The Bench

441 followers

Updated 10 years ago

Tom Foley. Senior starting quarterback for the Independence University Dragons. He had trophies and awards and acclaim from all over the country for his natural athletic ability and his ability to see the entire field and make quick and accurate decisions. Great field general. Natural born leader. Last year took his team to within a field goal of the Division II National Championship.

He was on the field right now, trying to win his last college game ever. Yah...they would win this game and be third best for the second straight season. But he knew what he could do. Always had!

The week before, an NFL scout for the Arizona Cardinals had come to his home and sat down with he and his parents. It did seem like Tom Foley would be one of few Division II players to ever take part in the Big Dog Draft. If everything went according to plan, the Cardinals would grab him in the second round.

"When that happens," the scout was explaining, "There's some stuff you have to know. For example, you will be a number three backup. But you will have to conduct yourself with honor, and dedication and hard work and studying every single day. Everyone involved needs to know that when you enter a game, you are ready! Can you do that for us, son?"

Tom spoke, "Yes sir! I can do that in spades!"

The scout gave a knowing smile, "Alright then..." he said.

And that is pretty much the way it happened. The short time before Cardinals Camp actually started, Tom was up every morning at 5am with a five mile run, followed by an hour of exercises, followed by an hour of weights, followed by another five mile run, followed by a huge breakfast, an hour nap and an hour in the swimming pool. Every single day!

When Cardinals Camp did start, Tom Foley was the first one in the locker room, the first one on the field, the last one off the field and the last one to leave the facility. Every single day. He watched twice the film as anyone else did and probably asked twice the questions as well.

When the pre-season started, he was ready, and he took the playing time he was given and the coaches and other players were impressed. Regardless, when the regular season did start, Tom Foley was a third string back up. That year, and the next and the next it stayed just that way.

At a certain point, his competitive nature began to give him problems. He just wanted/needed to play. Until that happened, he would never really know what he could do...

But his teammates, seeing and appreciating his incredible work ethic and talent, everyday encouraged him to not give up. "Don't cave, Tommy. You are going to be a superstar in this league!"

And, to be honest, my Wealthy Affiliate friends and neighbors...

YOU...ARE TOMMY(or Tammy) FOLEY! So don't cave! You are going to be a superstar in this league!!