By Troy Vincent
NFL Player Engagement
Clearly, we all agree that the serious student-athlete must be focused on both academic achievement and excellence on the field.
Yet I think there is one more notable priority for student-athletes. Whether you are a freshman in high school or already in college, getting involved in the issues that face our communities, schools, our country, or even the world for that matter, is something I believe is important to a student-athlete’s overall character and personal development.
For me there has been no greater reward in my life than to know that I am making a difference in someone else’s life. Educating through athletics and impacting society as a change agent make us better students and teammates and, most importantly, make us better people.
Community service and giving back doesn’t have to be something you delay. Caring about those around you and taking action to help someone else realize a better life has no age or eligibility restrictions. And you don’t need to be George Clooney or Angelina Jolie or an NFL star to make an impact. You can make a difference in this world right where you are, being exactly who you are – a student-athlete giving back.
My family and I have made it our priority to give back to both our hometown communities and to anyone in need. Giving back is ingrained in both my personal and professional life, and always has been.
My charge and challenge to each reader of this article is to become more active in your local community. Think beyond yourself. Put others first. Work to become an agent of change. And truly embrace the difference that you can make.