Diego Pavia‘s turbulent post-draft period has taken another dramatic turn, with new footage surfacing that has quickly gone viral and added further controversy to an already difficult week for the former Vanderbilt quarterback.
Just days after going undrafted despite entering the 2026 NFL Draft as a high-profile prospect, Pavia is now at the center of a fresh storm following reports that he was filmed partying at a strip club and throwing cash during the event.
The timing has only intensified the reaction, as questions about his professionalism and image continue to grow.
Video footage sparks backlash
According to reports, video obtained shows Pavia at a strip club in the weeks leading up to the draft, where he appeared to be making it rain and tossing a wad of cash during the party.
The footage quickly spread across social media, with fans and analysts weighing in on the optics of the situation, particularly given the scrutiny prospects face during the pre-draft process.
While such behavior is not uncommon in nightlife settings, the visibility of the video and its proximity to the draft has made it a focal point of criticism.
A difficult week turns worse for Pavia
Pavia‘s draft outcome was already one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 class. Despite a standout college career that included Heisman Trophy contention and strong statistical production, all 32 teams passed on him.
In the hours following the draft, Pavia had already been trending for other reasons, including a viral post that drew mixed reactions from fans and added to concerns about perception.
The emergence of this latest video has only compounded those issues, creating a narrative that extends beyond his on-field performance.
How this could impact his NFL chances
For players entering the league without being drafted, first impressions matter even more. Teams often take a chance on undrafted free agents based on potential, but also on character, discipline and how they handle adversity.
The attention surrounding Pavia may complicate that path. While the video itself does not involve any reported legal issues, the perception it creates could influence how teams evaluate him during the next stage of his career.
That said, opportunities still exist. Many players have entered the league as undrafted prospects and gone on to build successful careers, using early setbacks as motivation.
What comes next for Pavia
Pavia now finds himself at a crossroads, despite going to the Baltimore Ravens‘ training camp. The focus will shift from headlines to how he responds, both publicly and professionally, as he looks to secure a place on an NFL roster.
The support he has received from figures such as Deion Sanders earlier in the week shows that belief in his talent remains. However, moments like this underline the fine margins that often define careers at the professional level.
For now, the spotlight remains firmly on Pavia, with every development shaping the narrative of what comes next in his journey.
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