TRUST IN THE LORD AND ALL IS POSSIBLE

Hello everyone life is great, as of today we have been to 13 teams in the past nine weeks. The last visit was with the NC Panthers and what a visit it was. When we agreed to meet with the Panthers, their pro personnel assit let me know that it may be a little difficult for me to meet with anyone that Thursday, "But if you can get through the first set of gates (security) then the second set of gates (players and faculty security) then we will make it happen". Now the Sunday prior to this visit, the message at church was about the city of Jericho and how the solders were instructed to walk around the walls, no weapons until they fell, trusting in the lord and his favor.

Because NC wasn't as far as other teams I have visited in MY JOURNEY, it didn't make sense for me to fly to Charlot. And because my a good friend of mine Qiana Martin (@ eatsoccer.blogspot.com) was traveling to NC also for business it only made sense for me to ride with her. We arrived in NC, Martin took care of her business and dropped me off at the stadium, on the opposite side of the team entrance. I said a prayer and began to walk around the stadium.

Immediately the first thing I thought of was this story from the bible and how it corresponded with the actions I was taking part in. As I walked I reflected on this story and began to grow even more confident that this was my time and my place. Bending the first curve I notice the Gate 1 to my left, one of the many obstacles I was told I would have to make it through to do what I want to do. Well because I was dropped off at stadium , there was no need for me to communicate with the gate security at all (gate 1, check). Gate 2 security wide open, wide open, no one was in box and the gate was pulled oppen for me to enter (Gate 2 Check).

Trust in him and all things are possible. I enter second gate and the media director meets me on my path, I tell him who I am, he says we need linebackers, welcome and enter those doors and you will find player personnel and whomever else you need to speak with. I enter the doors, told the front desk who I was and whom I was there to see. He instructed to have a seat and someone would be with me asap. While I was sitting in this area, I noticed that all these guys with Panther attire kept walking passed me and entering this room. They all said hello as they walked by but it took me a min to figure out what was going on; and then it hit me, well should I say hit my nose. This was the lunch room, and all all those guys that were passing me and saying hello were coaches and coaches assitants. The team Chaplin came over and introduced himself, said a prayer for me and wished me the best.

So now I'm glowing, from ear to ear and it's apparent that everyone can see this. The door security let me know that he left two messages and Pro Personnel should be with me shortly, at this point I don't really care about meeting with them I'm having a great time being excepted where I was; felt as if I were already apart of the team. Then he says good afternoon coach, Coach John Fox (head Coach) walks toward me, I introduce myself and let him know that I plane to play for his team, he smiles and enters the chow room (Funny because he is lot smaller then he looks on TV LOL).

Pro personnel then calls down, inform me that they are in meeting and would like me to leave my information at the front desk. So that's what I did, recieved words of inspiration from player developement assit and front desk security and continued on with my day. I walk out door and continue MY JOURNEY around the walls of the Panthers. I come to another Gate, but this time I'm met by security, he says "the practice field is straight ahead sir and have a great day, thanks for comming". I continue and complete my trip around the stadium; and just as the walls of Jericho fell so will the walls of the Panthers.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

So my manager at my part time job, Fatsos in Decula GA, sends the Saints my contact information Sunday November 29th 2009. They called back Tuesday and said they have seen my blog, facebook and know a little history about me. This was an exciting moment for me; I mean this team is undefeated and they are checking me out; I was ready to go. Initially I had planned to go there on Thursday but actually didn't make it until Friday; everything happens for a reason. This was a short week for the Saints, played Patriots on Monday then traveled to Washington Saturday for a win today against the Redskins. They told me that because I couldn't make it down until Friday maybe I should wait, I decided to drive to New Orleans anyway. Through this Journey, I have learned that your word is everything and because I said I was going, there was nothing that was going to stop me. Things come to those who wait, but those things left over by those who hustle.

Duluth MN = Beautiful

Had a great time in Duluth, and yes it's still beautiful. Love ya HB, took a couple pics so you can see just how beautiful it is. I actually picked up some shoes from my buddy Holtie, he and his wifes company, the Holton Group sells Smart Wool and these awesome shoes. Well I picked up two pair and the attention I get with them on is funny too; my girl Kasiu and John thought they were entertaining also. Thanks giving dinner was in Duluth with my people was cool too.

Minnesota Vikings

Now this was a fun trip, Wed. November 25th I met with Jeff Robinson of the MN Vikings. Cool guy, it's funny because I had been to the Vikings before, but this time was different, this time I was expected and wanted; it felt great. You know I was dressed to impressed, purple was the color of choice for this trip; I mean why would I wear anything else. It's funny because my good friend Tim Oliver would always tell me while in college, "I hope you sign with Vikings when you go pro, you'll look good in purple." Funny right, but he was right I actually did look great in purple LOL.

I would love to play with the MN Vikings and Brett Farve; yes I have been a Packers fan since I could remember but to be apart of an organization like the Vikes would be nice. Jeff again was very receptive and I enjoyed myself. Brad Childress was present doing a press conference during my visit and the only thing that could have made this visit even more impressive, SIGNING BABY!!!

Childrens Hospital Event

I had the opportunity to attend the Children's Health Care event here in Atlanta GA. Great Networking for my non-profit organization, Energy Fitness of America International here in Atlanta GA. We use functional training to help kids learning math. As most of you know, everyone learns differently; some can sit in a chair, pay attention and get good grades, others have lots of energy and can not sit still long enough to pick up the material. With this active behavior comes distraction in class of others and leads to them being dismissed from class. Well how can someone learn if they are sitting in the hall. So instead of punishing the child for an active personality which they have been bless with, we encourage it while teaching math at the same time and implementing discipline. It's A Beautiful Thing. Well here are a couple pics form the Children's Hospital event.

