SoonerofAlabama
5/21/2011, 01:47 PM
Video on there: http://www.kfor.com/news/local/kfor-former-sooner-nfl-star-comes-home-to-give-back-20110520,0,6194565.story
OKLAHOMA CITY -- NFL football player and Sooner legend Gerald McCoy delivered an inspirational message to Oklahoma City students Friday afternoon. McCoy was in town to give to the students, and it was about more than money.
For the students at Southeast High School, it started like any other assembly.
Then McCoy made his surprise sensational entrance, playing snare drum with the Thunder drumline.
He was back at his high school alma matter where he played football and played in the band, to talk a little bit about the rhythm of life.
McCoy says, "Regardless of what you go through, you can make it."
His main message was focus, not fear.
He says that, and hard work, will bring big results.
Then things got even more serious.
As McCoy spoke about the death of his teammate from OU, Austin Box, he asked the kids to always make good decisions.
McCoy says, "It's dear to my heart and it hurts to talk about. He doesn't get to make any more choices. You never know what's going to happen or when it's going to happen so you need to take advantage of all your opportunities while you've got them."
Getting things back into a spirited mood, McCoy took advantage of his opportunities and donated four bass drums to the school.
He also donated band uniforms which is big deal since the band hasn't had new ones since the '60s.
He says, "With the band being one of my passions, I decided to kick in a little bit."
McCoy says this is just the beginning.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneer's appearance proving the only one who can hold you back, is yourself.
He says, "Look I'm here. I'm here and I did it, so you guys can too."
McCoy and the Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools plan to expand the donations and give to each Oklahoma City high school in the future.
OKLAHOMA CITY -- NFL football player and Sooner legend Gerald McCoy delivered an inspirational message to Oklahoma City students Friday afternoon. McCoy was in town to give to the students, and it was about more than money.
For the students at Southeast High School, it started like any other assembly.
Then McCoy made his surprise sensational entrance, playing snare drum with the Thunder drumline.
He was back at his high school alma matter where he played football and played in the band, to talk a little bit about the rhythm of life.
McCoy says, "Regardless of what you go through, you can make it."
His main message was focus, not fear.
He says that, and hard work, will bring big results.
Then things got even more serious.
As McCoy spoke about the death of his teammate from OU, Austin Box, he asked the kids to always make good decisions.
McCoy says, "It's dear to my heart and it hurts to talk about. He doesn't get to make any more choices. You never know what's going to happen or when it's going to happen so you need to take advantage of all your opportunities while you've got them."
Getting things back into a spirited mood, McCoy took advantage of his opportunities and donated four bass drums to the school.
He also donated band uniforms which is big deal since the band hasn't had new ones since the '60s.
He says, "With the band being one of my passions, I decided to kick in a little bit."
McCoy says this is just the beginning.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneer's appearance proving the only one who can hold you back, is yourself.
He says, "Look I'm here. I'm here and I did it, so you guys can too."
McCoy and the Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools plan to expand the donations and give to each Oklahoma City high school in the future.