3 Life Lessons I Learned Playing Football

In my life I've been fortunate to have plenty of teachers who left me with knowledge that I previously did not have.  Some have been family members, some friends, teammates and PLENTY of haters.  But the one teacher that left a definite imprint has been sports.  Without a doubt, Football has reinforced most of the lessons that may have fallen to the wayside that the aforementioned may have tried to hammer home.  So...since my head is so thick, it only made sense that constantly knocking it against others while trying to win a "meaningless" game would only clarity those lessons while giving them relevance.  Here are 3 of the lessons that I learnt.

1. There is ALWAYS someone bigger, badder and tougher than you....ALWAYS.

My Pops used to tell me this...constantly.  When I moved to MD from NJ, I most definitely kept my Lawnside swagger.  He would tell me to tone it done, but I wasn't having it.  This was when I was 15, 16 years old, let's fast forward to when I was a Sophomore in college.  The last college game I played in I had to cover a DIII All-American.  I talked shit all week, but my best friend Tim Gavin knew what time it was (he knew I was nervous because I talked in my sleep).  Well, long story short, I got beat for about 7 catches, 120 yards and 1 TD.
Lesson Learned: Keep your mouth shut, or someone will shut it for you.

2. Don't look for someone to save you.  If you do, you'll be waiting a REALLY long time.

I started playing football when I was in 3rd grade.  I rode the bench until I got to High School (and believe me, it sucked).  I knew I was good but never really got a shot to play.  When I went to High School I said to myself, "there is NO WAY I'm riding the bench ever again".  I decided that a concussion was a better way of going out than sitting for another 4 years.  I watched Pro's and collegiate players, studied how they played and changed my strategy.  My offensive model was Eric Bieniemy and defensive one was Eric Allen, with a splash of Dick "Night Train" Lane. Ever since my Freshman year of High and ALL through college, I started every game (yes, even as a walk-on Freshman at a Division 1-AA college).
Lesson Learned: If you want it bad enough, grab your sack, pull down your skirt and take it.

3. Tough times don't last, tough people do.

My first year of playing Varsity Football (Sophomore Year) my team was really young and inexperienced.  We went 1-8 and barely won that one game 14-7 (against another bad team, Haddon TWP).  But I loved football and didn't care if we lost EVERY game, I just wanted to compete and play.  Some guys quit during the season and some quit on the team even though they continued to play.  All that mattered to me was going out and gettin' it in (that's slang for "doing work").  Shit is going to get shoveled on you in life, just as in sports and you have to decide right then and there if you're a going to eat it or use that manure to plant something for next year.  I was fortunate enough to plant that manure and it grew into a State Champion at Linganore High School.  I never forgot how bad the taste of losing felt and vowed to NEVER taste it again.
Lesson Learned: Even a blind squirrel can find a nut (you keep trying and something good will happen).

Well, these are just a few of my lessons that I learned that were cemented through sports that I try to express through my company H.E.A.R.T Athletics.  I hope you guys enjoyed this post and feel free to share it with your friends and family members.

John H. Harris II

Nothing is Impossible

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.



H.E.A.R.T Series, Part Three: Andre Coard

I've known Andre' Coard ever since I moved to Lawnside NJ, in 1987 (yeah, 1987).  And to this day, Andre has to be one of the toughest people I've EVER met.  Plain and simple, Dre' doesn't get punked and he doesn't give up.  Andre is one of those guys who if he says he's going to do something, it's either going to happen, or he's going to make it happen.

When we first started playing Pop Warner football together, Dre' was so tough and fearless that his nick name was Herschel...as in Herschel Walker.  He ran tough, he played tough and he would hit anything in another jersey that moved on two feet.  As a youngster, this is not the norm, but there also really aren't any huge players at this age either (that are good).

The biggest thing with Dre' though is that he never lost this passion or H.E.A.R.T when he got older.  By the time we went to High School (Haddon Heights), we (BOTH Dre and I) were not what you would call the "biggest" cornerbacks you've ever seen.  In fact, we were quite small, but frankly we didn't give a sh!t.  Our motto was, "Water covers 2/3's of the Earth...WE cover the rest".  And on top of that, we LOVED to hit.  Opposing ball carriers may not have felt our hits, but they knew we were there, and we were going to be there ALL DAY LONG.

