March 28, 2024

2014 was an amazing year. I was awarded the Ed Block Courage Award, nominated for the NFL’s first ever Sportsmanship Award, nominated for USAA’s salute to service award, and given a 4 year contract extension by the Jacksonville Jaguars. I question myself of whether I should bring these things up and mention them, because on the surface they appear as individual achievements and those that know me, know I despise the spotlight. When I thought deeper about these accomplishments, I realized they do not celebrate me rather those that have shaped me to where I stand today. I am very grateful to God and those who have motivated and believed in me by caring more about me more than I could for myself at different parts of my life. Reflecting back on last year, I am happy that all of you who touched my life were rewarded for your work. All the volunteers/sponsors at the camps and events are worthy of the nomination by USAA and the NFL’s Salute to Service, all you who have helped build my character are owed the NFL’s Sportsmanship Award, and the list goes on. These awards are about you and I just wanted to say thank you! If I never receive another accolade on this earth, I am proud today because you are celebrated! Killeen, Austin, Ft.Hood, and many other communities came together as one, and shown the power of community, the human heart! To the children whom ever looked at those accomplishments and dreamed about them, know that life isn’t ALL about achieving your wildest dreams, if that was the case when you achieved it there would be nothing left to live for or do: you would feel empty. Life is about loving and respecting people, the journey, the ups the downs, the fight for the possibilities, the tears of watching them fade, but ultimately the journey through it all. Slow down enjoy the ride, embrace the now and if you take care of now, and fully live in it, the future has a way of working out to be where God himself, designed you to be.

RM

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