This week’s Faith, Family, & Football feature is: Randall Cobb, Current Green Bay Packer.
Cobb was drafted by Green Bay in the 2nd round of the 2011 NFL Draft and is in his 2nd season with the Packers. Even though Cobb was the last player in the green room on draft day and waited until the very last pick (64th) of the 2nd round before he finally heard his name called, he literally hit the ground running when he got his first NFL opportunity. On opening night of the 2011 season against the New Orleans Saints, Cobb returned the opening kickoff 108 yards for a touchdown, scored a 32 yard touchdown reception, and hasn’t looked back since.
Since his NFL debut, Cobb has been a consistent contributor to the Packers high powered offense and has recently played an even larger role in the absence of veteran receivers Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson. As a result of his impressive on-field performance, Cobb is starting to become a household name to fans across America. What many also will soon come to realize is…it’s intrinsic characteristics such as his heart, work ethic, passion, and character that drive his stellar performance and have been some of the biggest catalysts for his success throughout life.
Cobb is one of the younger players in the NFL, but he possesses the maturity and professionalism of a 10-year veteran. Packers quarterback and last year’s NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers called Cobb "a personnel and a coach's dream" because of his innate understanding of -- and professional approach to -- the game. He puts in the extra hours in the film room, on the field, and gives his time regularly to several outreaches in the Green Bay community. Cobb is a great role model for younger student-athletes and fellow NFL newcomers when it comes to putting in the hard work and dedication to becoming the best you can be in all areas of life.
Cobb stands strong in his faith, family values, and possesses great character. You’ll often here his coaches and veteran teammates saying that he does things the right way and will have a bright future ahead if he continues down this path. NFLPE has no doubt that Cobb will continue to do great things on and off the field and we are glad to present one of the bright young stars of the league. Check out our interview below as Cobb shares his views on Faith, Family, & Football.
PE: Why is faith important to you?
Cobb: Faith is the rock to who I am as a person. I know there is purpose to my life and I'm trying to fulfill what I believe that purpose is.
PE: Tell us about your family and the impact they’ve had on your life?
Cobb: My family has been a blessing. They have been my biggest fans since the beginning of time. My parents taught me the value of hard work and showed me the importance of the company you keep. They are my motivation.
PE: You have a close relationship with your father. Tell us what makes your bond so special and what you look forward to when you become a father?
Cobb: My father always tells me I am his Hero because I saved his life. He was a heavy drug addict before my birth, but because I was so involved with sports growing up and he coached all my teams, it kept him away from the streets. He showed me what a man was supposed to do as a provider and making life better for his family. I am very thankful for his influence in my life and I hope to be half the father he is to my children one day.
PE: How has your faith and family helped you develop off the field?
Cobb: Who I am as a person is much more valuable to me than what I do on the field. My faith and family has helped me grow into the man I am today. I've have been taught many life lessons from my own and family experiences.
PE: How do you balance faith, family, and football?
Cobb: It can be tough at times, but because of my spiritual foundation I know that you have to live by FAITH in everything you do. Everyone in my family is back in Tennessee so it's tough to see them, but I try to keep in contact with them as much as possible via phone, text, or Skype.
Football is not only my job but it’s what I love. I feel like it’s the easy part. The only thing is keeping yourself mentally prepared for all the challenges it brings.
PE: What advice would you give to student-athletes and current professional athletes in regards to their faith, family, and football?
Cobb: Keep the faith and never give up in all that you do. Your faith is your foundation to life. Your family is all you have. In the end…football is a game - we all love it, but it doesn't last forever. Enjoy the moments and cherish the memories.
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