As my football career came to an end last weekend — and with it my time in this program and in college football — I felt like I needed to share my thoughts on where the game is today. My path was far from normal; not many guys play seven years. But even with my unique journey, it’s clear that the current landscape of college football is becoming worse for the game.
Somewhere along the way, we lost what made this sport special.
We lost sight of the TEAM.
Too many players are focused only on what’s best for them, not what’s best for the people in the locker room next to them. I’ve played with a lot of great teammates, but even then, it felt like some always had one foot out the door — ready to leave the moment something didn’t go their way. The transfer portal made it way too easy to run from adversity instead of growing through it.
I can’t explain how many lessons I learned from not getting what I wanted right away. From being humbled. From having to earn everything the hard way. Every decision I made, I tried to make for the team. For something bigger than myself.
College athletics is supposed to shape you into a leader — someone who can handle adversity, communicate with respect, and go into the world a better, stronger version of who you were when you came in. But the new age of college sports has kids leaving at the first sign of trouble, talking to coaches however they want, and expecting everything to go their way.
I’m all for players having a voice and choosing what’s best for their future. But in what part of life do you get everything exactly how you want it? That’s not real. Yet college athletics has created that illusion, and it’s hurting a game that has saved so many lives — including kids from poverty and tough situations who needed football to survive.
For me, getting an education meant everything. I didn’t grow up with much. Football was my only ticket to pay for school. Not everyone’s situation is the same, and I get that. But I’ll always believe that the team, the struggle, and the lessons learned are what make this sport powerful.
And I hope someday we find our way back to that.
#CollegeFootball #team
HAVE A DAY ALERT!!
Poney Brayden Simones had himself quite the day for the @sabrehsbaseball today! In the Sabres 14-3 win over St. Cloud in Section 8-4A, Brayden went 3-3, with 3 Bombs, BB, 4 Runs, and 8 RBI!!
I am officially in the transfer portal with 4
years of eligibility, thank you Bemidji State for the opportunity.
5'11 180 lbs
Defensive Back
Cell ~ 612-472-5721
Email ~ [email protected]
More film or any questions can be provided upon request
The hardest post ever. This guy… damnit Boon. Forever our MVP. To know him is to be lucky. One of one. Never the same. Love you forever. RIP buddy. We’ve lost a legend!
He is also one of the top guys that I have ever been around that wants to win, knows the process, knows how to get there, betters his teammates and bring them along for the ride. He is one of our captains for a reason. Huge win for whomever signs him. @JalenVorpahl
@ATCCBaseball 2.0 IP 0BB 0H 0R 4K. 4SFB sat 83-85. Threw one sinker and curve at 80 and 63.6. 24 pitches with 3 balls all in 0-2 counts. Looking to be back to my velocity last spring before injury which was 84-86 topping 88 consistently. Shout out @casey_chambers3 commentary.
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