As we look throughout history, we find that this great country of America was built on the backs of those who had an unwavering determination.  It did not matter the trials or the difficulty they faced.  It was not predicated on the adverse situations that seemed to surround them as they built families, farmed the land, established towns and cities and created businesses.  As I think about our country’s history and how it would have been if I were a part of the toil and labor that it took to build the infrastructure and lay the foundation on which we, a privileged people, now stand, I have to say that the level of determination set the standard for achievement and overcoming adversity we admire today.

While playing in the National Football League, I was faced with many situations that required extreme determination!  Yes, playing in the games on Sunday afternoon calls for a great deal of toughness, grit, strength, and commitment, but you must be determined to overcome adversity, pain, mistakes and failure in order to be successful.  Your opponent is doing everything in his power to outmaneuver you, to break you and ultimately beat you down.  Well, I had the same attitude towards them!  I was not willing to give up an inch.  I was determined to hold my ground and not allow the opposing receiver or ball carrier to catch the ball or gain one yard!  Now, it didn’t always work out that way but that was my attitude. 

There were always opportunities to give up and throw in the towel – or, more importantly, my career! — during the course of  the games.  Before I ever put on an NFL uniform, I was told that I would never play professional football.  Before I set foot in an NFL locker room, I had faced much adversity, trial, doubt and negative criticism from others.  It would have been very easy for me to bow out and not see my dream realized, but I thank God that He gave me a strong determination to not give in to what “people” said and not give up on the “vision” He gave me when I was a little boy growing up in Plano, Texas! 

What is your vision?  Are you determined to see it come to pass and live out your dreams?  Along the way, you may face trials and tribulations and have doubt.  You may have those that are close to you tell you that “it will never happen, you can’t do that.”  You may even fail a time or two, but I encourage you to never give up, never throw in the towel and bow out.  Be strong in your faith and have a great determination that says “I will, in spite of….!”