East Coast Baby

As most of you know that follow me via facebook @brandon_culpepper55@yahoo.com or Twitter @culpeppernfl, I just got back from a four team 3 day trip to the east coast; Jets, Giants, Eagles and the Baltimore Ravens. The trip was awesome, every team showed me love and were very receptive to how I'm marketing myself throughout the National Football League. My first stop was to the Philadelphia Eagles, wasn't allowed into the facility because of some security issue prior to my visit. Hey I didn't complain it is what it is, found out later that Vick's nephew entered the facility in Vicks truck without authorization, therefore causing much confusion throughout the complex. The Eagles called me the following day, apologized and informed me that they looked to reschedule; I left my information with the front desk then it was on to the next one; The NY Giants. I probably should say the New Jersey Giants, do to the fact that the Jets and the Giants both play in Jersey not New York. Any how this visit was awesome, learned a lil history about the team, for example Bill Belecheck (Head Coach Patriots) won two Super Bowls under Bill Parcell and the Giants have a total of three Super Bowls; I was told they have 5 but there are only 3 on display. The Jets and the Giants have just built two new training facilities and are in the process of building another. During my visit I had the opportunity to step into there new stadium; just so happens the field had just been placed, I mean the hash marks and yard markers hadn't even been cut in yet. Wow as I stood on the field taking a picture of the construction guys who were giving me the walk through, I'm the first athlete to step on the this field, that was pretty cool.
When it was time to depart and head to the gets, I checked my directions to make sure I was heading the right way. I even asked a couple of the staff members to confirm, they all agreed and I was off. As I followed the directions (via Sprint GPS), I was navigated through the bright lights of New York city; making it difficult to concentrate on the road and driving in down town NY you better concentrate or you will get hit or hit someone. Once I made it through the Flashy Lights and millions of people walking the streets, I got stuck in Miley Cyrus concert traffic and it was nearly 5pm. I began thinking to myself man I'm not going to make it, but I did about 6:00pm and there were no Jets to be found anywhere. I stopped by the police station at Hofstra University just outside of NY City and asked where are the Jets? "They been gone for a year now, moved back to Jersey", WHAT!!!!
At this point there was no way I would make it back to Jersey before 8pm so I decided to have dinner and experience a night on the town in NY..... Had a grand time, through a friend in Atlanta I was able to attend P-Diddy's after party for the 3million dollar birthday party in NY. Lots of fun, enjoyed myself but it was back to business the next morning.
My agent set me up in another hotel in Jersey, much nicer then the one in Philly, I mean don't get the wrong the Hotel in Philly was nice but I wasn't a true fan of down town. Turns out the Jets new facility is 30min north of the Stadium, in Madison NJ. On the ride there I called to confirm my visit because I was suppose to be there the day prior. Player personnel did not answer but I was able to get in, meet with security again and get my material put into the right hands. Their facilities are also very nice and I would love to be there.
On to the next one, the Baltimore Ravens and what a visit it was. I was there for about an hour interviewing with player personnel and security, touring the facility and learning some history about the organization. Ravens' facility looks like a castle, from the high ceilings, rolling stair case, to the 5 foot by 6 foot fireplace that welcomes you when you enter, this is the place for me. What a place what a team what a trip. I'm really enjoying this journey and it's getting better every step of the way. God is good and I believe so what else do I need. In MN right now, met with Vikings this morning another awesome story to tell, will upload blog soon.

Happy Thanks Giving and thanks for following,
Brandon Culpepper

BOSTON

Great trip, great experience great responds. My trip to Boston was awesome, from the time I landed to the time I boarded the plane to depart. The Patriot's facility is really serious, surrounded by a mall like atmosphere, a movie theater, hotel and 7-10 restaurants; a one stop shop for sports fans nation wide. My driver told me I would like it but that was an understatements; Kraft the owner of the Patriots is a genius. Security for the Pats is top of the line also, when I entered the Gillette Stadium to meet with Brian Smith player personnel, my picture was taken, ID copied and picture name tag given to me; my first thought was this is pretty sweet as the Secretary told me to take a seat in the decked out Patriots' waiting area. Pictures and Jerseys of Hall A Fame players, Super Bowl rings on display as well as replay game film on two large plasma screens. While I set waiting on Brian, I began to pray, thanking the Lord for the opportunity and asking that all ears be open to my words and thought. Brian seem to be in a bit of a hurry when he arrived and only met with me for about 7 or 10 min. He thanked me for my package and thanked me for coming to Boston, but I was satisfied. I decided to sit in the waiting area and just absorb the moment. 10min following, Mandy the coach and player personnel secretary comes out and says, "Culpepper is everything ok, did you need something else", while shes speaking I'm thinking to myself, now how can I get on this team" and all of a sudden I said it, "what do I have to do to get signed Mandy." She smiled and said that she doesn't have the authority to make those decision. She again thanked me for coming and told me I would hear from someone soon,

I left and walked around the stadium and the grounds for a min, spoke with my agent and told her who she need to contact and she immediately got on it. Like I said the facilities there are beautiful, so as you could imagine I enjoyed myself. When I arrived to my Hotel in down town Boston my agent called me back with great news, she said they like me lots, great first impression. She told me that Brian Smith wants to schedule another date for me to come up; making me feel much better about my experience there. Well to make a long story short, I went to a couple restaurants including Anthony's Sea Food Pier 4. The food was ok, but not worth the price in my opinion, I'm no food critic or anything but I do enjoy quality food.

Drove around Boston, went to Harvard, MIT, Boston University and BC. Boston has lots of schools and tons of students, people and cars. It seems a little congested but with all the history, great teams, restaurant and forward in your face people it seems like a cool place to live.

Welcome to Boston,

Tennessee Titan

What a great trip, were going to get signed baby and im sticking to that. Tennessee was awsome. Once I figure out this HTC phone I have, I'm going to upload the pics that I took. When I arrived in Tenn. I had a moment to check into my hotel and get prepared for my meeting with player personnel. Each team has different ways that they do business, the Titans in particular (just like many teams) do all their player scouting through player personnel. Brandon Taylor is the assit director of player personnel and the guy who I was scheduled to meet with. While waiting for him in the "Matrix" like lobby (pictures), I decided to say a prayer and give thanks to my creator; while waiting a guys sits his things in front of me and said hello, i responded and continued in player. When he returned I introduced myself and he did also; Reggie Plesant, team chaplin. I explained to him why I was there and what my intentions were for their team; he told me God bless and good night. I thought that was awsome too. Soon after Brandon walks over, we talk about my experince and love for the game. After 25-30 Brandon said to me we will contact you mid to late November and that made me feel great.

After meeting with Brandon Taylor, I met with a young man name Jerry Childress. Mr. Childress is in his late 60's mid to early 70's and he works security for the Titan. he told me i have only known 2 guys to come in here requesting a job; your one of them and the other is me. Mr. Taylor went on to tell me that's how he got his JOB. "I JUST KEPT COMING UNTIL THEY HIRED ME, YOU JUST KEEP DOING WHAT YOUR DOING KEEP GOD FIRST AND YOU WILL GET HERE." What is meant to be will be.

Got a chance to meet up with some hommies from high school, meet Vince Young and other Titans players. Just keep doing what you doing and you will get there and thats what I will do.

Culpepper

ON TO THE NEXT ONE

Tampa was great, didnt have to workout again, but my meetings went extreemly well just not closing the deal. Tampa notified me that they signed a linebacker Tuesday of last week, the day after spoke with Doug Williamafter he returned from London following their lose to the Patriots. Doug continued to tell me that im four years removed and this is tough for me to do; but so what, what isnt tough worth working for. I want tjis guys and were going to get it, God is with me through this storm and I know that there is Sun shine just behind the clouds. So you know what im on to the next one. Leaving for Tennessee this Thursday to meet with Titains. Spoke with them today and ill be ready. I love this game and im hungry. Thanks again for all your prayers love and support, we gone make it, I belive.

