Engagment Insider:
Every Saturday, Prep 100 Series participants are implored to take at least one thing away from each session they attend. Whether it is footwork in a particular defensive-back drill or a leadership quality from the National Guard breakout sessions, it is imperative that participants make active choices to become the best possible student-athlete and human being.
This week we chose to highlight a father-son duo that exemplify the characteristics we wish to instill in every student-athlete that don a Prep 100 Series jersey. Roman and Stephon Morris have a unique bond that was solidified the moment Roman took full custody of Stephon at three months of age. Wishing to be the sole provider and care-taker after Stephon’s birthmother left the picture, Roman made the choice to make sure they both moved forward with life as a team, best friends, and a family. He supported Stephon in his dream to play football at the highest level and it ultimately paid off with a scholarship to Penn State and a chance to play with the New England Patriots.
He attended every one of Stephon’s home and away games during his career, ultimately making the 15-hour drive to Madison, Wisconsin to watch the Nittany Lions take on the Badgers, where much of the story about their personal journeys came to media attention. We are thrilled to have both Roman and Stephon on the Prep 100 series coaching staff this year and look forward to giving participants the opportunity to learn from those who have made the right choices day-in and day-out.
We encourage you to follow up with both Roman and Stephon during any of the free moments at the Prep 100 Series, whether that is this weekend in Miami, or any of the remaining programs.
Here are a few short interview questions that will help you get to know Roman and Stephon Morris:
PE) Give us a little bit of you history… Where did you grow up? What did you do as a kid? What were your aspirations other than being a professional football player?
RM) I grew up in Washington, DC. As a kid I was an avid animal lover always playing in creeks catching tad poles and frogs. My other time was spent swimming & playing sports at the recreational center in my town. Other than dreams of playing football, I had an interest in criminal justice and making a difference in others’ lives.
SM) I Stephon Morris, grew up in Washington, DC with my father/best friend Roman Morris. Abandoned at 3months by my birth mother, but have a great family who all supported. As a child my dream was to be a NFL player so I started playing football at the age of 6. As a kid, you dream that you can be a lot of things but my focus was always to put a smile on my dad’s face and make it.
PE) What college did you attend and Why? What did you study?
RM) I attended St. Paul College where my field of study was Sociology.
SM) I attended Pennsylvania State University for many different reasons, but to have played for the late great coach Paterno truly was an honor. I studied telecommunications.
PE) What have you been doing to keep busy/as a career since you left football?
RM) I am owner and partner with Troy Vincent Sr. at PrimeXample Skills Academy in the District-Maryland-Virginia Metropolitan area. Also I assist disadvantage youth with college and career placement.
SM) Currently, I’m a professional athlete but in the off season I want to grow as a young man and be around positive male figures like the guys on the staff in order to grow through life, not just to go through it.
PE) What is your proudest non-football related accomplishment?
RM) The day my son graduated from Penn St. University.
SM) My proudest non-football moment has to be walking across the stage.
PE) What has been the most rewarding aspect of working with the NFL Player Engagement Department and the PREP 100 Series?
RM) CHANGING lives and seeing the smile on kids’ and parents’ faces!!
SM) Everything to be honest, I really love being around the guys and while I’m still playing and being the youngest at 23, it's really a breath-taking moment whenever I get the opportunity to give back to the kids.