Dre's H.E.A.R.T sticks out in my mind in one game in particular.  As Sophomore's, we started Varsity against Sterling High School.  Sterling at this time had a Tailback at 220 lbs and a Fullback at 250 named Joe Miller.  We watched tape and the coaches would continuously remind me and Dre that we should tackle low so we don't get injured.  Before the game, Dre tells me, "F that...if either one of them comes my way I'm going head to head and we're going to see what's really good".

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for getting hyped up before a game...but Dre' REALLY meant what he was saying!  The very first play of the game was a dive to Joe Miller.  He and Dre met head to head on the sideline and long story short...Joe won...that battle.   Dre NEVER gave up.  At 140 lbs, Dre took on a 250 lbs Senior Fullback head to head.  He just would not give up or even think that that was a possibility.  That first play of that game had a huge impact on me that I never told Dre' about.  I saw him get in the mix and it made me want to not only get in on it too, but to NEVER fair catch a punt...ever.

Andre' Coard was and still to this day is one of the toughest dudes I ever met or had the opportunity of knowing that played his H.E.A.R.T out.  Dre', you inspired me then, and you continue to do so now.  You probably didn't know this, but you do now, and it's meant alot to me and helped me to get to where I am today.  I wish you the best in everything you do, and I'll see you at the top man!

H.E.A.R.T Series, Part Two: My Linganore Offensive Line

If you have ever built anything, you know that your foundation is the base for which every other item is placed upon.  The middle.  The center.  The lifeline.  Without it, you could probably move forward, but more than likely, your structure is going to falter.  In the middle of your body is your spine (prime example).  Without a functional spine, NOTHING in your body will work.  If you break the spine, there is a good chance you are going to expire (nice word for die).

When I think of the spine on a football team, the obvious choice is the offensive line.  Before I dive into this, I want to acknowledge that it is the Offensive Line that is basically the only position in football where stats take a backseat to penalties.  The only time spectators truly realize that linemen exist is when there is yellow laundry (flags) on the field.  This isn't right.  Linemen are the only position that hit someone on EVERY...SINGLE...PLAY (re-read that, and then watch a game and tell me I'm wrong).

In my opinion, I played on one of the most dominate teams in Maryland in the 90's.  The success we had would have been nothing if it wasn't for our Offensive Line.  Andy Dills, Mike Kies, Dan Zebroski, John Rucker and Ryan Caldwell were the foundation for a team that could run ALL DAY LONG.  These guys paved the way for an 1800+ yard starting TB, 700+ yard starting FB and a 800+ yard 3rd down back.  Oh...and a 12-1 record on our way to a State Championship.

All five of these guys sacrificed their bodies for the sake of the team and usually didn't get their names in the paper unless they played defense.  These guys were the soul, H.E.A.R.T and backbone of our team.  Every lineman is, they usually just don't get the credit but normally get all the blame.  I can't express how important the line is to any team, none the less MY team.  So the next time you see a Lineman, don't look at him like he's not important...because he's the backbone of the team.  Every single play is decided by the line and they deserve more respect than they get.

You build around your core...and the core of any football team is its Offensive Line.  Fortunately enough for us (Linganore H.S. 12-1, State Champs), our core was studly.  Hopefully yours is too.  But if it isn't, be thankful for your Linemen, without them NOTHING would happen.

H.E.A.R.T Series, Part One Keith Cannone

For the next week or so, I want to write about people I have met in my life that exemplify what H.E.A.R.T means to me.  Playing with H.E.A.R.T doesn't necessarily mean that you are the best player (it doesn't mean you're not either), doesn't mean you put up gaudy stats, or that everyone knows your name.  It means that you play your cheeks off no matter the score, the final outcome of the game or how many people are in the stands. 

