All of us have been given a gift. It's really up to us to recognize it, respect it and do all we can to use it as a tool to inspire others.
That is exactly what Alterraun Verner is doing. Many of you might have gotten to know him as a part of the TN Titans, but Verner is more than just a great football player. He is an individual that has not only worked hard all of his life but is using the rewards that have come his way to impact the lives of those around him.
Whether it is on the field or through his foundation he is allowing his life to serve as an example of what it means to give your all to the gift.
VERNER ON SPORTS BEING HIS VEHICLE:
"I probably knew from a very young age that I was passionate about sports. I didn't know what direction or what sport my life would go in at first. I just always enjoyed getting out there and competing. " high school it became evident that football was really my calling."
By giving his best academically Verner was able to go to UCLA, which set the stage for his professional career. "This is really a true blessing," he told me during our interview. "I see this as an amazing ride, and I am loving every second of it."
VERNER ON THE GIFT:
"I think it is the gift and the way I treat it that definitely draws people to root for me. I show a lot of appreciation for it by the way I act on and off the field. They can use me as an example that they can do it for themselves in their own lives. I appreciate what I have. Nothing was given to me. I had to work for it. I know that if I don't do what I'm supposed to it can definitely be taken away."
VERNER ON DOUBT:
"I believe that doubt is normal. It's going to happen. I use those as opportunities to make me stronger as a person. It all goes back to believing in yourself and working hard. I know what I've done to get to where I've gotten so far. I made it here, and I'm going to keep on going. Nobody is going to push me harder than I push myself. I'm going to give my 100% effort. At the end of the day, no matter what the outcome, I am going to be satisfied because I did all that I could do."
VERNER ON THE EGO:
"It goes back to it being a gift. I don't see why you have to have a big head about it. Sometimes I forget who I am. Honestly. When people come up to me it is still sometimes a shock. This is just who I am and what I do."
During our conversation Verner shared with me an experience he had with two players when he was younger. One was not as all pleasant. The other was more than gracious. Both situations stayed with him and taught him a valuable lesson. He told me that when he thinks about the player who treated him with respect that he says to himself: "I want to be like that."
VERNER ON FAITH:
"Faith is such a big part of my everyday life. Just knowing that God has a plan for me I go out there on the field not really worried about anything. I know that whatever happens---win or lose---it's all part of the plan. I feel like when I'm in tune with God I'm performing a lot better. It gives me joy when someone sees that (faith) in me and seeks God out for himself."
No matter what your profession I know that something Alterraun Verner said resonates with you. It does for me. As he enjoys the success that is coming with his hard work, he is also proving that when you work hard and do your best that it pays off.
Stay in contact with Alterraun at www.twitter.com/Alvern_1, www.facebook.com/alterraunverner or through his website http://alterraunverner.com/.
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