As an early adolescent boy I can recall exposure to the temptations, peer pressure, and state of mind that the average boy of the age experiences. These forces infiltrated my mind. As a thirteen year old male, I thought I knew it all. I personified Popeye. All along I knew what I wanted to become, a professional football player and I could not see my life any other way.Though, I am fortunate now that effective parenting, discipline and guidance allowed for me to not lose myself and instead maximize the full potential God gave me. Now, I see potential in me outside of sports, and not only disown personal ignorance but seek personal progress from those who can give it to me.

Tuesday, I revisited this past of mine in a middle school classroom. As part of a mentorship program, I communicated with boys who will one day hopefully understand and appreciate the reasons of my periodic visits to them. As they sat uneasily in their chairs, it seemed as if my apparition of ten years ago was also present.

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” I asked all. Being a basketball or football player was all the replies. No other goal was even a possibility. I am an advocate of sport participation because life values are instilled within it. I encouraged them to pursue their athletic dreams, but I also informed them that reality throws curveballs that force people to be prepared for alterations of plans. Professional athletics is not a guarantee for anyone, but educational investment and career planning is free for anyone to explore.

As a former collegiate football player with professional football experience, I was able to relate to these young men. Circumstances did not allow for me to continue professional football, but my destiny was not discontinued. I told them it starts with a college education. If their not told now then hearts will be broken and confidence will be shattered, preventing these young men of utilizing the potential within themselves that they will never know.

At the end of the visit many chose to listen and understand my point of view. So maybe one day they will be on ESPN, but if not, they can experience success in whatever they find in themselves to do.