Neurosurgery is a new challenge with each case. The preparation, the discipline, the technical skills and the need to perform at your very best under pressure provide the same adrenaline rush I had in football.
I'd hate to see the game I love go away because it is considered too dangerous and parents are scared to allow their kids to play.
As an NFL rookie, I had to buy meals for older guys. I appreciate hierarchy. I understand teamwork.
I spent three weeks lamenting, ruminating and praying because football had been part of my life since age 6. Then I moved on. I'm glad I always had another clear plan. Several of my FSU teammates did not and do not. It's hard to leave a sport that is embedded in you.
A lot of the same joy and adrenaline rush that I felt after making a good play or winning in football I feel now after a successful surgery.
I think I've worked hard for everything that's happened but I know I've had a lot of support from family, friends, and even at Florida State. My coaches and teammates have supported me in everything I've wanted to accomplish.
First I was still excited and elated about winning the Rhodes scholarship. That was an amazing feat. But then I put my iPod on and started listening to my pre-game music and started to switch my mind to football and was just hoping that the jet would land as quickly as possible so that I could get on the field and help my teammates win the game.
I listen to some rap music. I'm from the Bahamas so I like reggae as well. And then I slow it down with a little Frank Sinatra.
I'd love to play for the Philadelphia Eagles. I'm a South Jersey kid, and I was very excited when the Phillies won the World Series, and I'd like to stay home.
Seven years of neurosurgery is a big deal, something I wanted for a long time, really excited about it.
The first game I played against the University of Miami, I was very nervous - eyes wide open.
The Rhodes is something I've always really wanted. I would never have applied for it if I didn't really want to go. The opportunity to study at Oxford is amazing.
My main mission in life is to help people and use my God-given ability to impact the world. If playing in the NFL gives me a platform to advocate for the issues that are important to me, then let's do it.
Football has never left me. I still wake up in the morning and think of the operating room like a game, like it's showtime, let's perform.
I have not had tragic incidences in my life that have rocked my personal being. The thing that really has been my biggest enemy in this world has been pressure. And people. People who I love. People who look at me differently. The pressure is tough, man. I'm not gonna lie. It's the hardest part. Easily.
I think people align themselves with my way of thinking when they're talking to me. They try to create new avenues for me to pursue, so if you want to be a doctor and you have interest in human rights and philanthropy and social equality of medicine and disease, why don't you think about being surgeon general?
I don't want to be coddled.
How can you see that the pressure is getting to me? I think you can see me pull back more from the community around me.
If we all tried to make other people's paths easy, our own feet would have a smooth even place to walk on.
Silence and reserve will give anyone a reputation for wisdom.
Lots of people think they're charitable if they give away their old clothes and things they don't want.
The best bounce rapper ain't gonna be able to compete with Jay-Z, not on a major scale.
Lil Wayne'll make you wanna jump up, get three jobs, write a song, and do a movie!
I try to set trends.
Six years is a long time. To leave the fans with their hands in the air and to come back six years later, and the people still have their hands in the air, that's nothing but God. I'm standing in a position that's so humbling.
