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The following is an outline of interview question and associated dialogue of a mock interview with Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back, Earnest Graham.
The story of Earnest Graham's struggle through his early years in the NFL has been well documented. Like many NFL journeymen, Graham spent a fair portion of his first five years after college struggling to make an NFL roster.
Graham’s entry into the NFL was anything but spectacular. After a successful career as a four-year starter at the University of Florida, Graham went undrafted during the 2003 draft. He was later signed as an undrafted free agent by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Earnest Graham experienced some early success with impressive performances for the Buccaneers during the first couple preseason games of the 2003 season.
He turned quite a few heads with his impressive power and breakaway speed. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury put a quick end to Graham’s hopes for making an NFL roster during his rookie year.
After much hard work battling back from injury, Graham finally earned his way back onto the Bucs practice squad the following season.
Over the following few seasons, Graham continued to impress at the running back position as a “preseason wonder” but, was never quite able to make the regular season roster.
Much like his entry into the NFL, Graham’s addition to the Buccaneers depth chart was less than glamorous. He put in tough work as a member of the Bucs special teams unit in 2006. Graham stayed patient and dedicated himself to the opportunity at hand leading the Buccaneers in special teams tackles during the 2006 season.
Ultimately, in 2007, a series of injuries to three running backs ahead of him on the depth chart gave Graham that once in a lifetime chance he had been waiting so long to receive.
Earnest, your story of struggle as an NFL journeyman is truly inspiring and motivational.
Q: Can you tell me what the word “perseverance” means to Earnest Graham?
Q: What was the motivating factor in your life which stopped your from losing faith or giving up on your dream?
In these rough economic times, many Americans are struggling to make ends meet. Not too long ago, you were in a similar situation yourself.
Q: Can you tell us a little more about that tattoo on your left forearm which reads, “Struggle Builds Character.”
Q: What advice would you share with families who are going through similar struggles in their own lives right now?
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