When I was nine years old, I knew, or at least I thought I knew what I was going to do with my life. After a Little League football practice in 1971, I told my mother and father what I wanted to do when I grew up. I told them I was going to play college football on a scholarship, go directly to the NFL after college and once my professional football career was over, I was going to be a COP just like my dad. My folks smiled and encouraged me by saying what any good parent would say, “You can do anything you put your mind to”.
In 1980, my dreams started to become a reality. It was in that year that I was awarded a football scholarship to attend Clemson University. I played on the varsity level for all four years. In 1981, I had the privilege of playing on the Clemson team that beat the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the Orange Bowl for the National Championship. The following two years, I started on what Sports Illustrated described as the “Nation’s best defensive line” anchored by none other than “the Refrigerator” William Perry.
The same year that Clemson won the National Championship, I was fortunate enough to be involved in another victory that far outweighs that number 1 status. In July of 1981, I discovered that I was a religious person lacking a relationship with God. Simply said, I had Jesus in my head, but I lacked Jesus in my heart. At the beginning of my sophomore year I surrendered my life to Christ – even my football which I treasured. As a result, I believe God allowed me to live my dream of playing in the NFL for the NY Giants and the NY Jets. I also had a stint in the United States Football League with the Orlando Renegades. As long as God allowed me to play, it was my goal to give Him all the glory.
Once my professional career as a football player came to a conclusion, I became a police officer on the same department that my father served on for twenty-five years. I was promoted quickly to Sergeant and then Lieutenant; however in 1997, God spoke to my heart and told me to leave the police department and step out in faith to work full time with teenagers. Ever since my days in the NFL, my wife and I would serve the Lord in various churches as youth workers. I also traveled up and down the East Coast and spoke at various youth activities. I always knew God was calling me into youth ministry but I lacked the faith it took to accept that calling. On October 31, 1997, I finally responded to that call and as I look back I have no clue why I didn’t do it sooner.
My wife, Kim, is not only my best friend but she is my partner in youth ministry. My calling is also her calling. We are blessed to serve our God together as we try to make an eternal impact on the youth of today. I am a Youth Pastor and I hope that is what I will be for the rest of my life.
