My Day with Andre

[AshlandTomcat41]

About 5 weeks ago I sent a football to a signing event for Andre to autograph. With the football I wrote a letter inviting Andre to speak to my 6th grade students. Unbelievably a representative of his called me the very next day! He told me Andre would love to come and talk to my students and also wanted to set up an autograph appearance in Ashland. So I spent the next few weeks rounding up sponsors to help pay for the event. I decided to donate all the proceeds from the autograph session to the Ashland Putnam Stadium Restoration Foundation. I'm on the committee that is currently trying to raise money to help rejuvinate Ashland's historic Putnam Stadium.

So today was the day, and I must say that Andre FAR exceeded any expectations I had. He spoke to my students about the importance of education, hard work, and respect. He spoke and answered questions for around 20 minutes and then signed autographs for my kids. It is something they/I/we will never ever forget.

During the signing event Andre made sure to give each person and personal experience. He was so polite, talkative, and friendly to EVERYONE. What he did for Kentucky Football is something we will all never forget, but what he did today for my kids is what is really important. I certainly wish NFL scouts followed him around today. Because the traits he displayed as a person should be what they are all looking for in a QB.

I have no doubt Andre will go on to a very blessed life both during and after his NFL career. He certainly has a lot of good karma coming his way.

[Ukosumu]

Great post. Thanks for sharing.:thumbup:
Andre thanks for representing the university with such class.:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

[bellbrass]

Great story! Thanks for sharing that.....and, I'm not surprised at all to hear this about #3. :) This is the fellow who, after beating UL and LSU, went to hug his mom first and then celebrate later.
After the off-field behavior of a few NFL players recently, character is something the NFL coaches may consider a bit more now than in the past.

[UedK]

I was at a spring practice two seasons ago when Andre was in the throws of loosing his starting job to Pulley. The fans, the press, the coaches, it seemed like everyone was as down on him as they possibly could be.

After practice he stopped and knelled down to talk to a young kid that was there with his dad. He had a sparkle in his eye and a huge smile on his face. He chatted with the kid for for a long time one on one. I left that day feeling that Andre was a very special person and over the past 24 months I have been reminded that he really is.

I think Andre will be fine. He has always had his doubters and probably always will. He will make his own way and I have no doubt that he will be a success in anything he does in the future.

[poodoo]

During the signing event Andre made sure to give each person and personal experience. He was so polite, talkative, and friendly to EVERYONE. What he did for Kentucky Football is something we will all never forget, but what he did today for my kids is what is really important. I certainly wish NFL scouts followed him around today. Because the traits he displayed as a person should be what they are all looking for in a QB.

I have no doubt Andre will go on to a very blessed life both during and after his NFL career. He certainly has a lot of good karma coming his way.

SO NEAT, and thanks for sharing. :)

Too, :thumbup::thumbup: to Andre, but I'm not at all surprised. The young man you describe is the same young man we WCN ladies met at the women's clinic. Yes, he's special, and he should indded be most successful in life, both in the NFL and beyond. :) Good luck, again, to Andre and all of our special seniors.

[Gunsmoke]

Thanks for sharing Tom. What a great story. :thumbup: