the First-team All- Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) team. He was voted as Lindenwood’s Defensive Player of the Year and holds the school record of interceptions with 9. He was the 2013 winner of the Cliff Harris Award, given to the nation’s top small college defensive back. Desir is the first person to be drafted out of Lindenwood.

“It feels great to be the first at anything, but to be the first player drafted from Lindenwood is a great honor,” said Desir.

Desir earned a spot at the East-West Shrine game and the Senior Bowl. At the NFL Combine, he received overall score of 5.27 and was first among cornerbacks, and second overall in the broad jump with 11 feet one inch. He got fifth among cornerbacks in the 60 yard shuttle with 11.60 seconds.

Desir also got the chance to promote with Visa during the draft.

“It came by surprise, but I am very happy to be able to promote with a great company like Visa,” Desir said.