The Executive - Spring 2015

Yet you graduated with a 3. 46 GPA. Were
your parents proud?

This is why my parents came to this country — so we could get an education. With me graduating and becoming an Academic All-American, my dad says these are the things that make him happy.

Happier about academics than your
record on the playing field?

I’d say he was, yes, because it really was his major objective in coming to America in the first place.

What about you? Do Academic All-
American and National Championships
weigh equally?

Academic All-American is a great individual achievement for me, and I thank God for it. I’m happy that the Lord has put me in the position where I could get that. As for football, it’s a big team where a bunch of people have invested their time and their hearts. The two things are stand-alone different, but both are important to me.

Where do you get the strength to achieve
on so many levels?

It’s from the faith I have in God and the way my parents raised me. Sometimes things don’t seem to be going your way, but God is in control and God knows what is going to happen. I have faith that he has a purpose for me.

That brings us back to your plans for
your country, perhaps with a break
for some NFL years before you begin
that work?

I’ve experienced a lot of good fortune for someone my age, but especially at times when things weren’t going well, I found out that really the things that matter are helping other people and not thinking of yourself. It brings joy to my life and makes me happy.