programs Match the Promise

Tackling My Goals

Will – future NFL player

Vince Lombardi once said, "Football is like life, it requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication and respect for authority". When I grow up I want to be an NFL player and become the greatest of all time. I want to be an NFL player because I love football and I am very good at it. I am excited about the idea of being able to make my living by playing a game instead of sitting behind a desk.

Football has always been a huge part of my life. It helps me cope with my problems by giving me an outlet for my frustrations. It also teaches me discipline. The game requires that you listen, follow instructions, and work together in order to be successful. When I play football, I feel like I can do anything. It gives me a feeling like nothing else can give me. Football helps me fit in in everyday life and it brings me a sense of happiness and joy. My father created my love for football. He was my childhood football coach and taught me lots of life lessons, such as working hard to achieve your goals and believing in yourself. These are lessons that have helped me grow in life and on the football field. He has taught me persevere and never give up no matter the situation. Every day, my father keeps me motivated to be better.

A person that inspires me to play football is Doug Flutie. He inspires me because people doubted his ability to play football, but he still made it to the NFL and became a successful NFL player. Doug Flutie is small in stature and was doubted by many because of his size. I have always been small for my age and many people believe that my size will hold me back in my quest to make it to the NFL. This only inspires me to work harder and dedicate myself to my goals. Doug Flutie has been an inspiration to me every day no matter the situation.

Through my life I have had many football coaches but the one that has helped me the most on my journey to the NFL is my middle school coach, Coach B. Coach B has supported me through his positive coaching style and his encouraging attitude. He has been at my side for everything. Coach B has reinforced the principles of sportsmanship and teamwork. Coach B has taught me that football is not a game of individuals, but that of a team. The lessons have helped me grow as a person and as a player.

Another coach that has been helpful in my journey to the NFL is Coach J. Coach J has a very strong bond with me and he has taught me a lot. He was my defensive coordinator in pee wee football. Coach J was a positive influence on my life and he developed me to become an amazing athlete. Coach J has taught me if I work hard, I will be successful. With each snap of the ball, he inspired me to work harder.

In life and in football, people need leaders to guide through tough times. Each of these people are leaders and they have taught me so much about life and what it means to be successful on and off the field. These men are positive role models in my life. They have helped me through life and sports. The lessons I have learned from these men, along with hard work, dedication, perseverance, teamwork, and a little luck, I know I will make my dream come true. Look for me on Thursday Night Football in 10 years!

Will's essay appears here as written, to preserve the young author’s unique voice and individual writing style. However, we have deleted personally identifiable information to protect the student’s privacy.