Expert: Thom Brooks - 10/1/2009

Question
I am currently 24 years old.  I am 6'8" and roughly 450 lbs.  Everywhere I go I always have people asking me if I am a football player because of my build.  I have been working in a fast paced automotive service center for the last 4 years full time and am in decent shape for my build.  Is there any hope left for me to find a viable football career?   If so I would like some information on how to get the ball rolling.  I feel like I made the wrong choice by not playing at a younger age but don't want to give up.  I feel I could be a vital asset to any team due to my build alone.  Any information would be appreciated regardless positive or negative.  Thanks.

Answer
Bill, hello!  You have got to pursue your dreams.  You are at a disadvantage.  The younger people may be quicker than you.  You do not have the knowledge and experience that years of playing ball brings to the fiel.  
You may not be as durable as some.  You may get injured because of age, inexperience and lack of mobility.

With those negatives, it would be difficult for a college to allow you to join.  Now, what about your positives?
You're a big man but can you move?  Are you football smart?  Can you play with injury?  How much desire do you have, halfway through a game, when another big stud has been Sumo Wrestling you for an hour?  If you do not have a total committment of "Want To" , you will not last long.  

How cool are you under Fire?  How do you rate your Leadership skills?  Can you calm the younger guys in a pressing situation?  

Bill, you need to find out if you can do it.  Contact the colleges where you'd like to play.  They will give you advice about the grade requirements, Try Out times, etc.  The coaches and scouts will meet with you when the NCAA rules allow.

If you elect to try out for a Semi Pro football League, you will need to contact your local sports people on TV and Newspapers.  They will give you the phone numbers for the League office.  If you know of any college or Semi Pro players, then talk to them and they will help you gain an audience.

Your size will probably lead you to be an Offensive Lineman, maybe Defensive.  In practice, you will firm up and maybe drop some pounds, but you will need to build yor legs.  Knee injuries would be common with big men especially in the Free Blocking Zone.  

Remember, if a major college does not think you qualify, you can certainly get on a team in Division II, Div-III, or even Junior College.  If you're good, you will be noticed.  The NFL may even come calling if you are one of those special players!  

So, heck no.  It ain't too late to play ball.  Get your big ol' self out there this week.  Let me know which team you play for ao I can pull for you!!






Take Care,

Thom Brooks
BrooksInsuranceSchool.com

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