Tampa Bay Florida

Well as you know Buffalo decided to go with a veteran player rather then me, it's cool though i figured it all worked out for the best, when one door closes, not saying that Buffalo's door is closed but you have to keep moving forward. Tmrw morning I leave for Tampa Bay Florida to meet with Doug William; do you know who that is, because in the beginning I didn't. It wasn't until I pulled this mans bio that I found out that he is the first African American quarterback to win a Superbowl and MVP of the game for the Washington Redskins. Well I'm meeting with Mr. William tmrw morning and I'm again so excited and I just can't hide it.
Doug called me Monday afternoon once he returned form London, an NFL world game against the Patriots. They lost but he seem to be in good spirit. I answered with excitement, Mr. Williams how are you etc; as we continued in the conversation and moved past the small talk, I realized that they had a game in London so I figured I would asked if he went, he said yes and he hasn't been in Tampa longer then 45 min. he just so happened to stop by his office, received my call and returned it promptly, but I would say more like with a seance of urgency. Like we need your help and we need it now. The conversation continued, he asked me what school I went to when I came out etc.; once I answered all those questions he said, so you know that this coming up draft you will be 4 years removed right; no I replied, I guess I never thought of it like that. He then said well yes the NFL looks at it like this, you have the "07" draft, "08" draft, "09" draft and now coming the "2010" draft, how can I stand behind a guy who has been out 4 years? "Because I'm ready," every time he came to me with that I said the same responds and I said you will see this Thursday. It's my time and I wont be denied. I will be attaching the package that I will be giving to the Bills so you can check it out too. Thanks again for all the love support and prayers.

STATUS = GREAT

JUST GOT BACK FROM BUFFALO, MY TRIP WAS GREAT. MET WITH PLAYER PERSONNEL AND FRONT OFFICE MONDAY, TOURED STADIUM FACILITIES ETC. NOT GOING TO LIE I HAD A GREAT TIME, ALTHOUGH I DIDN'T GET SIGNED THE COMMUNITY EMBRACED ME AS IF I HAD BEEN. KETTLE'S AND BIG TREE INN ARE LAND MARK BARS IN BUFFALO. BOTH HAVE GREAT WINGS, BUT KETTLE'S HAS HANDS DOW THE HOTTEST WINGS I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE. THEY ARE CALLED THE CHALLENGE (10 WINGS 15 MIN.), HONESTLY I ATE ONE AND MY MOUTH WAS ON FIRE FOR 35-40 MINS TOPS; BUT THE AFFECTS OF ONE WING LASTED FOR 24 HOURS (NO GOOD). SO BESIDES MY MISTAKE OF EXCEPTING THE CHALLENGE, THIS PLACE WAS PRETTY COOL. AS FOR BIG TREE INN, THIS PLACE IS A BUFFALO BILS MUSEUM, THERE ARE MORE BUFFALO BILLS AND SPORTS FIGURES AUTOGRAPHS THEN I COULD COUNT. FOOD WAS GREAT, PEOPLE INTERJECT AND EXCITED ABOUT SPORTS AND THEIR BILLS (GREAT PLACE). I NEVER BEEN A BIG DRINKER SO EVERYONE TRYING TO BY ME DRINKS DIDN'T IMPRESS ME, BUT THE HISTORY BEHIND THESE TWO PLACES DID AND HOW THE TREATED ME EVEN MORE. HARD WORKING BLUE COLLAR AMERICANS THAT LOVE THEIR BUFFALO BILLS. THE TRIP WAS GREAT THOUGH, ON TUESDAY KEVIN WHO IS APART OF PLAYER PERSONNEL ASKED ME, "SO ARE YOU HERE ON ANY OTHER BUSINESS CULPEPPER," MORE THEN LIKELY BECAUSE I STAYED FOR AN EXTRA DAY; I REPLIED "THIS IS MY BUSINESS BRO, THAT NETWORKING I'M DOING WITH THE BUFFALO COMMUNITY ISN'T JUST FOR FUN. I'M BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS AND REACHING OUT TO THOSE WHO SUPPORT THE TEAM IF WERE 5-11 OR 16-0. THESE PEOPLE LOVE THEIR TEAM AND THEIR CITY, I RESPECT THAT."

WHEN BUFFALO CALLED ME UP FOR MY FIRST WORKOUT I HAD A DRIVER THAT DROVE ME AROUND THE CITY; SHOWED ME THE SIGHTS FROM THE HOOD TO THE SUBURBS. WELL BEFORE I LEFT I CALLED HIM TO SEE IF HE WAS GOING TO BE MY DRIVER AGAIN. COME TO FIND OUT HE HAD AN HEART ATTACK, OPEN HEART SURGERY AND HAS BEEN ON BED REST EVERY SINCE. LUCKY FOR ME I HAD A RENTAL CAR, SO I GOT A CHANCE TO SEE HIM TO. I'M LEARNING EVERYDAY THAT YOU HAVE TO MAKE THE BEST OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY AND EVERY DAY BECAUSE NOTHING IS FOREVER, THERE IS ALWAYS A BEGINNING AND A END; SO SENSE WE KNOW OUR BEGINNING BUT NOT OUR END I SUGGEST THAT YOU TAKE THE LEAP OF FAITH AND LIVE EVERYDAY JUST LIKE THERE IS NO TMRW. WERE SCHEDULING A MEETING WITH THE TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS NEXT WEEK, WE GOING TO THE LEAGUE BABY AND I'M HAVE A BLAST DOING IT TOO.

WHATS NEW!!!

WERE GOING TO BUFFALO BABY. WE LEAVE (WE AS IN YOU AND ME) TUESDAY OCT.20TH 2009. LAST WEEK THURSDAY MY AGENT AND I SPOKE WITH BUFFALO REGARDING MY CHANCES IN MAKING THE TEAM THIS SEASON; JOHN GUY (DIR. PLAYER PERSONNEL) IS WHO WE SPOKE TO AND SHARED OUR IDEAS WITH. I TOLD HIM I WOULD MOVE TO BUFFALO AND TRAIN, SO WHEN IM NEEDED ILL ALREADY BE THERE. JOHN TOLD US THAT NOT REALLY HOW THEY DO BUSINESS, BUT OCT. 20TH 2009 WE WILL EVALUATE MY SKILLS AND SEE HOW I CAN PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO THE BUFFALO BILLS. WERE 1-4 GUYS, I KNOW LOTS OF WAYS I CAN PROVIDE ASSISTANCE, IM HUNGRY BABY AND IM GOING TO GET MY SHOT AND MY JOB. THANKS FOR ALL YOUR LOVE AND PRAYERS WILL TALK TO YOU ALL SOON.

