06-01-2015, 07:12 PM
(06-01-2015, 06:32 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: That is great that you were able to recover, and then finish your education, as well as your college athletic career. Many folks don't have that sort of "keep going" mentality about them.
You are not the only example of D1 talent that didn't work out at a D1 institution. In the Semi-Pro leagues that I played in, there were some seriously talented dudes, that for grades or immaturity, or authority complex, just could not cut it. A shame, too. As an athlete, you can tell when you meet someone that has that "genetic advantage" that makes them head and shoulders above the average workaholic, just by falling out of bed that day. My point is, I respect you for not being too proud to humble yourself and go to the small school, and get your act together. Many others in your shoes, at that time, could not have.
Thanks for the kind words...I will tell you this. I have had the privilege of knowing quite a few guys who are or were in the show...aka the NFL. They are all athletic freaks with great work ethics and each had gotten some important breaks along the way. However as far as pure athletic specimens and outstanding football players go...I know of several that did not get the breaks and Semi-pro is where they landed.
These guys, for various reasons were ushered out of, or never let in to the establishment of college football. There is a ton of politics to even get the shot to make a D1 squad let alone see the field. So you can only imagine how many are out there. The problem is the Semi-pro game is hard to last very long. Often times poor fields, poor equipment, no pay, no medical staff and the crazy nut who is a dirty player make it a quick exit out of football for good. That is why the NFL does not use it as a farm system. It is cost prohibitive to do so and the NCAA works just fine. But there is talent there, don't ever let anyone say there isn't!
