Putting on this press badge for these last four days to cover the National Football League Scouting Combine, knowing each day that I would be covering the league that gave me a sense of purpose in life and a way to express my thoughts through writing, has been one of the proudest moments of my young adult life.

I have always been obsessed with the NFL. My obsession for the league itself really kicked in when I started to play the game known as “Madden.” And, yes, I still play and have purchased every version of the game since it was released for the Nintendo 64. As I grew older, I started reading books, magazines, watching NFL videos — highlights, documentaries, anything — on YouTube. If it had to do with the NFL, I had to get my hands on it.

This has been an experience that I’ll remember forever. And, honestly, it still hasn’t sunk in. Even as I’m typing this while sitting in an enormous ballroom at the Indiana Convention Center with some of the most well-known and highly-respected journalists, I feel like I’m dreaming.

But I’m not. I’m here, and over the last four days, I had the opportunity to meet, interview, and write about some of college football’s greatest talents. I had the chance to learn from the individuals that have done this for quite some time, too. That was probably my biggest takeaway.

The first day I was very nervous. But as the time went on, I was able to gain more confidence asking questions and gaining information. Of all the interviews I participated in and the articles I wrote, the most satisfying thing was being able to grow and learn within the journalism profession.

More than anything, I was able to accomplish something that I dreamed of as a kid. Over the last four days, I was an NFL reporter. And it’s an experience that I’ll remember for the rest of my life.

By Andrew Thomison | @Andrew_Thomison