THANK GOD

Welcome Back

Life is great, going strong; training working at a couple part time and giving it my all. Buffalo and I have another phone conference this coming Tuesday, I'm looking forward to it. Big things are happening in my life and i thank God for all this opportunity. This week has been amazing, got lots of work done. have to rest tonight looking forward to Friday. My buddy Rod Raymond came to town this week from MN. We got a chance to touch base and introduce him to my trainer John Lewis. Rod was one of my trainers while i was in MN for school. We shared ideas and had a great time. Something funny happened when we met up with Rod last night, one of the the Athletic Trainers attending the convention Rod is at was introduced to me by Rod; turns out she is from Buffalo NY. The Funny thing about that is that I have met three people in one week from Buffalo NY and 4 in two weeks including her. Its time to go my friends. As you know I'm a true believer in everything happens for a reason and putting out the energy necessary so my Dreams and Goals will manifest into reality, as they are now.
I have also been spend some time working with 3rd through 5th graders on their math, through physical activity. John Lewis started the program about 5 years ago with Fulton County and I have took the lead on it as of this year. It's very rewarding and the kids get a chance to learn in a different way, out of the norm (class room setting). I'm keeping myself very busy and looking forward to each and everyday.

PUFFY SAID

"CAN'T NOBODY TAKE MY PIDE, CAN'T NO BODY HOLD ME DOWN O NO I GOT TO KEEP ON MOVIN" DON'T DOUT, NO DOUT ABOUT IT.

Keeping the faith

SO IF YOU HAVE NOT READ JAMES 1 YET I ADVISE THAT YOU DO. I HAVE READ IT 4 TIME NOW AND IT SEEMS TO GET BETTER EVER TIME I READ IT. THIS EVENING AT WORK, AND TO THOSE OF YOU THAT DON'T KNOW I HAVE A FEW PART TIME JOBS, I MEAN I HAVE TO EAT AND I WAS NEVER THE TYPE TO NOT WORK. IM A SERVER AT FATSOS BAR AND GRILL IN DECULA GA, PART TIME CONSTRUCTION FOR MR. HOME REPAIR, TRAINER AT ENERGY FITNESS OF AMERICA IN ATLANTA GA AND I RUN A AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM 3 DAYS PER WEEK FOR 3-5TH GRADERS NEEDING ASSIST IN MATH AND SCIENCE (COMBINE ATHLETICS WITH ACADEMIC). WELL WHILE AT WORK ONE OF MY CONTACTS FROM THE ATLANTA FALCONS CAME IN, KEVIN WINSTON (PLAYER DEVELOPMENT), HE SAID CULPEPPER KEEP WORKING I BELIEVE IN YOU AND REMEMBER ALL YOU NEED IS ONE TEAM TO SAY YES AND YOUR IN THE DOOR AND YOU KNOW SOMETHING I BELIEVE THAT JUST AS MUCH AS I BELIVE THAT MY DAY IS JUDT AROUND THE CORNER. ITS SO EASY TO GIVE UP LOOSE FAITH, I MEAN I HAVE MAS IT THIS FAR BY FAITH SO WHY STOP BELIEVING NOW. ITS LIKE THAT SONG THEY WOULD SING AT MY OLD CHURCH, I THINK I HAVE MENTIONED IT B4. "WE COME THIS FAR BY FAITH, LEANING ON THE LORD, TRUSTING IN HIS HOLY WORD, HE NEVER FAILED ME YET.. O.. O .. O CAINT TURN AROUND... WE COME THIS FAR BY FAITH. THEN ANOTHER CUSTOMER COMES IN THE DOOR, NOW ITS 2AM THEN, MY TABLES ARE BUYING ME SHOTS AND DRINKS, WERE ABOUT CLOSED. THIS GUY SAYS TO ME CULPEPPER YOU DON'T NEED TO BE DRINKIN, YOU HAVE A SHOT BELIEV, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE YOU OPPORTUNITY TO DO WHAT PEOPLE ONLY DREAM OF. SO DON'T HURT YOUR BODY WITH THOSE DRINKS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT. THE ENTIRE TIME HE IS SAYING THIS THE PEOPLE BUYING ME THE DRINKS ARE SAY HEY LETS BE REAL, DRINK THESE DRINKS HAVE A GOOD TIME, FORGET HIM, MIND YOU HE HAD BEEN DRINKING TOO, BUT HE WAS RIGHT. THE ONLY THING THAT SHOULD BE ON MY MIND IS MY TIME TO SHINE.

James 1

HELIN GA AND SOMETHING NEW

SO I DECIDED TO GET AWAY FOR A COUPLE DAYS, GO RELAX SEE NATURE FOR A MIN. HELIN GA, BEAUTIFUL PLACE BEAUTIFUL CITY AND A GREAT PLACE TO GO RELACE. SOMETIMES I DONT THINK IM DOING VERY MUCH BUT WHEN ITS ALL SAID AND DONE AND I TAKE A MOMENT TO BREATH AND RELAX I SEE JUST HOW IMPOTANT THIS REST IS. NOT ONLY THAT JUST HOW MUCH REST I HAVE LACKED. I DIDNT SLEEP THE ENTIRE TIME, I TREATED MYSELF TO SOME AWESOME MEALS (PRICY BUT WORTH IT) AT TAVERN VILLAGE AND NACOCHEE GRILL, SAME OWNERS, DIFFERENT STYLES OF FOOD SAME GREAT TASTE. SOMEONE ONCE TOLD ME THAT IT IS JUST AS IMPORTANT TO PLAY AS HARD AS YOU WORK, OBVIOUSLY NOT AS OFTEN BUT STILL IMPORTANT. SO I TRIED SOMETHING ELSE NEW, IM GETTING A PETICURE FOR THE FIRST TIME AND BOY DOES IT FEEL GREAT; NOW I KNOW WHY THESE COMPANIES DONT GO OUT OF BUSINESS. EVEN WHEN THE ECONOMY IS DOWN AND TIMES ARE TOUGH, NAILS WILL STILL BE CUT, FEET RUBBED AND DEAD SKIN BRUSHED AWAY.

"WHEN WERE READY WE WILL CALL/GIVE US TWO WEEKS TO FINNISH MAKING CUTS" BUFFALO BILLS

SO MY AGENT CALLS TO TELL ME THE BILLS SAID GIVE THEM TWO WEEKS TO FINNIISH MAKING CUTS THEN THEY WILL MAKE THE DECISION ON ME; I TELL YOU I LEARN SOMETHING NEW EVERYDAY. PATIENTS, WHEN MY TIME COMES IT WILL BE MY TIME. GOT TO BELIEVE!!!

BACK ON TRACK

RAN STONE MOUNTAIN TODAY, AND IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT THAT IS LOOK IT UP ONLINE. JUST ONE OF THE HIGHEST POINTS IN GA. ALL ROCK, ON STEP AT A TIME TO THE TOP. IT'S A NICE WORKOUT, GET ON TOP LOOK AROUND FOR MILES AT THE STATE AND REFLECT ON LIFE. I WORK TONIGHT AT FATSOS, FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT DON'T KNOW I HAVE A PART TIME JOB AT FATSOS SPORTS BAR AND GRILL. MY DREAM IS TO PLAY BUT I NEVER STOP WORKING NO MATTER WHAT.

