Last month, Jimmy Horn Jr. watched his childhood dream unfold in real time.
The Carolina Panthers made it official, selecting the former Colorado Buffaloes receiver in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. And now, thanks to a powerful, 30-minute behind-the-scenes documentary released by CU Football, fans got to see the journey through his eyes.
From Sanford, Florida to USF to Boulder to the pros, Horn’s story has always been personal. But this video made it clear—it’s also bigger than football.
“This is a moment I prepared for my whole life”
In the opening moments, we see Horn sitting at home surrounded by friends and family. It’s raw. Unfiltered.
“This the first hat I’m grabbing off the dribble, you feel me?” Horn says. “This a moment I prepared for my whole life. I’m ready for whatever.”
Horn, who transferred to Colorado in 2023, quickly became a fan favorite with his explosive speed and effort. But the documentary reminds us there’s far more to Jimmy Horn Jr. than what we saw on Saturdays.
Passing on Shedeur's party
Horn shared that he initially planned to attend Shedeur Sanders’ draft party in Texas but canceled last minute to focus on his own preparation.
“I had my flight booked and all,” Horn said. “But right now I still got stuff I gotta finish and get together. I would’ve loved to be there to support.”
The moment speaks volumes about Horn’s self-awareness. It wasn’t just a draft weekend—it was his draft weekend. And he was determined to keep it grounded, local, and real.
Back to Seminole, where it all started
Horn returned to Seminole High School, where he helped win a Class 8A state title in 2021, to hang a signed Colorado jersey in the school’s weight room. His presence lit up the building.
“These kids look up to y’all crazy,” Seminole head coach Karl Calhoun Jr. told him. “A lot of people don’t come back. But you did. That’s big.”
Teachers, coaches, administrators—and even the school secretary—shared stories about Horn’s impact. Former mentors praised not just his game, but his maturity, humility, and leadership off the field.
Family and Football
The documentary features Horn’s family, including his grandmother, siblings, and his incarcerated father, who called Jimmy before the draft. The connection is clear—and emotional.
“He’s a guy who absolutely loves going out and playing this game,” one coach says in the film. “And you can tell by the way he approaches everything.”
“When I come through,” Horn adds, “I know it gets their spirits up. Hope right there. That’s how I carry it. I’ll never forget where I came from.”
It’s that grounded identity that makes Horn’s story so relatable—and so impactful.
On the field in Carolina
Horn has already begun making waves during Panthers rookie minicamp. Coaches have praised his quickness and route-running. He’ll have every chance to carve out a role alongside Bryce Young in a retooled Carolina offense.
He wasn’t the highest draft pick. But he may have been the most prepared.
Final thoughts
Jimmy Horn Jr.’s story is about more than being drafted. It’s about the people who raised him, the city that shaped him, and the school that believed in him.
Colorado gave him a platform. Seminole gave him a foundation. Now, the Panthers give him a future.
And if this documentary reminded us of anything—it’s that he’s earned every bit of it.
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