Under the lights at Longhorn stadium in Sugar Hill, a special person got the surprise of their life. After Lanier’s hard fought win against Gainesville on November 2nd, something was afoot. Lanier’s football team and the coaching staff are a tight knit bunch who are always willing to help one another out.
So when Lanier’s recruiting coordinator and wide receiver coach, Nafis Pickett decided he wanted to ask his girlfriend, Ashley Wilson to be his wife, he knew he wanted to get the team in on the proposal.
Pickett and Wilson have been together for just over a year. Ashley is a die hard fan of Pickett’s and thus the Longhorns. She’s been very supportive of the team and of her boyfriend, often taking the players on recruitment trips. As much as her support of the team means to Pickett, he says he knew she was the one for him “when I had got sick one night over at her place and she took care of me and nursed me back to myself. I said I can’t lose this woman.”
Coach Pickett and his players have a strong bond. “It’s amazing that when young men see that you love and care for them that they will do whatever you asked them to do,” reflects Pickett. Usually he’s asking them to push themselves physically or mentally on the field but this time he had a personal favor to ask of them.
Two players in particular were asked to take part in setting Pickett up to propose to Ashley after the Gainesville game. Senior wide receivers, Zach Charles #9 and Jahkai Richardson #6 were asked to give a short speech to Ashley to lead into Coach Pickett proposing. The senior players’ mothers suggested to Pickett that each senior player should give Wilson a rose before Pickett’s proposal.
After the game ended, the players went to listen to Head Coach, Korey Mobbs give his end of game speech. Ashley was lead to the front of the circle by Coach Hendrix while Pickett hid at the back of the circle. Zach Charles told Ms Wilson how much she meant to them. How her unconditional support through the good times and the bad had been noticed and appreciated. Zach proceeded to give Wilson a rose as did the rest of the senior players.
Coach Pickett then spoke to Ashley and the crowd that had gathered. He talks about how much she has done for him and the players. Ashley’s draw drops as Pickett gets down on one knee and asks his beautiful girlfriend to be his wife. She instantly agrees and the crowd erupts into cheers.
Pickett thanks God first and foremost for bringing him his beautiful lady and for his many blessings. He is thankful for his players and senior moms for their involvement in making the proposal extra special. Coach Pickett would also like to thank Coach Mobbs “for allowing me to be apart of the Lanier Longhorn community and apart of his staff.”
Coach Pickett’s proposal has captured the hearts of not only the community but the nation as the video of the special moment has gone viral. He states, “I’m happy that people on social media can see the love I have for Ashley and the love I have for my players.”
Congratulations Coach Pickett and Ashley on your engagement! May you live happily ever after..