WHAT A TRIP

NOT ONLY DID I GET SOME WORK DONE BUT I HAD A GREAT TIME. GOT TO SEE SOME OLD FRIENDS SWIM TRAIN ETC. BUT REALLY PUT THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE. THIS TRIP SHOWS HOW POSITIVE PEOPLE AND POSITIVE ENERGY LED TO POSITIVE RESULTS. TRYING TO FIND MY BUDDIES CABIN I GOT LOST; A STOP THE GROCERY STORE WAS ALL IT TOOK, 15 MINS INTO GETTING A SNACK AND SOME FRUIT WHO SHOWS UP, MY BUDDY WHO I WAS GOING TO SEE SHOWS UP OUT OF NO WHERE. YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS, I WAS NO LONGER LOST. THEN I HAD TO TAKE A TRIP TO CANADA THE FOLLOWING DAY, BECAUSE ONCE I ARRIVED BACK TO MN AFTER PLAYING AND TUBBING IN WISCONSIN I TAKE A TRIP WITH MY BUDDY JOHN TO SAM'S CLUB AND THE MY WALLET IN HIS TRUCK. HE LEFT FOR CANADA THE FOLLOWING MORNING ALONG WITH MY WALLET. THATS NOT THE CRAZY PART OF THE STORY THOUGH. WHEN I REALIZED WHAT I HAD DONE I CALLED JOHN TO LET HIM KNOW, HIS RESPONDS"I WILL LEAVE IT AT THE GAS STATION FOR YOU" AND WHEN I GOT THERE IT WAS INFACT STILL THERE, WITH MY NAME ON IT. POSITIVE ENERGY LEADING TO EVEN MORE POSITIVE THINGS HAPPEN.

SPREAD MY WINGS AND FLY

SO I DECIDED TO GET AWAY FOR A MOMENT; SPOKE WITH BUFFALO AUG. 4TH 2009 AND THEY TOLD ME AGAIN, " JUST CHECKING I WHEN WERE READY FOR YOU WE WILL CALL YOU." EVERYONE SAYS WELL WHAT DOES THAT MEAN AND THE ONLY ANSWER I CAN GIVE THEM IS THE ONE THAT JOHN GUY GAVE ME, WHEN THERE READY THEY WILL CALL. TODAY I ENT UP TO MY BUDDIES CABIN IN NORTHERN WI, AND THIS IS WHAT I CALL CAMPING. TUBBING, RAFTING, KAYAKS, BOAT PLANE ETC.; I MEAN WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR. WELL AFTER TUBBING AND GETTING THROWN OF THE TUB AGAIN I GET IN THE BOAT AND GIVE THE OTHER GUYS A CHANCE. WHILE THERE I LOOK INTO THE SKY AND WHAT DO I SEE, AN EAGLE. BIG BALD EAGLE DOING WAHT HE DOES BEST, LOOKING GOOD AND SPREADING HIS WINGS AND FLYING, THATS WHAT I WANT TO DO, FLY LIKE AN EAGLE,INTO THE FUTURE.

FULL CIRCLE

ITS FUNNY HOW THINGS HAPPEN, I CAME TO ATLANTA240LBS AND I WILL LEAVE ATLANTA 240LBS. I WAS A FOOTBALL PLAYER WHEN I CAME HERE AND I'LL BE AND STILL AM A BALLER WHEN I LEAVE. I HAVE MET SOME AMAZING PEOPLE WHILE HERE AND I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THEM FOR ALL THEIR LOVE AND SUPPORT. RECENTLY I HAVE HIT THE SCALE AT 230LBS JUST 10LBS AWAY FROM MY GOAL; I SURE HOPE ALL THIS PAYS OFF, WELL I KNOW IT WILL I JUST HAVE TO TAKE IT ONE DAY AT A TIME. THE FALCONS CALLED ME WED, INFORMING ME THAT THEY ARE REVIEW MY FILM AND WILL GET BACK WITH ME IN A DAY OR SO. THE BIBLE SAYS THAT HOPE IS FOR THE UNSEEN, BECAUSE YOU WOULDNT HOPE FOR SOMETHING YOU CAN ALREADY SEE. FAITH, WHERE WOULD I BE WITHOUT IT? WHEN I MOVED TO GA, I STAYED IN A ONE BED ROOM VERY NICE, FULLY FURNISHED, WELL PRICED APT.; THE CATCH, IT WAS IN THE BASEMENT OF A 5 BEDROOM HOME. AGAIN FULL CIRCLE, I CURRENT STAY IN THE BASEMENT OF A FULLY FURNISHED 6 BEDROOM HOME. A GOOD FRIEND OF MINE ONCE TOLD ME THAT FULL CIRCLE IS A SIGN THAT A STAGE IN YOUR LIFE IS CLOSING AND NEW OPPORTUNITY IS NEAR. LOOKING AT LIFE FROM A FULL CIRCLE PERSPECTIVE, IM 3/4 OF THE WAY THROUGH THE RACE, COMING AROUND THE LAST CURVE OF THE 400 METERS, WHY STOP NOW.

DO WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO SO YOU CAN DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO.

SO MY SCHEDULE IS COMPLETE, I TRAIN WITH JOHN LEWIS MONDAYS, FRIDAYS AND SAT. HIGH CARDIO AND FOOTWORK. THOSE SAME DAYS IM LIFTING UPPER BODY WITH MY STRENGTH COACH ZAKE. TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS IM WITH CHUCK SMITH FORMER ALL PRO D-END FOR THE ATLANTA FALCONS. HE'S WORKING ON MY TECHNIQUE AND LOWER BODY STRENGTH. THERE ARE ROUGHLY 12 D-ENDS AND OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS THAT TRAIN WITH ME TOO, INCLUDING ALL PRO D-TACKLE RICHARD SYMOUR OF THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS. I THINK ITS AMAZING TO BE BLESSED LIKE I AM. I MEAN HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN ACTUALLY SAY THEY WANT TO DO SOMETHING OR BECOME SOMETHING IN LIFE AND ACTUALLY DO IT OR BECOME WHAT HE OR SHE WANTS. I'VE BEEN STAYING OUT IN DACULA GA WITH MY BUDDY WES GORE, FORMER D TACKLE FOR THE WASHINGTON REDSKINS, FOR THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS. HE JUST OPENED A RESTUARANT AND BEING THAT I HAVE TO GAIN 20LBS THATS THE PERFECT PLACE FOR ME TO BE OTHER THEN THE GYM. WENDESDAY WE (WES AND I) HAD A MEETING WITH THE ATLANTA FALCONS, THEY SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH US FOR THE 27TH OF JULY. I DON'T CARE WHAT TEAM IM PLAYING FOR AS LONG AS IM PLAYING IN THE NFL. YOU KNOW WHAT MY FAVORITE MOVIE IS, RUDY. IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN IT YOU SHOULD, WHEN THINGS GOT TOUGH HE TRUSTED IN THE LORD, NO MATTER WHAT PEOPLE SAID OR DID RUDY BELIEVED AND CONTINUED TO BELIEVE UNTIL HIS DREAMS BECAME REALITY. TIME AND CHANCE COMES TO US ALL WHETHER WE DECIDE TO TAKE THAT TIME OR CHANCE IS INDEED OUR OWN DECISION. RUDY, RUDY, RUDY, RUDY....

