Being able to make a living playing the sport you love is something people dream about as little kids. Getting your passions and talents to align with your livelihood is an amazing testament to the amount of hard work, dedication, and perseverance required over time. Many greats have risen in football and some are regarded as the greatest of all time after setting unimaginable records. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on Emmitt Smith, the NFL’s best running back who had a legendary career.

The University of Tennessee’s live mascot, Smokey XI, recently retired due to his reserved temperament that made him uncomfortable in public settings. It was reported that he had trained for two years in order to deal with the rambunctious demands of an SEC football program that ranged from attending packed games to making appearances and interacting with fans. While the story is a funny one on the surface, it really serves as a deeper reminder that unfortunately, you can’t force yourself to fit into a square that wasn’t designed for you.