Pausing to Encourage NFL Seniors: Throwing a "Pass Of Inspiration"

Tuesday, April 21, 2009 was a special day for me.  I paused in the parking lot; got out of my car and began a little "praise dance" while listening to Mahalia Jackson’s version of “How I Got Over.”

I couldn’t “spike the ball” like Homer Jones, but a little dance was a way of showing gratitude that all is well.  It went on (the dancing) for five or six minutes. Imagine how the young players skip, wiggle and shuffle when they make a touchdown.  Well, this B/R scribe tried a few of those moves.

I then composed myself and walked to the Math Building, in Houston, Texas to ride the elevator to the third floor to get to my first math class.  As I moved toward the elevator I noticed Brandon, a former student who is visually challenged, with his parents entering from the opposite doors. 

The parents said they were looking for me.  It was perfect timing for them to see me on the first floor.  The father announced that Brandon would be graduating in a few days.  He has been nominated to the Honor Society.  They wanted me to sign a letter of recommendation.  I did so, gladly.

If I had not paused to praise and express my joy, the timing would have been off.  Now I understand my inclination to pause.  Something told me to do so.

It is a great joy to witness the graduation of a visually challenged student who is supposedly autistic.  He will graduate with an associate’s degree, with honors. 

I met Brandon near the time I started trying to encourage a former NFL football player who is a senior citizen now.  Brandon’s parents said I was an inspiration to him, and because I drew inspiration from the challenges and victories of a former NFL player, that powerful inspiration was imparted to my students. 

So often I have asked my students, “Can a man change?”  Many say, yes; others demonstrate “yes.”  The former NFL player has settled down and is doing so much better. Maybe there is a success story because many of us paused to encourage him and others. 

For example, I paused in February 2007 and started driving 90 miles twice each month to visit my college friend who had been a professional football player.

I have been told by his friend (a minister) and one of his relatives (an older brother) that those bi-monthly visits, dinners and remembering the good times have made a difference in the life of the retired NFL player. 

I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of a process of encouraging a great man who had a bundle of challenges somewhat different from my own.  Nevertheless, they are challenges that we look back on and are grateful that “We got over—we made it.”

So when I hear Mahalia Jackson’s song, it touches my heart and I declare: “ I look back and wonder, how we made it over.”  Without a doubt:  We have made it.

I am better. The retired NFL player is better.  Hopefully, after reading this article, you will reflect and realize that you, too, are better.  You made it! And, because we are better, America is better!