With the NFL at the start of a new offseason, many fans are anxious.

Anxious to get that missing piece for their favorite team to really contend for the Lombardi Trophy. Fans of the dismal Chicago Bears are looking at overhauling pieces left and right.

While Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr. are hard at work constructing mock drafts on the daily, some of college’s best are waiting for that day, April 30, when their names might get called. A dream come true for most, if not all.

But for one former Wayne State standout, he’s busy playing for a championship himself.

Richard Daniel is a former defensive end for the Wildcats. The 6’1” Papillion native was a force on the field for the ‘Cats.

He was NSIC’s Defensive Player of the Year in his senior season in 2012, and he led the league in forced fumbles his junior and senior seasons. He was top five in four other defensive categories and sacks were his specialty, with a career total of 28.

He is currently under contract as an outside linebacker with the Sioux City Bandits, an arena football team.

“It’s been a lifelong goal to play in the NFL. I’ve wanted it since I was a little tike playing touch outside with the neighborhood,” Daniel said. “I’m not done fighting for that dream to come true, and this is just a stepping stone to better equip me. While I’m here, though, I’m going to do what I can to win a championship. Right now, I’m a Bandit and I love it.”

Wayne State has had a lot of athletes play for the Bandits. Four other former football players are currently on Sioux City’s team.

“The locker room is great, especially with a couple former teammates. It has really brought a tight nit bond between us. It has been a blessing and so helpful to go through this with familiar faces.”

The draft might not call Daniel’s name, but that doesn’t bother him.

“I can do all things through Him, who strengthens me. If God wants me there, awesome, if he doesn’t, that’s fine, too,” Daniels said. “I just want to play football.”