Parenting is a very tough job, but for one young man this job is made even tougher when he combines it with the pressures of school and a collegiate sport.
Colonels defensive lineman Isah Winborne handles pressure everyday. He takes care of his two young daughters, plays college football and juggles class work.
He cares for daughter India, who is two years old, and daughter Amya, who is 6 1/2 months old, with his wife Robretta Winborne.
When asked how she would describe Isah as a father and as a football player, Robretta said, “He’s a great father. He’s under a lot of stress. He’s graduating in December, and he goes to class, he goes to football practice, and he comes home to spend time with both of his kids.”
“That’s his daily schedule,” Robretta said. “He’s under a lot stress, but that doesn’t get to him. He loves his kids a lot, and they love their father. Sometimes they prefer him over me.”
Winborne says that his children have helped him to mature more quickly.
“Having children made me slow down, whereas before, I was a little immature,” Isah said. “On the field I have to be aggressive, but I come home and I have to be a father. It’s kind of like I’m superman. I’m one person on the field and I’m totally different off it,” Isah said.
This role of “Superman” is one that Winborne knows, accepts and plays well; however, when asked what job is tougher for him — sacking quarterbacks or diaper duty, Robrette said jokingly, “I think it’s diaper duty; He can pretty much handle the football part.”
“It is hard because they are both young and there are two of them, so I would have to say diaper duty,” Isah said.
“Like all parents I felt proud, but I knew that I had to step up because I knew that I had responsibilities,” Isah said about the first time he saw his children.
Isah’s typical day starts very early and doesn’t stop until long after football practice.
“My day starts around 8:00 a.m. I get up to spend time with my children, then I go to class. Once I get out of class, I go to practice, and after practice I go home to my wife and kids.”
It is a long day, but one that is very rewarding indeed. Isah sees those rewards and what they can do for his family.
“Maybe I can get the chance to play football on the next level, and that opportunity can help me provide for my children more,” Isah said. “I would be able to get them anything they need and want, be it personally or educationally.”
Graduating soon, Isah plans to earn his degree in the health and physical education field.
If the dream of the NFL doesn’t hold true for Isah, one thing is for certain — no challenge is too big, and pressure is no object for him because he has handled pressure thus far like a true champion.
The Colonels will need a big performance from Winborne as they take on the Sam Houston State Bearkats for Homecoming, Nov. 1 at 6 p.m. at John L. Guidry Stadium.