On a Rolle!B

Usually at this time I get some names together for everyone to watch this year at the Senior Bowl. But I will stray from that practice, despite the tons of very deserving big names from small schools that are participating. I would rather bring to the forefront an amazing story of a STUDENT-athlete that will be trying to make the second of his childhood dreams come true. Myron Rolle, safety from Florida State, will be coming back to play football after a year of absence from the game he loves.

For those of you who don't know, Myron Rolle was the number one recruited player in 2005. He chose to go to Florida State and his list of accolades off the field surpassed those on it. That is not to take anything from his football ability. In 3 years at Florida State he made the freshman all-American team and got a degree in exercise science. He didn't leave school early to pursue his career as a football player. Instead he put his football career on hold to pursue a Masters degree in Public Administration from Oxford. He is attending Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar. Myron Rolle has also founded a non-profit organization, Myron Rolle Foundation. This foundation works with the Florida department of Family services to provide seminars on wellness and leadership. He is currently working on founding a free health care clinic in his native Bahamas. Again however, Myron is rearranging his dream of scholarly and philanthropic excellence to take his shot at the NFL.

Rolle is fulfilling his academic requirements at Oxford from the Senior Bowl in Mobile Alabama. Although he has been absent from the game of football for a year now he has worked extremely hard to stay in football shape. While at Oxford he would wake up early every morning and work out with the Oxford rugby team, or by himself on the rugby pitch. His desire to play football didn't fade at all in the year in Oxford. The prestigious English school is allowing Rolle to fulfill his academic requirements in absentia while attending the senior bowl and the NFL combine. After the combine Rolle will return to England and finish his studies in mid-June. Some NFL draft boards have Rolle going as high as mid-second round. His status will all depend on his performance in the senior bowl and NFL combine..

There is no doubt in my mind that Myron Rolle will play in the NFL. I also have no doubt that he will use that stage to further his academic and philanthropic pursuits. I will never ask young men to view professional athletes or celebrities as role models. But I will say that there is a lot to be learned about dedication, priorities and drive from this STUDENT-athlete. Live like no one is watching and remember that hard work makes dreams become reality.