What was your childhood like in West Blocton? Were you athletic?
I started playing football in 10th grade. Between 10th and 12th, I played football, basketball and baseball.
I have two older sisters, and my middle sister was the athlete. I wanted to follow in her footsteps. And it got me out of the house. But my mother was a preacher, so church came first, then practice. My father has been a coal miner for more than 25 years.
How did you get drafted?
During senior year, the coach at Stillman College offered me a scholarship to play football. I said no at first. I didn’t want to go to Stillman. My mom made the decision for me, and I’m glad she did. I studied health and education. I was preparing to enter the workforce, but then the scouts showed up. I was drafted in April 2009 for the Detroit Lions. I played with them until 2013, then I signed with the Titans and played with them until 2016.
How did you feel when you got drafted?
I felt ...like any man from a small country town would feel: like I was going somewhere I had never dreamed of going. There were no words — I dropped to my knees and thanked God. It was mostly his doing.
My mom was at home when I got the call from Detroit. My parents jumped for joy. I think I was just in shock.
So your mom wasn’t scared of you going out into the world?
She knew at that point what kind of man I was. She and my dad had known since I was about 16. They raised me right.
What are your fondest memories from the NFL?
That’s a loaded question. [Laughs.] Being able to play against people who changed the face of the game: Tom Brady, Aaron Rogers. There’s only one moment that truly mattered in any game — blocking the field goal for the team. And the camaraderie. Today I’m going to Arkansas for a friend’s birthday. He played for the Lions too. Plenty of fond memories.
How has life been since retirement in 2017?
Wherever I went in life, I knew I’d come back home. It’s a small town — everyone is either a cousin or distant kin. But honestly, once I got to Tennessee, it was almost the same as being home.
So Detroit was pretty different?
Oh yeah. No shame on Tennessee, but I loved Detroit. It has so many beautiful places. The media has put out a false narrative about the city, but I feel it’s on the verge of doing for itself what Nashville has done. It’s up and coming.
I felt ...like any man from a small country town would feel: like I was going somewhere I had never dreamed of going. There were no words — I dropped to my knees and thanked God.