My part was inviting and hosting a Q & A with two good friends, former Gophers quarterback Tanner Morgan and Deventri Jordan, an NFL and NBA performance coach.
Their insights and stories were powerful. Deventri spoke about overcoming childhood adversity and trusting God’s plan:
"“I’m not a victim of what I’ve been through — I know where I’m going," he told the athletes. "Just because you’re not where you want to be now, doesn’t mean you can’t go where you want to go.”
Morgan broke down Gophers coach P.J. Fleck's "Row the Boat" philosophy, encouraged athletes to seek an identity beyond their sports performance, and instill key habits.
"You all have influence. How you use that influence will depend on how much impact you have," Morgan said. "Your choice is: Do you want to have a positive impact on your teammates, your city, your community? Or steer people toward bad habits?”
The players also heard from both head coaches, the Police Chief, and they played some games.
"Social media is really doing a deal for these kids," Hodges said. "So for me to get ’em in a room where they actually get across from each other and see how reality is, versus what it’s like on the digital side.”
Mission accomplished.
