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Tyrone Smith pictured with Director, Romana Curtis and Administrative Assistant, Melinda Blomquist of the Academy for Leader Development & Civic Engagement
"Tyrone Smith has poured his passion and commitment into servant leadership," said Ramona Curtis, the director for Leader Development and Civic Engagement at Baylor. Student’s were inspired by his captivating and empowering words! His program transforms lives for current and future success.”
Ramona Curtis, Director
Academy for Leader Development & Civic Engagement
Baylor University
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Hello Mr. Smith,
I just wanted to let you know that you had a great presentation and gave a great lecture. I truly admire what you are doing with the students and the program. I am a first generation college student myself, so I understand how nerve wrecking the first few steps of the college experience can be. I'm a sophomore but this is my first semester at Baylor.
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“When Tyrone Smith presented to Baylor students this fall, he spoke from his life experience—and he also drew on his background in sociology to explain the social problems that youth face today. As a sociology professor, I was so excited to hear a graduate of our department using sociological concepts to explain his work to our undergraduates. Tyrone Smith, thanks for encouraging youth to pursue their dreams—and for serving the cause of public sociology!”
Dr. Lydia Bean
Professor of Sociology
Baylor University
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Hi, I'm Josh Baker, a sophomore at Baylor University. Since I have been at Baylor I have attended a lot of speeches and I want you to know that I liked yours the most. Your speech was amazing. It was the first one I have attended that actually seemed to move me. When I left I felt inspired, motivated and ... I was filled with so many other emotions.
“Tyrone Smith: From NFL Player to “Bible Study” to Community Activist”
0 comments Posted by Making a difference today. at 4:51 PMFor the professional athlete, the thought of having a career ending injury is a nightmare. The idea that all the years of sacrifice and preparation to perform at the highest level ending because of something you can’t control would be unthinkable. The first thought is to curse God, get mad at the world, while at the same time thinking that their destiny and purpose has ended. For those athletes who aren’t mentally strong or don’t know what their life will be like outside of the sport they have training for, it can be particularly catastrophic. This was not the case for former San Francisco 49ers cornerback, Tyrone Smith.
In 1999, Smith broke the T-5 (Thoracic) vertebrae in his back (spinal column) while playing in NFL Europe. For some people, that incident would have broken their spirit, but through Smith’s brokenness, he found wholeness, peace of mind and found fulfillment in his true destiny.
“I truly believe that this is my purpose in life,” said Smith. “I believe we all are called to do something and my purpose in life is to make a difference in the lives of young people.” Smith is the co-founder, CEO and president of First and Goal, Inc. in Houston, Texas, a non-profit organization that focuses on youth. Smith teamed up with Derrick Harris (former NFL player for the San Diego Chargers and St. Louis Rams) and Darnell Walker (formerly with the 49ers) to start this organization 10 years ago and is celebrating their anniversary. “We wanted to create an organization that would be a life changer in the lives of young people, not just to put on football camps and sign autographs for kids,” said Smith. “That became the concept of First and Goal and it became an instrument to help provide the necessary tools, support and resources for young people to enrich and help put them in college and be an asset to society.”
Smith recognized the blessing it was to be a pro athlete and is honored to have an impact on thousands of children lives. “What a better way to do it (starting an organization) as a former NFL player to have a stage to draw kids in, but at the same time help give them some life application skills so they can make better decisions that will affect the world we live in today,” said Smith.
Smith’s football career began at WillowRidge High School in Missouri City, Texas. He experienced the naysayers from the beginning. “Growing up I had so many people that said I wasn’t going to do anything, be anything, wasn’t prepared or fast enough for college, and wasn’t good enough to play in the NFL, but ‘He’ believed in me,” said Smith.
After playing his collegiate ball and graduating from Baylor University, Smith signed as an undrafted free agent with the 49ers in 1996 and thru hard work not only made the roster but played for the franchise for three years. Smith went on sign to with the Washington Redskins in 1999 and reunited with his friend, defensive end Dana Stubblefield (who signed with the Redskins in 1997), but was cut right before the 53-man roster was set. The following year, Smith was injured and never returned to the field.
There are times when people are thinking they are walking in their destiny but find their true purpose through that pursuit. Smith earned his degree in sociology with a minor in social work while he was in San Francisco. He spoke to inmates at San Quentin California State Prison and worked in the 49ers Foundation. But it was in D.C. at the Redskins’ training camp when it ‘clicked’ for Smith as to what his purpose was. “I wasn’t upset (when he was cut), but it was critical for me,” said Smith. “We had bible study each evening after practice or training camp that Darrell Green (Redskin and NFL Hall of Fame great) would lead. The title of the bible study was called ‘Knowing your purpose’. Each day, Darrell talked about knowing your purpose and one thing he asked was when we all were in school, who loved going on field trips? All the guys raised their hands of course because everyone loves going on trips. Then Darrell said when you go on the trip, you get on the bus, you go on the trip, you came back to school, and eventually, you went home. Darrell said your purpose isn’t to be a professional football player (purpose for school is not to go on trips), your purpose is to do something greater than the game of football (go to school to be educated and prepare for life). You can have an injury, get cut or something can come up and cut your career short.”
Through Smith’s experiences and his foundation, he has had the pleasure of speaking at youth events, after school programs, sports camps/clinic/banquets, churches, school assemblies, community centers, and youth leadership conferences. Smith knows the importance of having a dream living in a negative environment. To have an opportunity to help young kids to have a vision is just as satisfying. “Although I was around negative influences, I was a dreamer,” said Smith. “This was a dream I actually had for myself (having a foundation). So I always wanted to create a program to help those kids who have a low esteem, help those kids to have a vision, push them into their purpose and be a difference maker for them.”
