I remember when Notre Dame’s running back Chris Smith was coming up for the NFL Draft. It felt like all eyes were on him. Everyone in the sports world and even outside of it wanted to know what team was going to get him. He was a man of immense talent and potential and his progress in college had made everyone see that.
I was excited for Chris and couldn’t wait to find out his future. We all wanted a fairy tale ending and for him to be the number one pick. However, as the draft courses it eventually took a different route. With mixed feelings, I watched as he fell from the number one pick to the 5th. It took all of my strength not to wallow in sadness, but to be there and support my friend.
I was proud of him and the strength he showed and knew he was about to get even better. On the day of the draft I got a call from Chris...he was thrilled! He had been taken by the New York Jets and thanked me for always his loyalty. His excitement was contagious and so was mine! I was ecstatic to know that one of my closest friends had made it to the NFL and that his dreams were about to become a reality.
It’s been several years since he was drafted and now Chris is regarded as one of the most accomplished running backs in the league. Seeing how far he has come fills me with pride, it’s like he had always known he was destined for greatness and therefore believed in himself.
He can always rely on his family and friends, of course, but Chris knew what he was capable of before anyone else saw it. No matter how far and wide they were seeking he was always looking to make a name for himself, and in that I find true inspiration.
He has never once taken his foot off the pedal and that is why I love him so much. He enters every game with a fire and dedicates every game to perfection in his own way. No matter the odds he always seems to find a way to shine above the rest and that is why he is one of the world’s top running backs.
Chris is an example of how determination and passion can lead to success, and I am so honored to call him my friend. He is one of those people who can inspire many of us to reach our dreams, and that’s what makes him so special.