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Wanna'
know what it takes for an athlete to score big on and off
the field? NFL star, Darren Sharper, has the first-hand scoop.
His
Sharpness Affords Him a Satisfying Life!
By
Feona Sharhran Huff
February 2002
The
CollegeBound Network NewsClick -- Darren Sharper may be one
of most college-enthusiastic and community-oriented guys in
the NFL. That's why it comes at no surprise that he excelled
in academics as a sociology major at The College of William
& Mary, Williamsburg, VA; thrives on giving back to the
less fortunate with the fortunes he now possesses; and plays
safety for the Green Bay Packers -- he believes in protecting
his peeps.
Sharper
explains that all of his success is due to his college experience
and overall zest to be the best. Here are some of his college
and career highlights:
Never
Too Cocky for Coursework
Sure, Sharper was a popular and dynamic collegiate football
player. And yes, the possibility of getting drafted by the
NFL looked great, especially during his junior and senior
years. But, he didn't let the hype go to his head -- nor did
he allow it to stray him from studying.
"Academics
comes first," Sharper urges. "I knew athletics would
put me in a good position to do things, but I still maintained
my grades. I knew that if the NFL didn't work out, I'd have
something to fall back on."
His
dedication to academics prepared him for his next move in
life...
Draft
Day!
It's not what you're thinking... Sharper wasn't drafted
by any of the U.S. Armed Forces branches. However, he was
solicited for the NFL's 1997 draft and was picked up by the
Green Bay Packers. The selection was such a big deal to him,
he explains, because it validated the fact that if you work
hard enough, you will eventually be recognized and rewarded.
"I
wasn't necessarily the star athlete in high school,"
he reveals. But, says Sharper, he continued to play on the
field as hard as he could.
"Words
can't explain the joy you feel when you achieve the highest
level of your career," Sharper says. "It was one
of the happiest days of my life."
Busy
Lil' Bee
Even off the football field, Sharper puts in a lot of work
-- with charities and community programs that assist the underprivileged.
For instance, he feeds 600 Milwaukee, WI-based needy families
every year as part of his annual Thanksgiving Day celebration.
Through the Darren Sharper Children's Endowment Fund, Sharper
and various companies donate money to Kids Cafe -- a program
designed to feed less-fortunate kids. Plus, Sharper runs a
football camp with brother, Jamie (of the Baltimore Ravens)
at his alma mater, Hermithee High School, Richmond, VA. Sharper
is even one of 12 NFL players highlighted in Touchdown Group,
LCC's All Pro Under the Helmet 2002 Calendar (just
flip to November).
Last
Words...
There may be times when the pressure to excel gets to you,
but, says Sharper, "don't let anyone shoot down your
dreams."
Although
the the road can be tough, Sharper says you'll triumph in
the end if you realize that "without struggle, there
is no progress."
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