In 2002, I was one of the top-ranked wide receivers in Los Angeles, getting recruited to go to UCLA on a football scholarship. I was 5’5 and 135 pounds soaking wet. Because I was so small, most of the schools showing interest in me wanted to see what I could do in person. So, I spent the spring of my junior year attending these “one day” camps. At these camps, you’d spend the day showcasing your skills in drills and one-on-one competition. It was an exciting time, and I thrived in competition. I lived and breathed going against the best of the best in the nation.
The first camp up was a Nike camp. I went and wound up being highlighted as one of the top performers of the day. Next up was USC’s camp. Similar to Nike, I showed out, increasing the buzz surrounding my name and the momentum going into my senior year. The next camp on my list was UCLA’s camp. I was on the brink of receiving a full scholarship offer from them, so to say I was excited is an understatement. On the last play of the one-on-one drill, I wound up tearing my ACL while going up against one of the nation’s top cornerbacks, Clifton Smith. While this experience nearly cost me my career, almost ending my dream of playing college ball, something big came out of it. It sparked an incredible friendship and a life-changing lesson in dedication and resilience.
Instant Connection
After the injury, Clifton Smith and I clicked instantly. He felt terrible about the injury and did everything he could to support me. He was in my corner through multiple surgeries and the heartache that came with schools no longer showing interest. We’d chat on the phone and send each other texts, talking trash about anything and everything. His support during my recovery was invaluable, ensuring I remained the same enthusiastic, spirited kid he battled against at UCLA camp.
The Visit
One weekend, I took the train from LA to Fresno to see him. As I stepped off the train, there he was in the parking lot, standing on the seat of a red Jeep. No roof, windows down, music blasting 50 Cent’s “Many Men” loud enough for the entire parking lot to hear. “Ferggggggg!” he shouted, with a massive grin on his face. Everything about his aura and confident demeanor was magnetic. His energy was undeniable, like he was Fresno royalty.
Midnight Training
After dinner that night, he turned to me and said, “Grab your shoes, bro. Let’s go.” It was almost 10 p.m., and I wondered what the hell we were going to do next. He walked out the front door, untangling a footwork ladder. He set up the ladder in the middle of the street and started showing off some of the sharpest footwork I’d ever seen. The kid had a motor on him. He was a dog, just like me.
I asked him if we were only out there because I was visiting, trying to gauge whether or not he was just showing off for me, but he said no. This was what he did. When he picked me up from the train station, we went straight to football practice, where he participated in a full two-hour practice. Then, after practice, we went to the baseball field where I fed him baseballs through a pitching machine, and he did an hour or so of batting practice. And now, while most kids were in bed or playing video games, we were in the middle of the street doing footwork drills. We stayed out there until almost midnight.
Relentless Drive
Seeing the commitment Clifton had to his craft confirmed my theory that there is, in fact, someone, somewhere, doing more. They’re not only working smarter but they’re also working HARDER. Our late-night training session was a testament to our shared dedication and relentless drive. It solidified our bond and fueled my determination to come back stronger. Witnessing his unwavering commitment reignited my own passion, reminding me that greatness demands sacrifice and relentless effort.
Nobody gives a damn about your commitment to “average.” Do more. Those who truly strive for greatness are obsessed. They find creative ways to gain a competitive edge, to rise above being average. They know that while 90% of the time they’re competing against themselves—their habits, discipline, and consistency—the other 10% is real. They DO NOT shy away from competing with others in the real world. They know there’s somebody coming for their spot. There’s someone fighting for the same spot they’re fighting for. They know that right now, there’s someone sleeping under a desk in an office somewhere. There’s someone getting up at 4 a.m. to get a jump start on the day while others are asleep. There’s someone doing WHATEVER it takes to make their dreams come true.
Greatness
Clifton was obsessed. I was obsessed. It’s no accident that Clifton and I were the best of the best at those camps. The “do more” formula we discovered not only contributed to higher levels of on-field play but also fostered an unbreakable level of confidence. The kind only found through putting in hours and hours of overtime. That night doing ladder drills in the street, Clifton went from being the infamous Clifton Smith to my friend, my brother, and a person who drastically impacted my life and mindset. Cliff would go on to play in the NFL and be selected for the Pro Bowl his rookie year. He inspired me to double down on a winning formula that would play a huge role in my life long after I was done with sports.
Your Gift
I love sharing this story because there are so many things to learn from it. Here are four lessons that have stuck with me all these years after visiting Cliff:
- Surround yourself with like-minded people. Iron sharpens iron, and you’ll be better off for it. You are a reflection of the people you spend the most time with—REMEMBER THAT!
- There is a certain level of obsession that comes with GREATNESS. Being average is easy—to be GREAT you must DO MORE! Work smarter AND harder. As the saying goes—Be Obsessed… or Be Average!
- Greatness demands sacrifice. Clifton showed me that achieving your dreams requires real sacrifice, often beyond what others are willing to give. You must ask yourself, what are you willing to give up to make your dreams a reality.
- Find creative ways to gain a competitive edge. Those who truly strive for greatness don’t settle for mediocrity; they seek innovative methods to excel and stand out.
How About You?
- What major goals have been on your mind?
- Is there something you’ve been considering but haven’t started yet?
- Are you starting to feel AVERAGE, and nobody knows it but you?
Now is the time to take action.
If you’re ready to dive into your passion, push your limits, and elevate your career, connect with me. Let’s get started!
Schedule a complimentary coaching session today… and let’s make it happen!
