For me, the number represented toughness both physically and mentally. It is difficult to express how important this number is to me. As a player, I took pride in everything I did. Not for my teammates, not for my coaches, but for me. It just turns out the way I did it was by being a leader, being coachable, and playing unselfish. I wasn't the greatest, but the last thing I wanted was to not compete and dominate. It hurt like hell physically. I played every play like it was my last. Using my lack of confidence and feeling of not being good enough fueled me.
Now comes "The 44". It's a mindset, attitude, leave it out there mentality. Almost an F you attitude. Most guys with that number play a certain way. Not the most gifted or blessed. The 44 means something much bigger. With that number, you are representing every player that has ever worn it. Google "jersey number 44".
The high school football field is where I felt confident and invincible. All of my insecurities would disappear and I felt normal. Luckily for me, diabetes didn't hold me back too much. My parents never allowed it to be an excuse.
Attitude is everything. Conquer, destroy, break diabetes!
