Marcus Lattimore Supports "Pray Or Die"

Like many southern states, SEC College football is a big deal growing up. I come from a bloodline of faithful, loyal, dedicated South Carolina Gamecock fans.  For the last 3 seasons the South Carolina Gamecocks have really made a name for themselves as a top tier program in the national rankings of college football. It all began when South Carolina's Byrnes High School standout Marcus Lattimore signed his national letter of intent to play college football for the University of South Carolina. Marcus Lattimore was considered by many sources, the top High School running back in the nation and won the top award for all of South Carolina football players. He was named Mr. Football, a state award.  As he entered his freshman season in 2010 at USC under legendary head coach Steve Spurrier, he took the college football world by storm by winning the SEC Freshman of the year and leading South Carolina to its first SEC Championship. He quickly became my "family favorite." The next year with high regards as a Heisman hopeful and preseason All-American accolades, tragedy strikes - Lattimore he tore his ACL against Mississippi State University. He had reconstruction surgery on his left knee and rehabbed and returned to the Gamecocks in 2012 only to blow out his right knee against Tennessee, which is considered one of the most gruesome injuries ever witnessed by sport fans. As a fan of the South Carolina Gamecocks and a fan of Lattimore I personally didn't know if he was going to play again. I was devastated, having to witness that type of injury because he was my favorite player. I was totally heartbroken because it seemed so unfair to a "straight and narrow" athlete who was very humble, well respected, a person of integrity and character to work so hard. Not only did he suffer once but he experienced this devastating injury twice- 2years in a row. Unfortunately, this time was worse; his ACL, MCL, and PCL needed to be reconstructed.

The most admirable thing outside of Marcus Lattimore's outstanding football ability is the fact that he is a man of God and faith.  After blowing his knee out two years in a row in both legs he wouldn't let the the feelings of being down and hopeless detour him of his dreams.  At times he could have given up on football, but Marcus fought for his dream and now he is playing professionally.  As Marcus said on ESPN Gruden's Camp,"adversity introduces a man to himself." Just like Marcus, I have was in a position where I was celebrated by many yet "life happened." The phones stop ringing, you lose a job, business is no longer going well and losing friends but it was all a great learning lesson- its how you respond to adversity that will determine the outcome. At times I totally wanted to give up on life, my goals dreams, ministry, and my clothing line but at one of the lowest points in my life God used my favorite football player to reach out to me and inspire me again to keep going. God is very strategic and will show you signs that you are on the right track. Just like Marcus, myself and everyone else, we are going to have setbacks, things are not going to be under your control but find comfort in knowing that God doesn't make any mistakes. You can overcome anything with God's strength and his power. I'm reminded of Romans 8:28, which states "all things work together for the good of those who are called according to his purpose." It all worked out for Marcus Lattimore's good because today he was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the 4th round pick number 131. Like Lattimore, its going to work out for your good.  So I would just like to encourage everyone who reads this post to get back up, try again because with faith in God and much prayer you can bounce back.  Don't give up on your goals and aspirations because anything worth having is anything worth fighting for.

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