Former NFL PLayer, Michael Gaines, joined me on the show this week! Born in Tallahassee, Florida, Michael spoke with me vividly about his childhood. A country boy at heart, Gaines grew up surrounded by his family. A loving and giving person, Gaines talked to me about times that he would work in the summer and give half of his money to homeless people.
Gaines had a love for sports at an early age. Devoted to basketball at first, the game of Hall of Famer, Jerome Bettis, quickly caught Michael’s attention and his interest turned to football. A superior athlete in high school, Michael was initially recruited by many schools for many different positions. Michael landed at the University of Alabama, hoping to fulfill his lifelong dreams of making it to the NFL. A turn came about, though, and the NCAA began investigating him. Not the best student and a struggling reader, Michael actually had someone take the ACT for him. The NCAA, already investigating the University of Alabama, focused on Michael, who had much higher ACT scores than they expected. Eventually, the tables began to turn on Michael, and the University suspended him from college, and almost simultaneously the NCAA banned Michael from ever playing college football again.
Over a course of time, these sanctions were dropped, and with a second chance, Michael took full advantage. Enrolling at the University of Central Florida, Michael quickly became a standout at the tight end position. Quickly, he was ready for the next step in his career, and Michael entered his name in the NFL Draft. Drafted in the seventh round by the Carolina Panthers, Michael felt very equipped for the job at hand. An already avid film watcher, Michael seemed ahead of his game, stepping out of his boundaries quickly.
Michael took advantage of life after football, beginning to pursue his passion for giving back to the community and became a motivational speaker. Michael also has a book out! Wrapping up, Michael told me he wants to be remembered for one thing: “I cared.” Michael cared about the people around him, he cared about serving his community, and he cared about making a name for himself. This was an episode that I enjoyed very much, since Michael is such a positive and uplifting person. I hope you enjoyed every second of this. God blessed everyone, thank you!
Follow all social medias @thedaylanshow!
Watch and subscribe on youtube @thedaylanshow
