Every so often an athlete defies the odds and achieves massive success in spite of what appear to be insurmountable obstacles. This rare athlete transcends the perceived limitations that often bind, to a life of disappointment, those less determined souls who resign themselves to their sorrowful fate. This athlete becomes a man who breaks the chains of normalcy, in himself and others, and soars high above the masses. He becomes a giant among men, no matter his size. Sam Mills, All-Pro middle linebacker, was one such man of greatness.
Mills was a standout wrestler and a quality linebacker in high school, but his shortness of stature and lack of bulk left him unwanted by any major college program. Mills never doubted his ability. He walked on at tiny Montclair State and worked his way to a starting position. His intelligence, drive, and speed propelled him to stardom - he remains the record-holder in almost every career category for his team and his conference, and garnered many awards and much recognition for his ball-hawking and tackling prowess. He was later elected to the collegiate Hall of Fame.
Such feats notwithstanding, Mills was shunned by the pros. He got a brief look by the Cleveland Browns and was cut from the roster. He suffered a similar fate in the Canadian League. Mills believed in himself, and continued to train and watch film. He became a high school photography teacher, and stoked his love of football as an assistant coach. Three years hence, a new pro league, the United States Football League (USFL) came into being. Mills knew this was his chance; he decided to take one last shot at a career in football and tried out for the Philadelphia Stars.
His persistence paid: he became an instant star with his dominant play and blazing speed. His leadership propelled the Stars to 2 league championships in their 3 years’ existence. When the league folded, the head coach of the Stars landed the same gig with the New Orleans Saints, and his first choice as a player was Mills. It was a wise choice, as Mills vaulted to instant elite status and became one of the league’s finest tacklers and most astute diagnosticians. He became the leader of the rising team, on and off the field, and earned the nickname “Mighty Mouse.” An opponent said, “He’d hit you as hard as he could every time he hit you.”
In time, Mills joined the expansion Carolina Panthers and continued his successful ways. He entrenched himself in the community and in the locker room. “Sam was one of the finest people you will ever meet,” said a teammate. His capacity to motivate and inspire others allowed him to become an assistant coach when his playing days ended.
He was diagnosed with insidious, advanced intestinal cancer. Doctors told him he’d be dead within 2 months. Mills refused to listen, and refused to let the ravages of the illness impede his coaching. The Panthers advanced to the Super Bowl, in large part due to the unwavering great example of Mills. The Panthers, many of whom had grown up idolizing the All-Pro player, discovered that the man eclipsed the legend. “There’s nothing better than the fact that he concentrated more on other people than he did himself {even when he was sick},” said a player. Mills fought long and hard until the disease finally took his life.
His legacy endures in the charitable foundation, “Keep Pounding,” formed in his honor and on behalf of a rousing, uplifting speech he gave the team during the playoffs. Attend a Panthers game today, and his towering presence, in the form of a statue, catches the eyesight of all who enter. More important, his special qualities and lasting leadership capture the hearts of all who care. Mills was a great man and will always be remembered.
From October 2010, http://raising-a-man.tumblr.com
Mills was a standout wrestler and a quality linebacker in high school, but his shortness of stature and lack of bulk left him unwanted by any major college program. Mills never doubted his ability. He walked on at tiny Montclair State and worked his way to a starting position. His intelligence, drive, and speed propelled him to stardom - he remains the record-holder in almost every career category for his team and his conference, and garnered many awards and much recognition for his ball-hawking and tackling prowess. He was later elected to the collegiate Hall of Fame.
Such feats notwithstanding, Mills was shunned by the pros. He got a brief look by the Cleveland Browns and was cut from the roster. He suffered a similar fate in the Canadian League. Mills believed in himself, and continued to train and watch film. He became a high school photography teacher, and stoked his love of football as an assistant coach. Three years hence, a new pro league, the United States Football League (USFL) came into being. Mills knew this was his chance; he decided to take one last shot at a career in football and tried out for the Philadelphia Stars.
His persistence paid: he became an instant star with his dominant play and blazing speed. His leadership propelled the Stars to 2 league championships in their 3 years’ existence. When the league folded, the head coach of the Stars landed the same gig with the New Orleans Saints, and his first choice as a player was Mills. It was a wise choice, as Mills vaulted to instant elite status and became one of the league’s finest tacklers and most astute diagnosticians. He became the leader of the rising team, on and off the field, and earned the nickname “Mighty Mouse.” An opponent said, “He’d hit you as hard as he could every time he hit you.”
In time, Mills joined the expansion Carolina Panthers and continued his successful ways. He entrenched himself in the community and in the locker room. “Sam was one of the finest people you will ever meet,” said a teammate. His capacity to motivate and inspire others allowed him to become an assistant coach when his playing days ended.
He was diagnosed with insidious, advanced intestinal cancer. Doctors told him he’d be dead within 2 months. Mills refused to listen, and refused to let the ravages of the illness impede his coaching. The Panthers advanced to the Super Bowl, in large part due to the unwavering great example of Mills. The Panthers, many of whom had grown up idolizing the All-Pro player, discovered that the man eclipsed the legend. “There’s nothing better than the fact that he concentrated more on other people than he did himself {even when he was sick},” said a player. Mills fought long and hard until the disease finally took his life.
His legacy endures in the charitable foundation, “Keep Pounding,” formed in his honor and on behalf of a rousing, uplifting speech he gave the team during the playoffs. Attend a Panthers game today, and his towering presence, in the form of a statue, catches the eyesight of all who enter. More important, his special qualities and lasting leadership capture the hearts of all who care. Mills was a great man and will always be remembered.
From October 2010, http://raising-a-man.tumblr.com
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