If you were old enough in 2006 to understand football and how it is played, then you probably know your local college team. If you knew that much, then you have likely watched a professional team and knew how they got their name. For me, it was the National Football League’s “Pittsburgh Steelers.”
In 2006, I was turning six, playing full-pad tackle football in the Rust Belt and narrating football games in front of the TV like I worked for ESPN. I’m from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where we pride ourselves on steel and of course, football.
In February, I joined my family in the living room for a Super Bowl party. There, was where I witnessed history. I watched number 39 take a handoff and run 75 yards to a score against the Seahawks. This happens to also be the longest run in Super Bowl history. I asked myself! Who is this guy? I play the same position? Who is he?
That’s Willie Parker, also known as Fast Willie! Yes, the two-time SuperBowl Champion. Yes, the two-time Pro Bowler. Yes, the current record holder for the longest run in Super Bowl history. Before the NFL, there was Willie, a man from Clinton, NC who ended up playing running back for the North Carolina Tar Heels. After his career with the Tar Heels from 2000 to 2003, he went undrafted as a free agent.
Source: Jim Hawkins / Inside Carolina
The Steelers have been very good at identifying talent regardless of where prospects rank on the draft boards. They showed just that by signing Willie in 2004. From then, he went on to play six seasons and having an amazing career before officially retiring in 2012.
In 2021, I returned home to my alma mater, Central Valley to give back to the community that raised me. I coached The Homeboys Football Camp, a free camp that aims to impact the youth positively, by not only teaching football and athletic skill, but also mentorship and development. I have attended this camp since 2006 and have not missed.
Source: Homeboys Football Camp
This is where I met the man I watched on TV at five years old. It was amazing to see a role model who played my position at the highest level. But it was a blessing to to coach his son Jace in the camp. Coaching was the hard part, meeting him was easy because of my personality and drive to befriend people.
There’s no catch, I simply wanted a friendship. What other way can that happen other than getting to know who you are? Willie was no different from anyone else. He is a very special individual to me, but no different from the purpose or principle. An extremely humble and hard working man.
Four years later, we are still in contact. Willie has founded a non-profit that aims to help underprivileged kids in their communities. I give him a hard time about Oregon’s recent matchup with the Tar Heels, where we claimed the victory. But overall, I am proud to know Willie beyond who he was as an athlete.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/1A6eGgvHkr/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Jaeden Gordon 