Back to the Roots

I've spent the last month back in my hometown of Newport Beach, CA. Newport is a great place to come back to whenever I have time off from football because it is really a vacation in itself. Between the great weather, the beach, friends, family, and fun, I really couldn't ask for a better place to relax, recollect my thoughts, get focused and concentrate on my goals than here in Newport. Newport allows me to focus on both physically and mentally preparing myself for the grueling month of training camp that is on the horizon. In this short amount of time between the end of mini camps and OTAs and the beginning of training camp, it is of utmost importance to prepare your body for training camp, but for me, there has been a great focus on my mental conditioning as well. Living in Newport, I am reminded day in and day out of what I'm working toward. Between the multi-million dollar mansions, the 60 ft. luxury yachts, and just the desire to live in such a picturesque landscape with an ocean breeze is enough to keep me motivated and on track toward accomplishing my goals. I know what I want and I know what I'm working toward, but I also know that it was all just handed to me (which tends to happen to alot of people here in Newport through trusts and various inheritence) I know I wouldn't appreciate it nearly as much as if I attain it through my own hard work and perserverence. My new opportunity in Kansas City has provided me with a renewed sense of determination and optimism about reaching and accomplishing several of my goals via football. As I've stated earlier, I also have other goals and aspirations outside of football, one of which is to become a successful and accomplished businessman. Several weeks ago, I was fortunate to be invited on an NFL business networking retreat which was put on by Schlegel Woy Management Co. Not only was all travel and expenses completely paid for by sponsorship money and the management company, but it was a priceless experience and opportunity to network with various business professionals and influential people. The fun that we had on the trip in itself was amazing and is an entire story in itself, but the people I formed relationships with may prove instrumental in my career and goals outside of football. All in all, it was an amazing trip and I'm thrilled that I was included in this trip and had the opportunity to connect with this elite network of individuals. To conclude, what inspired this email was my day today. I returned to my high school to workout and say hello to my coaches. I worked out during the same time that the varsity kids were going through their workout. It reminded me of when I was just a young high school kid dreaming about the opportunity to play college football and maybe if I was lucky and worked hard enough, professional football. I remember how at the time it seemed so far away and such a longshot but at the same time I harnessed this inner belief that I could do it if I truly wanted to. I confirm to that belief wholeheartedly now. The belief that the only limitations in life are the ones that you place upon yourself. I also remembered the time when I was in the process of deciding where to go to college. I remember the scholarship offers not pouring in like I had hoped they would and being faced with the decision to either go to a junior college, take a scholarship at at D2 or 1AA school, or walk on to a big time college program. There was something that one of my coaches said to me during that time that I will always remember. He said to me, "you have to make a decision...do you want to be the big fish in the small pond, or do you want to be the little fish in the big pond." I remember not answering him, but rather just taking some time to think and thought...NEITHER!!! I wanted to be the big fish in the big pond! That's what I went on to become...the big fish in the big pond. So, that is my point. Don't let others put limitations on you. If you have a dream or a goal...GO FOR IT! To wrap it up, I feel confident about my opportunity going into camp this year. I fell refreshed, motivated and determined to keep my dream alive and take another step closer to accomplishing my dreams. After all, the joy isn't necessarily in the end result, but rather in the journey of getting there.