On January 31, 2025, a warm evening in Mobile, Alabama I pulled onto a street that was being prepped to be littered with senior college athletes for the 2025 Senior Day Parade. The Mardi Gras styled parade rolled down the street throwing beads from floats and being ushered by the street styled jazz bands. But that isn't the reason that I an am in town. I'm headed to The Battle House Renaissance Hotel to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Franklin Primary Health Center Inc.
Franklin Primary Health Center Inc. has been a staple in Mobile for the Black community at times where affordable healthcare was not an option. Its founders recognized the need for quality health care in the underserved Davis Avenue community (now Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue community). for the last 43 years, the current CEO, Mr. Charles White has taken the small community clinic and transformed it into 26 locations, 285 employees, and the ability to see over 40,000 patients a year. Metaphorically, he took the ball and ran with it. It only seems right to have the keynote speaker of this ceremony be someone who kows how to do the same. Hall of Fame NFL running back Emmitt Smith.
The hotel ballroom is dimly lit and looks to expect all of the city to join them for dinner. 400 empty chairs are ready to be occupied by the beaurifully dressed and ecstatic health professionals, sponsors, and community members standing in the vestibule enjoying cocktail hour while a video speaking to the impact of "Franklin" is playing in the background. The smiles are wide, the joy is evident, and the purpose seems fulfilled.
Ballerinas come in first and start warming up on the stage. Their routine has clearly been rehearsed. As they are doing toe points to take photos. A chior is blocking the stage and warming up. There's a group of young men who are members of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated youth group Alpha Elite, walking around the gallery making sure everyone has what they need. As the guests are ushered into the ballroom to begin the ceremony and dinner, I'm in the gally speaking to the Alpha advisor about the program, I’m tapped on the shoulder by the events coordinator and planner Jennifer King, Owner of ICME Events, Marketing, and Branding, “Emmitt is on his way up, let me take you to the room where you'll do your interview before he begins to be pulled in multiple directions."
Now, let me start with saying I'm a 80's baby and a HUGE Bo Jackson fan. Like many, I've never been a fan of the Cowboys...(laughing) they were always the team to cheer against. As I've matured in life, I understand that our rivals are only our rivals becuse their talent challenges ours. Emmitt Smith was a force to be reckoned with. Emmitt and I walk into the room at the same time. He's dressed in a crisp dark gray suit, fresh white shirt and a clean pair of black and white, patent leather Jordan XI. For anyone who is not a sneakerhead, just undersand that the mans shoe game is a flex. we of course do the plesantries and the vibe is felt...this is about to be a great conversation.
Emmitt Smith's journey is not just about his career as a legendary NFL player but offers deep insights into resilience and personal growth within the realms of sports, health, and financial responsibility. From his early days in the physically demanding environment of professional football to his thoughtful approach to health and wealth management, Emmitt's story is both inspiring and instructional. Another reason that having someone who has put their body through wear and tear on the football field is an ideal person to promote healthy living and medical necessity to a community that leans towards skepticism with the healthcare industry.
During his era, the NFL posed significant challenges marked by heightened physicality—an environment where the risk of injury was always present. Despite these daunting aspects, Emmitt notes that he never sensed fear from his family, particularly from his parents, about his decision to pursue a career in football. A vivid memory he shared involved being knocked out during a Thanksgiving game.
Upon regaining consciousness in the locker room, his mother’s response was unwavering and supportive. “My mom said, ‘Get back up, put your uniform back on, and go back out there and play.’ That was the kind of mother I had,” Emmitt recounts. This moment was illustrative of the steadfast encouragement and belief his family instilled in him, serving as a foundational element in his resilience and drive.
Despite navigating the physical demands of his sport, Emmitt faced significant health challenges over his career. A notable instance was the recurring hamstring issues before the 1995 season, prompting a deep dive into understanding his body more profoundly. Returning to the University of Florida, Emmitt engaged in rigorous offseason training, focusing specifically on strengthening and preparing his body to overcome the previous year's injuries. This preparation was as much about mental fortitude as it was physical readiness. It was a transformative experience that led him to cross paths with a chiropractor who identified an imbalance in his hips—a revelation that addressed the root cause of his injuries.
"The right dude, the right specialist changed everything for me," he reflects. This encounter not only solved his immediate health concerns but also illuminated the critical importance of specialized care and body awareness, which became an integral part of his maintenance routine. Emmitt's commitment to exploring beyond standard protocols exemplifies his dedication to sustaining peak performance, highlighting a proactive mindset that favored innovation and understanding over complacency.
Emmitt carried these health principles beyond his football tenure, embracing a holistic lifestyle approach that included vitamins, minerals, and well-being practices aimed at balancing mind, body, and soul. His view on holistic health transcends athletics, emphasizing the broader implications of maintaining balance and awareness in one's life decisions and practices—a testament to the long-term benefits of making informed and intentional choices.
Financial wisdom is another area where Emmitt offers compelling insights, particularly concerning the influx of substantial financial resources to young athletes through NIL deals. His perspective reveals a nuanced understanding of the potential pitfalls surrounding newfound wealth. Emmitt underscores the crucial need for financial literacy, emphasizing education as a vital tool to safeguard these young athletes' futures. "If you’re going to give kids millions of dollars right now... Why not educate them on how to protect it and manage it?" he questions. This insight underscores a strategic approach to wealth, cautioning against the dangers of financial mismanagement, and encouraging proactive stewardship.
As we begin to wrap up, I keep Emmitt Mic'd while we begin walking to the ballroom for him to deliver his message to the crowd. We both laugh because, much like my interviewing style, Emmitt does not take notes on stage for his inspirational speaking. He says God has always directed him, and will continue to direct him. His job is to tell his story, give God the glory, and let the people know they're not going through life alone.
I swap out my mic for the event mic, and the video of Emmitt's highlights begin to play on the screen as he peeks through the doors of the ballroom. There doesnt seem to be any nervous energy. Instead, excitement, and readiness. Emmitt turns back and in pure "end of movie" style says "every time, it's like going through the tunnel and onto the field." He hears his name, the applause begins, and he walks to the front of the ballroom and onto the stage with a bottle of water and full confidence.
From his unwavering determination on the field to his proactive health and financial strategies, Emmitt Smith's journey is a masterclass in resilience and conscious living. His story extends beyond sports, offering valuable lessons on perseverance, adaptation, and holistic balance. It serves as a blueprint for young athletes and individuals alike, demonstrating that success is a multifaceted pursuit that thrives on understanding, foresight, and unwavering commitment to improving oneself continuously.
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