When I was just starting out in sports, I would always doubt myself because I wasn't the biggest or fastest kid on any of my teams. It never occurred to me that there were other players on other teams that had my same situation. It wasn't until around 7th or 8th grade that I realized that life and sports are what they are. Which is sometimes not fair. But really, what is fair? Is fair everyone being equal? If that's the case then there will never be any winners or losers. Even if a sporting event ends in a tie, there is a team that lost (the team that should have won) and a team that won (they should have lost...and the tie is virtually a win).
It was only when I noticed other players that had my same height and weight limitations that nothing was impossible. If they could do it, I could do. And you know what...I could probably do it better. Most people think that a player that plays with H.E.A.R.T is a player of lesser skill or talent. This isn't necessarily the case. H.E.A.R.T is something that is deep inside of you that compels you to play your cheeks off all game long, no matter the outcome or who your opponent is. Below are a few of the players that helped me (even though they don't know it) find faith in myself as an athlete and showed me week in and week out what playing with H.E.A.R.T truly means.
Mark McMillian played Corner for the Eagles AND Crimson Tide...needless to say, I not only followed his career, but he was a huge inspiration as well. He wasn't the biggest guy in the world. But he played his butt off and never let his limitations define who he was.
Mario Bailey played for UW. Now as a DB, I'm not too fond of WR's but Super Mario was different. He went hard EVERY play. His Senior year at Washington, in my opinion played better than Desmond Howard (who won the Heisman). Not only did he put up ridiculous numbers (over 1000 yards receiving) but in the Rose Bowl when they trounced the Wolverines (Desmond's team)...he scored a TD and did the Heisman pose...awesome.
David Palmer was the first "small" athlete that I watched that let me know anything was possible on the football field (which is why I'm a Bama fan to this day). He played QB/WR/RB and returned kicks. He was literally EVERYWHERE on the field. He made plays and there was no doubt the opposing teams were scared of his skills.
Last but not least...Rohan Marley. Five foot nothing and full of piss and vinegar. He started at Miami in the 90's (which speaks volumes) and he did so on a team full of four and five star recruits. All I have to say about him is "google his ass". Watch the videos and then make up your own mind.
These are just four of the many athletes that inspired me and let me know that ANYTHING is possible.
