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Flashback: SMU DE Justin Lawler's heartfelt gift to offensive coordinator among reasons Senior Day will be so emotional

Editor's note: This story was originally published on Nov. 22, 2017. It's been brought back as the NFL draft approaches and Justin Lawler waits to find out where he will play professionally.

UNIVERSITY PARK -- When SMU offensive coordinator Joe Craddock sat down for his 12th weekly news conference of the season, he threw reporters a curveball.

"I want to start with my first statement ever," he began.

This week Craddock and his wife, Abby, are celebrating their daughter Charlie's first birthday. As Craddock left his office Monday night after a long day of game planning, he saw a pink gift bag on his desk.