This blog I sat down with Atlanta Falcons cornerback Darrin Walls (follow @DWalls2nd). Darrin grew up in Garfield which is on the eastside of Pittsburgh, PA. I asked Darrin some general questions, things ranging from who his favorite NFL player was growing up to asking if his friends changed since his introduction to the league. Growing up in the same neighborhood as Darrin I can peronsally relate to his struggle of growing up but for those that don't you'll have a better understanding after this interview.
Enjoy the interview and please comment and give feedback!
So how is that NFL life treating you?
The NFL life is great. During the season we have a hectic, long schedule. We basically working non-stop from August to January and some teams go into February. But that's the life we live. Now that we are in the offseason, it gives us a chance to get away from the same some, travel, and go back home to spend time with family.
Did you always know you'll make it to the league or did you have doubts at some point?
Honestly, I always had dreams of playing in the MLB or the NFL. Baseball was my first sport I fell in love with. I knew I would go further in Baseball. Once I focused on Football in high school, and became a top recruit, I started to see that I could possibly make it. Going to a high-school that has the most NFL players in the league from one school, most people told me that I would make it. And others doubted me. In college, I had an up and down career. Most people have written me off after my junior season. But with my trust in God, family support and my coaches pushing me everyday, I never lost faith or doubted myself because they were telling me I could make it. I just had to believe that myself, and make it happen. Thats just what I did.Coming from the hood what kept you motivated to keep going knowing there were negative things and people in your area?
When you come from the hood, most kids do not have a father figure in their life. I am a fortunate kid, not only did I have mother who supported me, I had my father there as well where most kids do not have that. They are the main reasons why I stayed motivated. There were many negative influences in the hood that kids can fall in to. I was different. I never really followed the crowd. Having the parents that I had, they taught me well. And of course, the peer pressure was there and the negative things came around, but my dad always told me not to do anything that would embarrass him, my family, or myself. That stuck in the back of my mind, all the time. Negative people! I've heard people say, "he's not gonna make it", "he isn't good enough", "blah blah blah". They are everywhere, but those are people I do extra reps for. Those are the people who I go out to prove wrong. I want to let my actions and my play speak for me, but I love to prove people wrong.What was the first thing you bought with you first NFL check?
LOL… The first thing I purchased with my first check was a Louis Vuitton wallet. I been wanting this wallet for years now. But my first major purchase was my new BMW! Coming from PGH and making it out, have any of your friends changed the way they look at you?
You know, I've heard from certain people that "I have changed". Those people that say that, have no idea of the demands I take on while playing in the NFL. Our schedule is hectic and I do not talk to those people as much for that reason. I may have better things than I had before, but I have changed. Not in a bad way, not all change is bad. So I think those people who really do not know what goes on in my life say I change, so I feel as if they change or treat me a little different. However, when we speak about my core friends, they look at me the same. We may not speak as much, or see each other as much as we did, but they know me. They been there and through it with me, so they understand and our friendship remains the same. People think that I have tons of money because I'm in the NFL! NOT TRUE! LOLYes, the life is better, but I do not get paid like the top tier players. Although, the goal is to get there!Growing up who was you favorite player in the NFL and have you met him?
My favorite player growing up was Charles Woodson. To this day, he is still my favorite player. I have not met him yet, however we played Green Bay this year, and after the game I was tempted to way up to him and introduce myself. I thought about it and chose not to, LOL What artist do you listen to before a game to get prepared?
I have a weird ritual. Before games, I have a playlist. A bunch of hype music. Lil Wayne, Ace Hood, Rick Ross, Wale, T.I., Jeezy, and Future to name some. However, after we come back in the locker room, I switch the flip and put on gospel. I try to calm myself down before the game so that I'm not too hype. Gospel music calms me down and puts the confidence, faith and belief in me that I know I have to go out and perform. God got me this far, and listening to music that praises him confirms that this is where I need to be.What words of advice do you have for the youth who were once in your shoes and have a dream of going to the NFL?
It's easy to get caught up in the surroundings we are brought up in. But do not be like the people who are doing drugs, not going to class, or being the class clown. Those people are the ones who's life would be so much better if they did not do those things. Do not be afraid to be great or be different. There is nothing wrong with going to class, getting good grades. That is what you are supposed to do. Set realistic goals for yourself. Do not let anyone tell you what you can and can not do. Break the cycle. Be the first at something. Do not do the minimum, do extra. There are many people just like you, but what will you do to separate yourself from the rest. Last, but the most important, put your trust and faith in God, because without him you would no make it anywhere. He is the reason for our success and give him praise through the ups and downs because he will get you through it all! Please support Darrin Walls by buying his jersey and supporting the Atlanta Falcons. No need to hate on a man that's following his dreams and trying to make a better life for him and his family. Pittsburgh is filled with too much hate as is so please support your local artists, businesses, and anyone trying to make a positive impact on the city.
Follow me @Rell_Mac and please @ me with you comments and also follow @DWalls2nd
Yall be cool and be safe as well! And also remember #PghSupportPgh because we can't all make it to the top without some help!
Here's some highlights of Darrin's college career at The University of Notre Dame
Written by Rell Mac (@Rell_Mac)
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