One person who continuously sticks out in my mind is a great guy I know who I went to High School with.  His name is Keith Cannone.  If you went to Linganore High School in the early 90's, there is no doubt you crossed paths at some point with Keith.  He's not only was one of the nicest guys you would ever meet (for a Yankee's fan), he LOVED the sport of basketball.  I mean he REALLY loves basketball.  Keith would dribble a basketball between classes in the hallways at Linganore.  To increase his hops, he wore those incredibly uncomfortable shoes that worked your calves all day long.

Keith loved basketball as much as I love football...maybe even more.  He was such a great teammate that he NEVER once complained out loud about minutes.  NEVER talked stats.  He just played his ass off every time he got in the game.  It was evident to everyone who knew him how much he loved hoops because when he got in the game, the crowd would go nuts.  Everyone in the stand showed Keith love because he truly loved the game and played his H.E.A.R.T out, every minute of every game.

I loved the way Keith played the game, his love of the game and his unselfish dedication to his team and school.  There is NO statistic you can put on the impact that he had on me and countless others.  I'm proud to say that I not only know Keith but that he actually helped mold my thinking of how every play counts and that you should play each one like it's your last.

Breaking Down the H.E.A.R.T Athletics Player Card

Most of you know by now that I am a sports junkie...big time.  But as a kid, everything was cookie cutter processed and given to the masses.  Not only was this the status quo, but most of what we were given was marketed to us through athletes we had no connection with other than that they played on our favorite team.  I think it's great that you are one of the best athletes in your sport, but when it comes to impressionable young kids, teenagers and young adults, we often use individuals who are in the spotlight as "role models".

The H.E.A.R.T Athletics Player Card was created by me (John Harris), with the help of Brent Riley.  This shirt is aimed at encouraging, empowering and highlighting the contributions (no matter how small or big) that your athlete has made over the past season.  Why look to follow in someone else's shoes or blueprint when you can make your own path, carve your own niche, while making YOUR own history.

Let's break down the front of the shirt. 
1. Identifies the team or school that your athlete plays for. 
2. Is an action picture that you can upload on the site for your athlete (This is a picture of Billy Hubbard, really, really good football and lacrosse player). 
3. Identifies your athlete by name, number and position.

Back of the shirt breakdown.
1. again identifies the athlete. 
2. Provides all the information that a professional trading card would have, but this card is tailored to specifically to your athlete. 
3. Provides and detailed explanation on the past season and what they contributed (even if it was only ONE play, special teams or scout team...THEY did it and deserve to be recognized for it). 
4. and 5. provide the stats for the past or current year.

This shirt was designed for your athlete and their self-esteem.  While it is good to have people to look up to and goals to shoot for, you shouldn't have to look outside of yourself for motivation.  Every athlete can't be All-State, a Blue Chip or a Five Star stud, but every athlete that plays their H.E.A.R.T out should be recognized for it.

John H. Harris II
Owner/CEO
H.E.A.R.T Athletics LLC
www.heartathleticsllc.com

H.E.A.R.T Definition

www.heartathleticsllc.com

Having Enough Attitude Resilience and Toughness is a concept that hit me when I was talking to my long time (very long time) friend Andre Coard.  We were sitting there talking about life and wanting to start our own company's and how difficult it was at the time for us.  This was in the spring of 2007.  Out of nowhere it hit me that the way to overcome the difficulties we were going through, we learned playing sports.  Having "H.E.A.R.T" is a phrase that is so commonly used that it gets over looked.  No matter what situation you find yourself in in life, the only thing you can control (honestly control) is your attitude.  If your attitude sucks, so will your outcome.  If it's positive, at least if things turn for the worse, you can take it with a smile on your face.  Your attitude affects your resilience and your toughness.  That smile on your face will make you bounce back from any setback.  The toughness comes from continuously bouncing back (your resilience).  The biggest thing is that you have to have ENOUGH of these attributes to succeed.  What is enough for you may not be enough for me and vice versa.  I can't live my life to your standards and you have to live yours according to yours.  Having H.E.A.R.T got me through athletics and it also gets me through life.  I hope you have enough (H.E.A.R.T that is) and if you don't...don't sweat it, I do, and I'll be here to motivate and encourage you to blaze your own path.

John H. Harris II
Owner/CEO
H.E.A.R.T Athletics LLC