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Not Turning Back - February 21, 2011 Watching my mom leave my house to go audition for Sunday's Best (a Gospel Singing Competition) brings back memories of the night before I left to go to Calgary for my first CFL season. I was 21 yrs old and had no clue what I was getting myself into. I just knew I had a opportunity to play football for money, and at the time, I didn't have any money so it was pretty important. I didn't have a job, I left college early to prepare for pro football, and I really had no back up plan. As I lay in bed in total darkness, I found myself wondering what Canada was like. I wondered if I would like it more then the US, and I wondered if I would be accepted. It feels like yesterday. I grabbed my Cell phone and wanted to make a video, but I didn't know what I would say. I turned it on, and started talking, I don't have that same phone to tell you exactly what I said but it went like this. "I am doing this for you, I am doing this for my family, my friends, and most importantly myself. I am not coming home, I will be better then anyone I have to be better then. I am not coming back here disappointed. I will make you proud of me. I want this. I know it won't be easy but I am not coming home." As you can tell I had my mind made up that I was going to go thru whatever to make it. Well the third and last day of Rookie Camp, most of the WR were hurt and we were short so I had to take every rep and it was rough, but that wasn't the bad part. It was May, 19th, 2004 and it was snowing at one point, then it started to hail. I remember hearing the hail hit my helmet and thinking what am I doing here. I am not supposed to be here. I was cold and miserable, and wanted to leave. I finished the practice and that was actually the day that I signed my 1st contract. I went back to the Hotel room and watched the video that I had made and tried to regain the motivation that I once had. Well, to tell the truth I went out that night for the 1st time with Fred Perry (who I had known since my freshman yr of college) and that and the video made the difference. The next day I met Wane Mcgarity, and Albert Connell. I remembered watching them in College and they looked at the rookies like they didn't care who we were. I had my first goal, let them know who I am. The rest is history. I made a conscious decision on that day not to be denied and I know that there are times when we don't have a choice, but I will tell you that getting what you want involves sacrifice, relentless effort, sound mind, and a I am not turning back attitude. No matter if my mother makes it or not, I am so proud of her for attempting her dream. She made everything happen to get there and has an amazing voice (not because she is my mother). I know she will do her best and she has already made it in my eyes. I am just so proud of her for doing this. Life is Amazing when you step outside the box!!!!!! My Thoughts, Your Time, Thanks For Reading......... |
Previous Blogs: October 23, 2010 - Competition Check out Nik's blog on Stampeders.com |
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