My parents taught me that God sometimes tests a man’s character through challenges which life often brings. This adage never rang so true for me then during training camp with the Tennessee Titans when I tore my Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) during a linebacker drill. I remembered the event like it was yesterday. It was a warm night practice three days before our first preseason game against my hometown and former team the NY Jets. We had a big crowd and the energy was high as we were gearing up for our first game. Up to that point, I was having a great training camp and all signs were positive for making the roster and helping the team make the postseason.But it was not to be in 2017.
But the lesson I learned from my parents served me well in how I responded to this difficult moment in my career. When the team doctor and trainers walked into the room and told me that my season was over due to a torn ACL, I had that sinking feeling of fear and frustration. I feared that after 2 years and 3 NFL teams my career was over before I was given the right opportunity to make the Titan’s roster. Secondly, I was frustrated because I worked so hard to get to the point where things seem to begin to turn for the better. At that moment I realized how precious the opportunity to play in the NFL was. At any moment a players dream can be snatched away from him.
However, I stared down my fears and insecurities and said to myself “I can’t go out like this, I have too much playing left in me to give up.” So at that very moment, even though it was hard, I had to focus on my recovery because that is the only thing that I could control. Whether the Titans wanted me or not, could not be my main focus of thought. The only thing I forced myself to think about was how hard I was going to work on my road back to the NFL!
The honest truth about the NFL, is that most of us won’t last more than three years. So I decided to focus on the process and not the end result. The truth is that’s what really matters anyways. I am sure when I am older and look back on my NFL career I will probably most remember the experiences I had with my teammates and coaches. So if you are chasing your dream, I know you can relate. If you are reading this post I hope this article inspires you to never give up and to focus on what you can control in your journey for success.