FULL CIRCLE

IT'S FUNNY HOW THINGS WORK ISN'T IT, YESTERDAY MY AGENT CALLS ME AND TELL ME THAT THE BILLS WANT ME TO GAIN 20LBS. ANYTHING FOR YOU COACH I SAY, I MEAN THAT TO A CERTAIN EXTENT. I MEAN KNEW THAT EVENTUALLY I WAS GOING TO HAVE TO PUT ON WEIGHT, BUT I DID KNOW IT WAS GOING TO BE SO MUCH SO SOON. THE FUNNY THING IS ABOUT ALL THIS, THAT WILL PUT ME BACK AT THE EXACT WEIGHT I WAS WHEN I MET JOHN AT ENERGY FITNESS (MY TRAINER) IT IS WHAT IT IS ACCORDING TO ECCELIASTES 3:1, "THERE IS A TIME FOR EVERTHING AND A SEASON FOR EVERY ACTIVITY". TMRW I HAVE A PHONE CONFERENCE WITH JOHN GUY, DIRECTOR OF PLAYER PERSONNEL, I WOULD SAYTHE MAN WITH THE POWER, BUT MY GOD HAS ALL POWER; WITH HIM AND THROUGH HIM ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE AND I'M A LIVING WITNESS OF THAT YOU JUST HAVE TO BELIEVE.

ECCLISIASTES 3:9-14 SAYS, "WHAT DOES THE WORKER GAIN FROM HIS TOIIL? I HAVE SEEN
N THE BURDEN GOD HAS LAID ON MEN. HE HAS MADE EVERYTHIG BEAUTIFUL IN ITSS TIME. HE HAS ALSO SET ETERNNITY IN THE HEARTS OF MEN; YET THEY CANNOT FATHOM
WHAT GOD HAS DONE FROM THE BEGINNING TO THE END. I KNOW THAT THERE IS NOTHING BETTER FOR MEN THEN TO BE HAPPY AND DO GOOD WHILE THEY LIVE. THAT EVERYONE MAY EAT AND DRINK, AND FIND SATISFACTIONIN ALL HIS TOIL- THIS IS A GIFT FROM GOD. I KNOW THAT EVERYTHING GOD DOES WILL ENDURE FOREVER; NOTHING CAN BE ADDED TO IT AND NOTHING TAKEN FROM IT. GOD DOES IT SO THAT MEN WILL REVERE HIM"

ITS AMAZING HOW GOD WORKS ISN'T IT? THIS EVENING BEFORE I GET REAY TO HEAD HOME I STOP AT THE GROCERY STORE TO GET SOME CHICKEN, REMEMBER 20 LBS. THERE II SEE MY BOY TERRENCE, THE GUY WHO INTRODUCED ME TO JOHN AND ENERGY FITNESS. THE FIRST THING HE ASK WAS ABOUT MY WORKOUT AND HOW EVERYTHING WAS GOING WITH TRAINING. "WHATEVER IS HAS ALREADY BEEN BEFORE;AND GOD WILL CALL TO PASS FULL ACCOUNT."

FULL CIRCLE

WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE

WOW, TODAY IS JULY 7, 2009; 39 DAYS BEFORE MY 2 YR ANIVERSERY HERE IN ATLANTA GA. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT, BECAUSE I SURE CAN'T. THE TIME JUST SEEMS LIKE IT'S FLYING BY AT TIMES. I MEAN DONT GET ME WRONG I'M IN GREAT HEALTH READY TO GO TO CAMP AND MOVE FORWARD THROUGHTHIS JOURNEY AND I BELIEVE FROM ATLANTA. I MEAN IT'S A GREAT CITY GREAT PEOPLE, BUT NOT HOME. MY AGENT AND I HAVE BEEN COMMUNICATING ON MY FUTURE, WERE BOTH VERY CONFIDENT THAT I WILL BE GOING TO CAMP, JUST NOT SURE WHERE EXACTLY. GOD IS GREAT AND HE HAS SHOWN ME THINGS THAT I BELIEVE NO MAN HAS AN ANSWER FOR OR CAN CONFLICT WITH HIS PLAN, GODS PLAN. SOMETIMES I GET UPSET, BUT IM KEEPING THE FAITH. I mean look how far we have come by faith leaning on the lord. Trusting in him and moving forward, working to be the best at what I DO, PLAY FOOTBALL.

TAKING STEPS

The workout was great, straight to the point nothing but pure football. I must admit I was a bit nervous at first but I knew that this was meant to be. Everything went my way, I worked out well, the scouts loved me and I received a 2hr tour of the entire city of Buffalo. Every where they took me they spoke as if I were already apart of the team. This was amazing and I'm ready for camp. My agent told me that the Bills will contact Thursday to notify her when I have to report to camp. Thanks again for all your prayers.

If you believe it you will achieve it.
ONE CHANCE

ON TIME GOD

Just got back to Atlanta and yesterdays workout in the words of my trainer was "no good". That was the first time, in a long time, that I felt like I was going to loose my breakfast. But I survived, what did you doubt me; lol? This morning my phone rang just as I pulled up to the track, it was my agent notifying me that I have been invited to workout for the Buffalo Bills next week; WOW, WHAT AND YES was all I could say. It's amazing how things work sometimes, you just have to be patient and not just hope for the best but seek the best. It's tough not to succumb to doubt, but when you work hard and things don't come as fast as you want, then you do sometime. There's this song called "On Time God" that reminds me of situations such as this. The verse to remember is, "he may not come when you want him, but he will be there right on time, he's a on time God, yes he is". Our plan and God's plan may be similar, but not always the same. I'm thankful and grateful for this opportunity I've been given and all your prayers.

Brandon Culpepper
One Chance

DAY OF REST

It's 12:00 am in LA, California, 2:00 am in MN and Milwaukee and 3:00 am in Atlanta.  Most of you I assume are sleeping at this time of the morning, wish I could say the same.  I decided to rest today, take a break from my daily routine of calling teams, working out and talking to my agent 3 or 4 times.  I would focus my attention on relaxing my body and mind, placing football in the back seat for a change.  Well it worked for a while, I slept in late ran around the city a bit, the mall ect, but for the most part I just hung around the house.  I ended my night with a movie, Sauna for about 30min and now I'm here on the computer typing away.  I must admit today was a good day, and even though I still thought about football throughout my day, it wasn't on my mind 24-7 like it usually is.   I don't know what it is about this whole experience that has me so excited about my future, but I am and you should be excited about yours too.  Life is field with chance and opportunity, I get the chance to wake up in the morning and do what I want to do, what I have to do to make my dreams and goals reality.  Opportunity is all around us and were so fortunate.  Have the chance to take advantage of our life and the the choices we make is amazing.  If you honestly believe you will achieve, you will be successful.  Don't stop, keep pushing forward, trust in the lord and have faith; you will be amazed.

