I wanted to write a blog about how important being a coach is, but there is so much you can say. Lead, care, push, inspire, but ultimately its about the players development and growth as a human being. I have always wanted to give back to players as much as I could through actions not just coach speak. Recently a former player of mine from Maryland reached out and then followed up with this email to me. I was humbled by his words and asked if I could share this because this is why I coach.
I am writing on behalf of my former Coach/Mentor, Rick Court. One thing that I have always loved and respected about coach Court, although I may have never told him this, was how real he was from Day 1. I still remember coming to college park on an official visit back in 2017, and I felt the family atmosphere. You and Coach Durkin welcomed me to the team with open arms, and that wasn’t easy because I was coming in as a transfer. From day 1, coach Court told me that its going to take hard work to get to where we wanted to get to as a team. He told me that if I worked hard and was committed, then I would not have any problems, but if I didn’t, then that would just be on me, and it would reflect in my play on the field. Coach also explained to me how important it was to attend class and get my degree. He would always explain to us that football doesn’t last forever, but a degree lasts a lifetime. You hear about places all across the country that sell kids a dream on a visit, and when you arrive on campus it is a completely different story. Not with you coach, you were real from day 1, and there were no favorites. You believed in hard work, not favoritism. You have no idea how you have shaped my life coach, and now fast forwarding to 2020, you are no longer my coach, and you did something that I’m not going to lie, some of my own coaches wouldn’t do, and that is gave me an opportunity. Quick story and then I’m going to close. I called coach Court in early May, maybe a week or two after the draft. Now mind you, I didn’t get drafted, nor did I sign a free agent deal post draft. I come from a family that is strongly dependent on me, and to not get drafted or picked up hurt tremendously, but I never felt sorry for myself, which is something that you taught me coach. Life is full of ups and downs, and more times than not people are there for you when you’re up, not when you’re down. So back to the story, I didn’t have 5 bucks to my name, I was working out everyday and grinding hard, but I needed some type of financial support. I remember asking coach for about 200 bucks, he said Marcus I have an even better idea, how about I connect with my former neighbor, who’s the owner of an electric company. Next thing I know, I have a job making about 15 bucks an hour. Instead of coach giving me money for the moment, he gave me financial stability, and now I take in a check about every two weeks, which is a lot more than 200 bucks. It’s not about the money though, what impressed me the most coach was how you were there. Believe it or not you and Coach Durkin were the only two coaches that I had talked to, and you guys aren’t even my coaches anymore, you just wanted to help a young African American kid who needed help, and who you didn’t have to help. I wasn’t a first round pick, I dont have millions of dollars in the bank, but you still cared, and that right there coach will sit with me forever. I am still optimistic that I will play in the NFL, and I couldn’t tell you when that will be, but I am so thankful for you coach. What you did for me as a player and coach is bigger than anything money can buy. God bless you and your family.
Sincerely, Marcus Lewis Jr.