He has thought about his journey from Florida to the National Football League; however, this time his quest back to the professional level allows him to put things into perspective.
Trent Richardson has seen both success and failure.
He knows how it feels to have thousands of fans screaming his name and millions of them boo him off the field, in belief that he can’t the play game anymore. For the former University of Alabama star, he’s taken all things in stride and wants to prepare the next generation for life.
Since the disband of the Alliance of American Football League, Richardson has been hosting youth football camps and staying shape for a call back to the NFL. He and his support system received a call this weekend, but it was not from a pro team. The call came from a small town that was one-hour north of the hometown of yours truly from Touchdown Alabama Magazine.
In making the drive to Susan B. Field in Thorsby, Ala., memories of my three years playing football against the Rebels came to mind. Nostalgia is real, yet this wasn’t my moment… It was an opportunity for future leaders to learn from someone that’s about to have a redemption story.
For the first time since the AAF, Richardson was in a state of laughter.
He taught life lessons, danced around with children, but as always, he showed them the technique of how to play at each position. With each race, one-on-one drill and high levels of competition, the once Heisman finalist reminded everyone that life “isn’t always about sports.”
Richardson showing youth how to affect the quarterback. pic.twitter.com/PalE7X8Zwf
— Stephen M. Smith (@CoachingMSmith) July 21, 2019
Gots to finish the play, but Richardson loving the energy. pic.twitter.com/eXr0sJSk8V
— Stephen M. Smith (@CoachingMSmith) July 21, 2019
“These are your money makers right here. Use them.”- Former Tide RB Trent Richardson explaining why to not be afraid of the football. pic.twitter.com/LyzNOJ74FI
— Stephen M. Smith (@CoachingMSmith) July 21, 2019
“Right now, you have an opportunity to become one of the best out there in the world in just being a person,” Richardson said on Saturday. “I love football to death, but football does not last forever. The one thing I’ve learned from it is to take care of yourself, make sure you stay humble and make sure you always give hard work. You can have all the talent in the world, but if you don’t have the grades, there is no reason for you to come out here.”
“It’s not always about sports. Make sure you take care of yourself, stay humble and give hardwork.”- Trent Richardson sharing his biggest lesson for success. pic.twitter.com/5DV7NlaZGi
— Stephen M. Smith (@CoachingMSmith) July 21, 2019
Richardson encouraged each one to be respectful of their parents and teachers.
He shared the importance of wanting to be the best in everything he did, which caused him to excel in the classroom and on the field for Alabama. The 29-year-old is also excelling at life as his fiancé and his children were by his side.
A few NFL teams are considering Richardson – according to sources – but his team is waiting for the right fit.
For now, he continues to train and give back.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