ONE CHANCE

ONE CHANCE

TIME AND CHANCE COMES TO US ALL, IF WE DECIDE TO TAKE THAT TIME AND CHANCE IS INDEED OUR OWN DECISION.

NFL NETWORK

I'm using every opportunity possible to make it. Taking routs that some may consider out of the ordinary and I consider another step in turning my dreams and goals into reality. Today I went to the NFL Network here in LA; I figured sense they are football 24:7 and I am football 24:7, then were a match in heaven. In the beginning things went very smooth, no asking for identification by security just a hello and welcome, one of the directors directed me to where I had to go and when I got there, the secretary was standing holding the door open. The first thing she said to me was, "hello are you looking for the NFL", I replied you better believe it. Once I told her what I was doing (package in hand I might add), she notified me that although all the filming is done here in LA, what I was presenting needed to be sent to the NY office; she gave me a pass anyhow and told me she would try and find someone that could help me further. At the time, I wasn't sure what I wanted the Network to do for me. I figured at the least they could take my story and do a report about it on there daily updates, what did I have to loose. As I predicted the lady that came to meet with me told me the same thing, which was fine, I did what I said I was going to do, but I wasn't ready to go just yet. I set in the lobby where the traffic of people was crazy; it was around lunch time so I'm assuming that's why. I saw tones of people from the show, the host Rich Eisen and many other Network personalities that I would rather not mention at this time. I decided to use my time wisely and call teams while there, received some great feedback from pro personnel directors and carried on with my day. I can't go into details, but I may have put myself at the right place at the right time one again. What I can say is, the package that I left the house with was put into the hands and some very influential people who just so happen to get a chance to meet me and hear my story. It's funny how things work sometimes, makes you wonder if it's luck or destiny. I'm going to go with destiny, because that's just the way it is. I thank God for another opportunity to wake up this morning and do what I want to do, continue the chase.

ONE CHANCE

Round I 4:40am, Round II 4:30pm

Who would have thought when my trainer here in Cali said see you in the morning that meant that I had to be up at 4:30am to prepare myself to be at the gym by 5:00am. Because today was my first day working out with Larry, I actually didn't start until 6:30am. My buddies from USC and Baylor went first, I watched but to be honest with you I didn't go to bed until 2:30am so you know how I was feeling. It's 6:15am, he starts to warm me up and we got to work. 4 sets of squats at 275lbs (not bad I like to squat but must admit its been a long time), then plyometrics, box jumps 4 sets of 25 (straddle the box and jump on top of it), more plyometrics jumping over the bench side to side 40times for 5 sets (last set bonus for over time 80x). More legs more legs more legs, we did a total of 8 different leg exercises and that's not all; we had to run the stairs 10 times. The workout was great, I did well and waiting for the next one (4:30pm). The gym is in Vinice and right next to the beach, so after workout I went over to the Firehouse an all nature restaurant where lots of body builders a pro athletes go to have a bite to eat. I headed to the beach to ice my legs in the ocean and I had 5 wind sprints while running through the water. All and all it was a great morning and I'm looking forward to Round II

THINKING LIKE RONNIE LOTT

"When you play football, the key isn't actually winning, it's playing up to your standard; and that standard demands respect from your opponents and you teammates. I honestly believe that if you go out there and you can get some respect from your mom (mother) your dad, your friends the city of San Fransisco and your teammates; ten years from now the most important thing that you'll remember is when you see some of these people that are in your life. They will respect you for what you did on the football field. Bottom Line"

Ronnie Lott 49ers SS (Athlete)

PLAYING UP TO YOUR STANDARD
GET YOUR RESPECT, EARN YOUR RESPECT

LA, California

IN LA AND YES IT'S NICE. MY TRAINER CAME OUT HERE WITH ME TO DO SOME FILM WORK AND NOW I'LL BE HERE TRAINING FOR A LIL MIN. THE WEATHER IS GREAT AND SANTA MONICA STAIRS ARE NO JOKE. I MEAN WHEN YOU REALLY HIT THEM. TO BE HONEST YOU CAN'T REALLY PLAY WITH THOSE THINGS, BUT YOU KNOW I WENT HARD, WHAT OTHER WAY IS THERE TO GO. IT'S LATE AND I HAVE TO GET UP EARLY BUT WILLING AND ABLE TO GET ON AND TYPE MORE. HEADING TO TOMOROW NFL NETWORK .

ALWAYS READY,
"ONE CHANCE" CLIFTON SMITH Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Charlotte North Carolina

Today I arrived in Charlotte North Carolina. Tmrw morning I will have a workout for a Canadian football team. This I must say is a first, but why not, I want to play and I will play. The Cleveland Browns contacted my agent Wed. regarding my film. They said, well James Kirkland player personnel said, he received the film but my DVD did not work. She returned his call and so did I to assure him that I would send him another copy and I did. He received the copy this morning, call me around 9:30am to notify me that we have another issue with my film. This time my DVD is broke, I laughed and again sent him out another DVD and he should receive it Monday. Mr. Kirkland gave me lots of useful information to use through this journey and here I am taking another step towards my redemption.

WHY I WILL NEVER MISS ANOTHER MOTHER'S DAY

IN MY EYES, EVERY DAY IS MOTHER'S DAY, TELL THAT TO MY MOTHER AND SHE WILL LAUGH SO HARD IT MAY HURT YOUR FEELINGS. SHE WANTS A GIFT AND IF YOU DON'T GET ONE FOR HER SHE MAKES YOU FEEL LIKE YOU DON'T LOVE OR CARE FOR HER. BUT THE TRUTH IS, THERE IS NO MEASUREMENT THAT CAN ACCOUNT FOR THE AMOUNT OF LOVE I HAVE FOR FLORENCE L. CULPEPPER. SHE REALLY IS MY EVERYTHING.

