It’s a tale as old as time that likely won’t stop any time soon: A hot-shot high school prospect realizes a bulk of success in college, and pretty soon sees their draft prospect rise as a career in the pro’s starts to take shape.
While said athlete is honing his craft and readying to compete at the next level, family members from across the nation or world start calling, trying to get close to their long-lost relatives who are about to cash in on a million-dollar pay day. Be it for reasons that are heartfelt or malintent, the story is not new to us.
However, for former Oregon Ducks left tackle Penei Sewell, it was the young and talented athlete that was reaching out to the extended branches of his family tree, looking for any advice that might help him succeed at the next level.
“It was really just me,” Sewell said to USA TODAY. “And to really lock in more on that and to come day in and stay true to a routine was a little difficult at first. Right then and there, I wanted to go back to the people I trust, the people I talk to. So I started off with that, and then from there on, they went to my uncles, and it was like a family tree asking for help and asking for advice. So again, going back to the foundation I had – the discipline.”
Sewell grew up in a military household, so discipline and routine are a big part of his making. With that comes a strong sense for family, and a respect for the experiences that have been lived, and advice for where that could take you.
If Sewell can combine all of that, on top of the amazing physical attributes that he brings to the football field, the rest of the league needs to be put on notice.
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