Cut the cowhide into pointy ovals.

Sew the cut pieces inside out.

Steam them so they can be soft enough to turn.

Lace them precisely to throw tight spirals.

A football now has life.   

This unique object, when thrown the right way, spins in a motion like no other.

It travels through the air whistling to me right before I catch it.

And when I do, I am not just holding a football,

but an essential piece of my destiny that can spin my life around.

Football is a piece of my life that has allowed me to see NFL commissioner Rodger Goodell,

and travel to a plethora of places.

Therefore, I respect every part of it, the cowhide, the seams, and the laces.

If I leave it alone, it gets flat and becomes less hollow;

it is like my shadow: wherever I go it follows.

Football pushes me to work hard in the classroom as well as on the field;

I know in order to reach my dream I have to keep on working hard and never yield.

It helps me to stay on the right path and is my number one goal,

I know if I do all it requires of me, I can become a pro.

Every time I hear the letters N-F-L, it is a name I know can open many doors,

I would be able to help my family achieve their dreams and help those who are poor.

Witnessing how one person can help others,

and assist those that are less fortunate, will always be good news.

Becoming an NFL player will not only be for my benefit, but will allow me to help those in my shoes.

Making my dream a reality will allow me to do something I love and have a passion for,

but will also enable me to experience great things in life and to help others so much more.