(S3) - PT #3 - Flashback

[toivo]

I remember my first game at NC State vividly. We had an easy game at home, Campbell University came and experienced the foodchain of college football. I was all over the place, and we didn't have much footage of Campbell, but I knew the plays when they were coming. It was like their QB was throwing to me.

One of the worst moments was getting concussed. I don't really remember the hit, just leading up to it. I was running down a rusher, and hit him head down. It took a while to recover, and it still sits with me to this day. I don't lead with my head anymore. And I can't recall how I felt immediately after. I've seen the footage, and it's scary to have your brain treated that way. But it's better for now, I'm a safer player and teammate now. These things happen in practice as well.

Being drafted by the Portland Pythons was one of the greatest days of my life, let alone my football career. I joined an awesome team with great people. I remember how nervous I was and how happy I was when I put on the jersey in front of everyone at the draft.