BRANDON CULPEPPER

TILL THAT DAY COMES, I WILL PATIENTLY WAIT

Hello to all, life couldn't be better. I starting to recieve phone calls back from the NFL teams. That makes me feel very good to know that my work is creating results. I'm doing my best to stay focused, focusing on the good and the things that are happening now rather then the what if's; those just seem to alter my thinking and get me off track. I prayed that this dream will become a reality and I believe it will. Sometimes I wish I could ignore the negative thoughts that go through my head from time to time, that would make this transition so much easier. I just have to keep telling myself that any day now I'm going to get that call, the call that I have been waiting for for 1 year, 9 months 7 days. I can only imagine, Ring, Ring Ring, Brandon Culpepper? Yes this is he. How are you Culpepper? This is _____________, director of player personnel for the ___________. We have reviewed your film, spoke with your agent and college coaches and we like what we have seen and heard. So I have one question for you, how would you like to be a Green bay Packer, Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinal, Atlanta Falcon, Baltimore Raven, Cleveland Brown, Cin. Bangal, Jacksonville Jaguar, Detroit Lion, Sandiago Charger, New England Patriot, Buffalo Bill, Tampa bay Buck, MN Viking, LA Raider, EAGLE, Colts, NY JET, NY GIANT, Dallas Cowboy, Kansas City Chief, Washington Redskins, Chicago Bears, Carolina Panthers, Washington Seahawks, Pittsburgh Stealers, Texans, Tenn Titans, RAMS, SF 49ers, New Orleans Saints. I would love to be. Well welcome to the NFL.

HE MAY NOT COME WHEN YOU WANT HIM BUT HE'LL BE THERE RIGHT ON TIME, I TELL YOU HE'S A ON TIME GOD, YES HE IS.

THE DRAFT IS TODAY

WERE SO CLOSE, BEEN WATCHING THE DRAFT JUST AS MUCH AS THE COLLEGE PLAYERS COMING OUT THIS YEAR ARE I'M ASSUMING. IT'S BEEN A FUN PROCESS, LISTENING AND ACCESSING TEAMS AND THEIR NEEDS. LOOKING FOR A PLACE FOR ME TO FIT IN; AN ORGANIZATION THAT I COULD CALL MY OWN. LIKE CHEERS, A PLACE WHERE EVERYBODY KNOWS YOUR NAME AND THERE ALWAYS GLADE YOU CAME (TO MAKE TACKLES). ENJOY DAY TWO OF MY JOURNEY, SUNDAY APRIL 26, 2009 11:00AM.

Reassurance that all things are possible

Today was another great day. Worked out this morning and preparing to restructure my video again. John (my trainer) checked it out and said I should rearrange a few thing to make it more appetizing to the viewer. I agreed and boy is this tough, now I know why editors and producers get paid so much to do what they do. Sitting in front of a screen for countless hours at a time, cutting scene, adding scenes and editing scene can be a pain in the you know what. But I guess, heck this is what I want so I got to keep moving forward. I'm so close and ready to take my place at the table. Who would have thought that I would be in the predicament that I am in today. Well I guess I can say I thought it. I knew the journey that I had planned to take was going to be tough, but I was willing to do it because it's what I want. I think that so many people get caught up in what the world, their family or society thinks that they should be doing, that they loose focus on what they think they want to do. There is nothing wrong with dreaming because dreams do become reality. Just as Puff Daddy, Jay-Z, Ted Turner, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and party. They were all dreamers so why not you and I. Funny story I will share with you then I have to get back to work. While here in Atlanta, I have had a few part time jobs just to keep myself busy and keep a little money in my pocket while I trained. Well on of these jobs was with Taco Mac, a Wing and taco restaurant here in the south. This Taco Mac was a bit different then the rest because it was connected to the Phillips Arena and the CNN building. OK that gives you a little background, it will make sense later. So one night while preparing for the next morning I had the TV on and CNN was doing a special on Ted Turner, after listening to this man speak told ran upstairs and told my trainer "I'm going to meet Ted Turner before I leave Atlanta". Less then three weeks later those words that I spoke became reality. Now, most times I went to work I would walk from the parking deck, through CNN. The following week after seeing Mr. Turner on TV, there was an advertisement promoting a Ted Turner's new book and he would be holding a book signing the following week. Well to make a long story short, I was cut from my shift that day at work, wrote Mr. Turner a letter, was denied the opportunity to meet Mr. Turner (he stop signing after the 200th costumer); then soon after personally introduced to Mr. Turner and allowed in line. We took a picture he signed my book and I left that store with the confidence or swagger of a man that could do anything. I said I was going to do it, and you better believe I did. Keep God first and all things are possible.

Video Done

For the last two weeks, I have been working countless hours on my film. This film is considered a resume, Im sending it to teams throughout the National Football League. I must say I'm happy about it; maybe I'll post it on my blog so you can tell me what you think. I'm getting ready to workout now so don't have much to write this morning but I will, so stay posted.

PUT ME IN COACH

Man my body is in transition mode

This has been one tough week. After my pro day at the University of MN and my recent visits with the Falcons, Cleveland Browns and the Colts teams have been considering more for Strong Safety rather then Linebacker. In the beginning I said cool whatever they want me to play I will play and I still believe that, but this is a huge transition. My body hasn't hurt this bad since, well I can't even remember the last time my body hurt this bad. The most difficult parts are patients and staying low. Playing linebacker and rush end things happen so fast so there really is no time to think; playing safety things happen fast but you have to wait longer for the play to develop before you react. Drills, drills, drills, one after another, this way that way, up down and that's really the best way to describe it. After training each day this week, I head to the studio to work on my film. I'm recording all my workouts to send to coaches throughout the league; film that shows what I look like as an athlete. Well it's almost 10:30am and I have to go do some editing, but thanks for taking the time to read my blog and remember time and chance comes to us all weather we decide to take that time and chance is indeed our own decision.

I'm now a blogger

Well, a good friend of mine told me about this new, but old way of communicating with friends and family all over the world. I thought this would be a great way for me to answer the over used question I get everyday on Facebook and Myspace "Pep what you doing these days"? Well life is great, really can't complain. As most people know I moved to Atlanta fall of 07 to work for Budweiser (Eagle Rock Distributing), six months into the game I resigned from my position (Contemporary Marketing Rep) began playing Rugby for the Atlanta Old White Rugby Club and started training full time under John Lewis (Jamal Lewis Brother) at Energy Fitness. I decided that I wanted to play football again, explained to John my dreams and goals and here I am. Boy it has been a crazy ride but I am enjoying myself. Each day I get up around 6:00am, eat breakfast, head to gym and train a couple of members of the Energy Fitness who want to live healthy lives. 10:00am is when I train and boy do we get it in, everything from resistance bands, plyometrics, sprints on the track, trails, cycling etc. You name it we do it. I have been training with John a little under a year and my body has changed 180 degrees. As most of you know during college ball at the University of Minnesota Duluth I was a big guy (250 lbs) heck I played Defensive Line, now I'm 218lbs and looked at as a safety. I have met with the Greenbay Packers, Atlanta Falcons, Washington Redskins, Kansas City Chiefs, Sandiago Chargers, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bangles, Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts and the Miami Dolphins,. I along with my trainer believe that I will make camp summer and fall 2009 and all I can say is WOW!!! A year ago imagined myself playing professional ball, but now I believe I will be playing professional ball amongst some of the best athletes in the national football League.