By Troy Vincent
NFL Player Engagement
“There are only two options regarding commitment. You’re either in or out. There is no such thing as life in-between.” ~ Pat Riley, Hall of Fame basketball coach
The word “commitment” is constantly associated with professional athletes – and for good reason.
The dictionary definition states that a commitment is an agreement or pledge to do something in the future; a state of being obligated or emotionally impelled to someone or something important to you.
As an NFL player, you already know that you wouldn’t be where you are now if you hadn’t made a personal commitment, while still a student-athlete, to doing whatever it took to play the game. You made the commitment to pursue your dream of being part of a game where there are absolutely no guarantees, whatsoever. That’s commitment.
Your journey to the NFL has required discipline, tremendous personal sacrifice, and, most of all, sheer and unwavering tenacity. But, the significance of that early dedication you made to yourself is now more important than ever.
As this season comes to closure, it’s again time for us to think about the commitment to our families and to our personal development.
Commitment is as much about today as it is about the future. This season presented us with yet another opportunity to engage with our fans, participate in community service, and share your talents with the world.
It is that showing of character that reveals the truest definition of what real commitment means in the game of football. Regardless of stats, standings, adversity, and personal triumphs, the 2012 season has been once again adventurous and exiting for many with a lot of lessons learned. While you may be between seasons now, as the great coach Pat Riley said there is no such thing as life in-between. There is no gray area with commitment, you are either in or you are out. I challenge you to commit to be great.