The young man is Akeem Jones. He is a high school sophomore who just landed a spot on the South Florida Express, a seven-on-seven football league that was formed to give school-age athletes more access to sports scholarships by giving them more opportunities to play and be noticed by scouts.
My post isn't to chime in on the practice. I wanted to note three things about Akeem, two that are evident in this picture and one that is not.
- Akeem is a caring person. Look at those pink socks. He is wearing them in memory of his grandmother who died in October of breast cancer. He provides pink socks to others who are interested in raising awareness for the cause.
- Akeem has bigs hopes and dreams. Look at the passion in his face. He has a goal, a gift, and the drive to do what it takes to be successful.
- Akeem is a product of Optimist Youth Football. According to SI, he is 6'3", 186 pounds and has a bazooka attached to his right shoulder.
Optimists know that he was a kid that needed an opportunity to play and grow. The Optimist Youth Football program was there for him as a child, teaching positive values and sportsmanship along with football fundamentals. Should he need them, his coaches will be there as he matures and makes decisions in his life. Most of all, they will be there cheering him on. Good luck Akeem!
Read the story about seven-on-seven football at SI.com.
Read the story about seven-on-seven football at SI.com.
