Youth Football Camp

Last weekend I participated in the Herm Edward's Youth Football Camp. The camp was an all day event that took place on both Saturday and Sunday last weekend. There were over 1,000 kids that attended the camps from all age groups, the oldest being 17 year olds. I had the opportunity to help coach a team of kids that were in the oldest age group of 13-17. It was interesting reflecting back at that time in my own life. I remember being that age, just entering high school and playing high school football. Having dreams of playing college football and hopefully professionally. I realized that soooo many kids have that dream, but so few actually get to live it out. Coach Edwards put this fact into perspective during one of his speeches in which he said that out of about 300 kids that were in this age group, MAYBE 3 would earn collegiate football scholarships and MAYBE 1 would someday be lucky enough to have an NFL tryout. When I thought about this it put into perspective the long journey it took to get to where I am today and the factors that played into that. A lot of it was hard work, making smart decisions and sacrafices and another key component is surrounding yourself with the right people that will support your journey rather than distract you from it. Its crazy to think that out of the millions of kids that have the dream of playing in the NFL, in reality very few will ever get the CHANCE and OPPORTUNITY. In fact, only about 1500 guys will suit up and play in the NFL each year. I have come along way in my journey to become one of these 1500 players and it most certainly has not been easy. I have put in countless hours of practice, training, studying, etc...have given up summers, nights out, and holidays...played through pain...bled, sweat, and cried all to get where I am today. I believe it is a these things, more so than just pure talent and athletic ability that separate the players who make it to the NFL and those that don't. There are so many distractions along the way that with the slightest mis-step can completely derail you off of your desired path. I am fortunate and blessed to have the opportunity I do today. It was fun coaching the little kids and sharing with them some of the wisdom and insight that I have gained along the way. I also realized that coaching takes a lot of patience and communication skill because players don't always do what you try to teach them to. All in all, the kids were great and put forth a huge effort to compete throughout the camp and get something out of it. Although it was two very long days back to back in the blistering sun, it was well worth it and I'm glad I was able to participate.

Arrowhead Pride Interview

Follow the link to check out my interview for this Cheifs site.

http://www.arrowheadpride.com/2008/5/7/481848/inside-the-mind-of-a-fullb

Mini Camp

Last weekend I went through my first mini camp as a Chief. Although technically a "rookie" mini-camp, I was one of five veteran players to be invited. It was a good opportunity to learn the new offense and show what I can do on the field. The camp consisted of two practices on Friday and then one practice on Saturday. Many of the guys at the camp were players competing to earn a contract as a Kansas City Chief. It reminded me of a few years ago when I signed as a free agent with Cincinnati. I could see how nervous some of the guys were and I remembered being the same way, but no matter how nervous you are, you have to just go out and play. You have to eliminate mistakes because the odds are already against you. You have to do everything right and go above and beyond what is asked of you. The camp had close to 80 guys and by the end of the day, probably only about 20 would be Kansas City Chiefs. The NFL is a very competitive business and it doesn't matter if you are a rookie or a seasoned vet. You are constantly being challenged by newcomers and evaluated by coaches and management. I felt the camp went very well for me. It was a long week having to do the camp after a full week of workouts, but I fought through it and feel confident in my performance. There were 3 other fullbacks at the camp and I believe that they will be taking four of us into training camp. This means that it will be very competitive at this position and I will have to be at my best, which is exactly what I intend on doing. During the camp, I had the opportunity to hear Coach Edwards give a speech for the first time. He is a very motivational guy and what I like about his approach is his no bullshit attitude. He seems to tell you how it is, what he expects you to do, and that it is up to you as an individual to either meet the expectations or be left behind. He also seems to be very fair, which can be a rarity these days.