When La’el Collins entered the 2015 NFL Draft, he expected to be an early pick, as he was one of the top offensive linemen in the country.

However, the former LSU star waited and waited, as a case broke just before the draft that involved the shooting death of a woman he used to date. Though Collins was eventually cleared, the damage had been done, and he went undrafted.

The Dallas Cowboys signed him as an undrafted free agent, though, and now he’s loving life with his NFL squad. In an interview with SportsDay, Collins said the NFL has been so much better than he ever imagined:

“Honestly, it’s that times 10,” Collins said. “I never knew what it was like being a Cowboy. Now that I’m going into my fourth year, I really understand what it’s like and it’s great. I think about it all over again and I would have come here every time. It’s been a blessing. Just looking forward to the future and what it holds for us.”

Collins started every game in 2017 and is now the Cowboys’ starting right tackle. He’s a key part of their offensive line and will be for years to come if all goes well.

Sometimes, things don’t work out the way you envision them, but for Collins, it’s all about making the most of the present.