Acknowledgements

I’m most gracious to my Heavenly Father for not only inspiring me to write this book but also giving me the opportunity to spread the gospel.  It is an honor and privilege to have Jesus working in my life and continuing to develop my spiritual potential.  Without Him, I would be lost.

To my beautiful and caring wife, Tiffany, you have been my everything from day one and everyday just keeps getting better.  God has truly blessed me with an angel that I will cherish forever.  Your support and encouragement are second to none.  You are a wonderful mother and my best friend who without a doubt has the coldest hands and feet this side of the Mason-Dixie Line.   

To my children, Mason, Trevor and Marina, watching you grow up has been a blessing and has motivated me to make a difference for the younger generation.  Your constant energy, love and bright smiles remind me of how God wants us to come to Him with a childlike faith and excitement.  

To my mother and father, your strong support and encouragement throughout my high school and collegiate football career were a crucial element to my success.  I count myself very fortunate to have been raised in such a loving family. 

To my brother Ricardo and his wife Rachel, it was wonderful getting to grow up with a younger brother that I have always had a special relationship with throughout our upbringing.  I have always admired you for serving our country in the Army and loving the Lord in all you do.  Thank you Rachel for doing an incredible job with the cover image!    

To Ron and Sandy Milner, for giving me your daughter’s hand in marriage and welcoming me into your family with open arms.  Thanks for all your love and support.

To Coach Bob Lake, your love and enthusiasm for high school football was contagious.  Thank you for all the hard work you did sending out game film to colleges and giving me the best possible chance of getting a full scholarship in college football.

To the late Coach Ray Dorr, your constant encouragement and love for your recruits made committing to Kentucky a decision I have never regretted.  You will be missed but never forgotten.

To Coach Bill Curry, you taught me how to relate football to life, and it has helped mold me into the person I am today.  You were the wisest coach I have ever had and your commitment to academic excellence changed countless lives off the football field.

To Bob Bradley, you took me under your wing at Kentucky and made time in your hectic schedule to be my mentor.  I will always cherish the sit-down discussions we had about academics and finances in your office.

To Dr. Pat Cronin, you are certainly a person I aspire to be more like as I grow closer to God.  Your powerful sermons on God’s word inspire me every week to reach out farther to the lost world.  You are not only a good friend but also my spiritual mentor.

To Dr. Doris Henderson, the light of the Lord shines in all you do at Friendly Avenue Baptist Church.  You welcomed Tiffany and me with open arms when we first attended FABC, and five years later you are still a dear friend.  Thank you for doing a fantastic job editing my book.   

To Chris Williams, you inspired me to pursue a full scholarship in college football and took the time to be nice to a small child.  If there were more role models like you, this world would be a better place.

A special thanks to Bob Lake, Dr. Pat Cronin, Dr. Doris Henderson, Bill Curry, Johnny Shelton, Lee Pena Jr., Rob Oviatt, Joe Federspiel, Ed Welch, Jack Morris, Chris Williams, Tiffany Viera, Pamela Viera, Donna May, Sandy Milner, Mildred Cox, Karen Dorr and Bryan Swerbinsky for taking the time to review my book and providing me with your insight and knowledge.  You have all played an integral role in helping mold this book into a useful and life-changing story for student athletes, coaches and parents.