Pep Talk: "Don't Surrender!"

Interviewing professional athletes was my job for almost 25 years as a Denver television and radio sports guy. Hanging out in odorous locker rooms covering the events, engaging the newsmakers and finding the story of the Broncos, Nuggets, Rockies, Avalanche and the teams they faced. I loved it.

Many of the guys involved in Victory's A Stronger Cord project, and on the comeback trail from addiction, incarceration or military fatigue, enjoy hearing the "inside" stories. Most men dig talking about sports. Much like ASC's group workouts, it's a great connector and equalizer.

Anyway, the guys seem to enjoy hearing yarns from this knucklehead's many years traveling near and far covering the local sports scene. The winners and losers. The triumphs and tragedies. The moments that make you say "Wow." The moments that make you say "Ow."

Without question, there are many memories I'll take to my grave. But in reality, there's a ton of down time when covering sports. A lot of sitting and waiting for an interview. Honestly, most of them are pretty mundane. Sports celebrities tend to speak in cliches. Those who have something unique to say are cherished. I can recall many times asking Broncos' tight end and Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe one question and walking away with ten minutes of excellent material that would last a week on our nightly KCNC-TV sports segments.

But most interviews are uneventful. That's what made something I read recently in the Denver Post quite interesting. It came from former NFL running back Ricky Williams, in town to speak at a fundraising event. During his college and pro career there had been a few times where I engaged Williams in conversation. Rarely did he make eye contact and rarely did the 1998 Heisman Trophy winner have much to say.

Things have changed, for the better. The San Diego, California native has much to say these days. The married father of five offers hope to those trying to let go of a painful past and focus on a promising future.

Williams was sexually abused by his father as a child, and suffered from social anxiety and depression. It now makes sense why he wasn't real talkative. It now makes sense why his pro career is known more for drug-related suspensions and odd behavior than memorable touchdowns and victories. Williams' goal was never to play professional football and become wealthy. He wanted a college degree and a chance to give back to his community. "I gave up my vision for the vision of everyone around me to become rich and famous."

Wisdom now reigns in Ricky's world of transformation from success to significance. The 37-year-old shares his story and helps vulnerable young men and women with theirs. "Our greatest contribution to ourselves, to our communities, to our families, is to know ourselves and be ourselves," Williams told the Post.

It starts with a vision. This week let's learn from Ricky's roller coaster ride. Don't surrender it to anybody!