Former NFL player brings message of encouragement to Scott City High School

Setting goals, believing in themselves and avoiding poor choices were a few of the messages given to Scott City High School students Wednesday by former NFL linebacker Devon McDonald.

McDonald, president and CEO of Sports World Ministries, is in town to speak at several area schools this week. Before an audience of 215 students seated on the gym bleachers, McDonald spoke about his childhood, from spending his formative years in Jamaica to growing up in New Jersey, discovering football and having a younger brother shot and killed.

McDonald's twin brother, Ricardo, also played as a linebacker in the NFL. McDonald started playing for Eastside High School in Paterson, New Jersey, whose principal was Joe Clark, subject of the Morgan Freeman movie "Lean On Me."

Initially, the football coach was Chris Olsen. But after he was fired, McDonald met with the new coach, Barry Rosser, who asked him where he thought he'd be in five years. McDonald said he would go to a major college, get an education and play in the NFL.

Rosser told McDonald it wouldn't happen. McDonald didn't disrespect the coach, but he disagreed. McDonald decided to move to a rival school, Kennedy High School, where he played as linebacker. He chose to wear No. 44, the same as Brian "The Boz" Bosworth, also a linebacker, who was one of the best at the time.

McDonald said his Kennedy team finished with a 0-8-1 record his junior year and he decided to take responsibility. He told his coach the losing record was his fault, so McDonald took the team on his shoulders and they went on to a 10-0 record and a state championship.

McDonald went on to earn a bachelor's degree in American studies from the University of Notre Dame and to play pro football. He wanted to reach the NFL to make money, in part, because he thought it meant happiness.

But he met fellow Colts player Steve Grant, who told McDonald that Jesus Christ had made a difference in his life and it was possible to be married and happy. Since then, McDonald has given up drinking and married Sports World's chief operating officer, Shereasher McDonald. They have two daughters, Jazzmine and Rachel.

He told students they reap what they sow, so if they're a bully, that will come back on them -- maybe not right away, but it will.

He also urged students to let an adult know if they're dealing with bullying or any other serious issue.

Bob Nations of National Bros. Auto Electric has brought Sports World speakers to area schools for years.

"We're really fortunate in Southeast Missouri to have this program," Nations said. "This will be our 32nd outreach. There hasn't been an area more covered than Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois."

Scott City High School principal Mike Johnson said the school has hosted Sports World speakers for at least a decade.

"I thought the message was sincere and right on the money for these children," Johnson said. "You can never go wrong with just the reminder of what the outcomes are of making poor choices, and good choices on the other side of that. I was really happy with the student body. I thought they were attentive, and hopefully that [the message] sinks in. It's one of those things that if it just affects two or three students, it's worthwhile."

rcampbell@semissourian.com

388-3639

Pertinent address: 3000 Main St., Scott City