I’m here for a reason. That is something that a lot of players seem to forget when they have trouble adjusting to the more complex schemes or the cutthroat competition present in the DSFL. I worked my *ss off to make it here. I wasn’t drafted in the fourth round for no reason. The Portland Pythons saw something in me: whether it was raw potential, passion for the game, an unrivaled drive to succeed, or one of those renowned “intangibles”.
But sometimes it’s easy to forget that. I’ve never had to work harder than I do now to even try to meet the expectations set for me. I’m surrounded by a locker room full of incredible talent and everyone is trying to be the best player in the room. Don’t get me wrong; we’re a team and we pick each other up when we struggle, but that doesn’t change the fact that we are all also trying to claw to the top of the mountain.
Look, I’m just going to be honest. This past week has been hard. Harder than I ever imagined it could be. The coaching staff of the Pythons have broken me down to build me back up even better. There were plenty of moments where I thought I wasn’t going to make it: moments where I genuinely considered just giving up and taking some time away from football. I blew coverages in practice, collapsed in the middle of drills, and couldn’t keep up with some of the strength trainings. I discussed going back home with my family and questioned how I'd be able to do this if my father wasn't even able to get to the DSFL. But my team didn’t let me give up. The Python family saw my doubt and they promised me that I could get through it– that I could reach the potential that they saw in me.
With the team’s support behind me, I persevered and improved at the drills and the scrimmages that the coaches put us through. I stopped doubting myself and instead focused my energy on overcoming the tasks at hand. I found that next level that top athletes always talk about getting to when they master their sport. I worked together with my teammates to mesh as a skilled unit, instead of as a group of skilled individuals. And that’s when I knew.
I’m not here by chance, luck, or coincidence. I have earned everything I’ve ever gotten. I wasn’t the 21st pick because all of the good picks were already taken. I f*cking deserve to be here and I have something to prove. It’s a difficult adjustment between college football and the DSFL, but I’m destroying the transition and I will continue to. The Portland Pythons didn't take a chance with me; they knew that they were drafting greatness. If any team out there thinks they’ve seen all there is to see of Xerxes Ridley, then they have another thing coming. I am more confident now than I’ve ever been and I’m ready to break any offense that tries to challenge me.
I know that I’ve had nothing but positive things to say about the Python staff so far, but I can’t reiterate enough how much good they are doing for me. Over this past week, I’ve hit the lowest lows of my career and quickly was propelled up to the highest highs. I can’t imagine being with any other team during this pivotal first season and I’m not sure any other team could’ve helped me the way that the Pythons did. The staff is honestly underappreciated and when we win the Ultimini, I know that they’ll be the first group of people I thank during the victory parade (after my teammates, of course).
Lastly, to any of my fans out there currently struggling with their own circumstances, just know that anything is achievable with perseverance and tenacity. I know it’s cliché and we’ve all heard it a million times, but it’s said so often for a reason. Never give up and never allow yourself to be pushed aside. And for those of you looking for direct support from me, I will have an announcement soon for all of the Portland proud…
X
But sometimes it’s easy to forget that. I’ve never had to work harder than I do now to even try to meet the expectations set for me. I’m surrounded by a locker room full of incredible talent and everyone is trying to be the best player in the room. Don’t get me wrong; we’re a team and we pick each other up when we struggle, but that doesn’t change the fact that we are all also trying to claw to the top of the mountain.
Look, I’m just going to be honest. This past week has been hard. Harder than I ever imagined it could be. The coaching staff of the Pythons have broken me down to build me back up even better. There were plenty of moments where I thought I wasn’t going to make it: moments where I genuinely considered just giving up and taking some time away from football. I blew coverages in practice, collapsed in the middle of drills, and couldn’t keep up with some of the strength trainings. I discussed going back home with my family and questioned how I'd be able to do this if my father wasn't even able to get to the DSFL. But my team didn’t let me give up. The Python family saw my doubt and they promised me that I could get through it– that I could reach the potential that they saw in me.
With the team’s support behind me, I persevered and improved at the drills and the scrimmages that the coaches put us through. I stopped doubting myself and instead focused my energy on overcoming the tasks at hand. I found that next level that top athletes always talk about getting to when they master their sport. I worked together with my teammates to mesh as a skilled unit, instead of as a group of skilled individuals. And that’s when I knew.
I’m not here by chance, luck, or coincidence. I have earned everything I’ve ever gotten. I wasn’t the 21st pick because all of the good picks were already taken. I f*cking deserve to be here and I have something to prove. It’s a difficult adjustment between college football and the DSFL, but I’m destroying the transition and I will continue to. The Portland Pythons didn't take a chance with me; they knew that they were drafting greatness. If any team out there thinks they’ve seen all there is to see of Xerxes Ridley, then they have another thing coming. I am more confident now than I’ve ever been and I’m ready to break any offense that tries to challenge me.
I know that I’ve had nothing but positive things to say about the Python staff so far, but I can’t reiterate enough how much good they are doing for me. Over this past week, I’ve hit the lowest lows of my career and quickly was propelled up to the highest highs. I can’t imagine being with any other team during this pivotal first season and I’m not sure any other team could’ve helped me the way that the Pythons did. The staff is honestly underappreciated and when we win the Ultimini, I know that they’ll be the first group of people I thank during the victory parade (after my teammates, of course).
Lastly, to any of my fans out there currently struggling with their own circumstances, just know that anything is achievable with perseverance and tenacity. I know it’s cliché and we’ve all heard it a million times, but it’s said so often for a reason. Never give up and never allow yourself to be pushed aside. And for those of you looking for direct support from me, I will have an announcement soon for all of the Portland proud…
X
![[Image: 58674_s.gif]](https://signavatar.com/58674_s.gif)
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Jurisprudence Jones, OL ![[Image: cYhSwFY.png]](https://i.imgur.com/cYhSwFY.png)