Smith’s passion to help inspire youth has already influenced his little nephew, Jonathan Smith, a junior at Towson University. “What Tyrone is doing is great and after having the experience this summer of working at a football camp inspired me,” said Jonathan. “Because of that and what Tyrone is doing in Texas, I know what I want to do for the rest of my life, helping kids. I will do my internship with him in his organization this year and hopefully next year.”
Smith’s uncle and father of Jonathan, lives in Baltimore, MD with his family, Jerry, Patricia and Jerry, Jr. (Jonathan’s older brother) Patricia Smith was diagnosed with cancer (mesothelioma), but through prayer and treatment, she is completely healed from the illness. It’s safe to say that the Smith family can endure and recover from anything.
Tyrone Smith has a great testimony of how to overcome when all things appear to be impossible. From negative surroundings to a career ending injury, Smith has a message for all NFL players and the world, a message he lives by and walk in.
“The advice I would give to all NFL players is the same advice I received from Darrell Green,” said Smith. “The NFL means the National Football League, he believed that as a player, you have to look at it as “NOT FOR LONG” because you are not guaranteed to play for long. You have to make the most out of the opportunities because you have to, at the same time, you will have another career after the NFL that will actually allow you to go further in life than the game of football.”
Written By: Barry Barnes
To read more articles from Barry Barnes, click on the dcms blog.
On May 12th I had the opportunity to be a guest panelist at a male minority initiative conference hosted by Houston Community College. We talked to the young men about life, being a man, success and obstacles while growing up. Based on everything that we had to say to the young men as examples of success and role models the biggest thing that they must realize is that change in life starts with the man in the mirror.
Journalist and News Anchor, Katishia Cosley Trigg made a tremendous contribution, and showed vast will power and determination when she raised money for First and Goal, Inc. programs by running in the Houston marathon. Here is her story:
THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE
Katishia Cosley Trigg
I am by no means an athlete. The closest I’ve ever been to athletic was my days as a high school cheerleader and even that is questioned by many as to whether or not it’s a true sport! So, a year ago, I set out in search of something to help motivate me to be more active. I’ve never loved running, but it has always helped me shed unwanted pounds.
Last January I ran my first-ever 5K. Crossing that finish line gave me such a feeling of accomplishment, I immediately signed up for another. Once three miles became too easy, I challenged myself to a 10K. Finishing those six miles, made me feel like I could do anything! That’s when I set out to accomplish the ultimate challenge- running a marathon.
The training schedule was rigorous. For about eight months I ran at least five days a week. For the first couple of months I trained with a running group to help get me on my way, but ended up doing most of the training on my own. I started out jogging three miles, gradually increasing the number every week until I was strong enough to endure 22 miles.
The week leading up to race day, I was quite nervous, wondering if I was prepared to finish the full 26 miles. My stomach was still in knots the day of the race, but I had to remain positive, believing in myself that I could do it. The weather turned out to be much hotter than predicted, reaching the mid-70’s, but I still managed to run non-stop for 20 miles. That’s when I hit, what runner’s call “the wall.” I thought, what in the world made me think I could run a marathon. I started walking. As quickly as the negative thoughts entered my mind, I forced myself to shut them out; realizing that it would only slow me down. My legs felt like lead; my feet were aching; every single step sent stings of pain through my body, but I couldn’t quit. I dug deep, and started jogging again, much slower, but still moving. Next thing I knew, I only had a mile and a half to go. I was almost there! My husband met me a mile 25 giving me that last bit of motivation I needed to finish strong.
It took me five hours and 21 minutes, but I did it! Me, the non-athlete- ran a marathon! I’ve always been told, ‘you can do whatever you put your mind to’ and ‘if you believe it you can achieve it.’ Powerful words that I’ve always tried to live by life by. Words that continue to ring true to this day. Running the marathon leaves me with no doubt that no matter what you’re faced with, no matter your circumstances – if you stay positive and believe with your heart, you can achieve your goals. You truly hold the keys to your own destiny. You may even surprise yourself and do something you never thought in your wildest dreams you could ever do.
I can’t take credit for accomplishing this challenge alone. I had dozens of friends and family cheering me on. Their support and encouragement not only helped me cross the finish line, but also created an opportunity to give back to Team First and Goal. Many of them contributed a dollar or more for every mile I completed. Making us winners all the way around.
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We would like to thank Katishia for her effort and here time for a making a difference in the lives of today's youth. We truly appreciate all of the sponsors that help support Katishia and their donations to help support First and Goal, Inc. programs.
Tyrone Smith
President
First and Goal, Inc.
The presentation was filled with energy, excitement and enlightenment about living filled with purpose and a willingness to succeed.
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I felt the speech was true to have success in your life.
Brandon Brown
Tyrone Smith, I felt that it was very well presented and very well said.
Cordera Thomas
Jomal Walker
I thought that Tyrone Smith speech was inspiring it was awesome how he took time off for what he was doing to better us.
Tyrone Smith’s speech was very entertaining yet very educational. I really enjoyed it and learned a lot from it.
Tatiyani Robinson
Kandy Stripe Academy - Leadership and Character Education Development
0 comments Posted by Making a difference today. at 3:29 PM
First and Goal, Inc. was awarded an ASI Residency Funding Grant by CASE, Cooperative for After-School Enrichment - Harris County Department of Education for the spring and summer 2008. The program at Kandy Stripe Academy focused on leadership, character education, youth violence prevention and community outreach.
Houston Endowment, Inc.
