As a Raider fan I want JaMarcus Russell to succeed because it would finally give us stability in a position that we have lacked for many years. I want him to succeed because I know if he reaches his potential he is capable of doing big things with his talent.
Perhaps one of the biggest reasons I want him to succeed is because I can relate to him. Not only because we are the same age, but because we both possess a lot of talent and potential in our own respective careers.
I started at 21 but was too young to appreciate what it really meant. I went through two different "Coaches" and it took me time to adjust to each ones "game plan". I lost an important motherly figure in my life and it took me away from my "game" because it was my first loss like that.
While I wish everything would have clicked for me back then, I am somewhat grateful it didn't. The failures I went through and criticism I received made me stronger and I learned from my mistakes.
Today I am in a far better position than I was before, I am surrounded by better talent and my limitations are few.
I wrote a poem this morning to tell my story, and I know it can help and motivate others. Will Russell ever read it? I don't know, but I hope somebody does.
My Story
I’ve spent my whole life listening to people tell me what I could and couldn’t do,
People were setting my limitations for me, setting up road blocks I wouldn’t get through
Judged because I prayed different, I talked different and I didn’t look the same.
Had I bought into all the negativity, I would only have myself to blame.
To thos...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
