Tyrone Smith - 24/365 Web Blog

Realizing Your Purpose

2009-11-24T16:14:00.009-06:00

On October 28th Tyrone Smith had the opportunity to speak to students and staff at Baylor University Academy for Leader Development & Civic Engagement, Leadership in Contemporary Social Issues. It was truly special for Mr. Smith to go back to Baylor University where he graduated in May of 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology. Tyrone Smith has taken the outstanding leadership skills that he possesses, and developed programs to help others learn the secrets to successful leadership. As co-founder of First and Goal, to become leaders in their personal and professional lives. His work with various groups has helped others not only gain the skills, but the confidence and character to become effective leaders.

Tyrone Smith pictured with Director, Romana Curtis and Administrative Assistant, Melinda Blomquist of the Academy for Leader Development & Civic Engagement

"Tyrone Smith has poured his passion and commitment into servant leadership," said Ramona Curtis, the director for Leader Development and Civic Engagement at Baylor. Student’s were inspired by his captivating and empowering words! His program transforms lives for current and future success.”

Ramona Curtis, Director
Academy for Leader Development & Civic Engagement
Baylor University

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Hello Mr. Smith,
I just wanted to let you know that you had a great presentation and gave a great lecture. I truly admire what you are doing with the students and the program. I am a first generation college student myself, so I understand how nerve wrecking the first few steps of the college experience can be. I'm a sophomore but this is my first semester at Baylor.
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“When Tyrone Smith presented to Baylor students this fall, he spoke from his life experience—and he also drew on his background in sociology to explain the social problems that youth face today. As a sociology professor, I was so excited to hear a graduate of our department using sociological concepts to explain his work to our undergraduates. Tyrone Smith, thanks for encouraging youth to pursue their dreams—and for serving the cause of public sociology!”

Dr. Lydia Bean
Professor of Sociology
Baylor University

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Hi, I'm Josh, a sophomore at Baylor University. Since I have been at Baylor I have attended a lot of speeches and I want you to know that I liked yours the most. Your speech was amazing. It was the first one I have attended that actually seemed to move me. When I left I felt inspired, motivated and ... I was filled with so many other emotions.

“Tyrone Smith: From NFL Player to “Bible Study” to Community Activist”

2009-07-27T18:27:00.009-05:00

For the professional athlete, the thought of having a career ending injury is a nightmare. The idea that all the years of sacrifice and preparation to perform at the highest level ending because of something you can’t control would be unthinkable. The first thought is to curse God, get mad at the world, while at the same time thinking that their destiny and purpose has ended. For those athletes who aren’t mentally strong or don’t know what their life will be like outside of the sport they have training for, it can be particularly catastrophic. This was not the case for former San Francisco 49ers cornerback, Tyrone Smith.

In 1999, Smith broke the T-5 (Thoracic) vertebrae in his back (spinal column) while playing in NFL Europe. For some people, that incident would have broken their spirit, but through Smith’s brokenness, he found wholeness, peace of mind and found fulfillment in his true destiny.

“I truly believe that this is my purpose in life,” said Smith. “I believe we all are called to do something and my purpose in life is to make a difference in the lives of young people.” Smith is the co-founder, CEO and president of First and Goal, Inc. in Houston, Texas, a non-profit organization that focuses on youth. Smith teamed up with Derrick Harris (former NFL player for the San Diego Chargers and St. Louis Rams) and Darnell Walker (formerly with the 49ers) to start this organization 10 years ago and is celebrating their anniversary. “We wanted to create an organization that would be a life changer in the lives of young people, not just to put on football camps and sign autographs for kids,” said Smith. “That became the concept of First and Goal and it became an instrument to help provide the necessary tools, support and resources for young people to enrich and help put them in college and be an asset to society.”

Smith recognized the blessing it was to be a pro athlete and is honored to have an impact on thousands of children lives. “What a better way to do it (starting an organization) as a former NFL player to have a stage to draw kids in, but at the same time help give them some life application skills so they can make better decisions that will affect the world we live in today,” said Smith.

Smith’s football career began at WillowRidge High School in Missouri City, Texas. He experienced the naysayers from the beginning. “Growing up I had so many people that said I wasn’t going to do anything, be anything, wasn’t prepared or fast enough for college, and wasn’t good enough to play in the NFL, but ‘He’ believed in me,” said Smith.

After playing his collegiate ball and graduating from Baylor University, Smith signed as an undrafted free agent with the 49ers in 1996 and thru hard work not only made the roster but played for the franchise for three years. Smith went on sign to with the Washington Redskins in 1999 and reunited with his friend, defensive end Dana Stubblefield (who signed with the Redskins in 1997), but was cut right before the 53-man roster was set. The following year, Smith was injured and never returned to the field.

There are times when people are thinking they are walking in their destiny but find their true purpose through that pursuit. Smith earned his degree in sociology with a minor in social work while he was in San Francisco. He spoke to inmates at San Quentin California State Prison and worked in the 49ers Foundation. But it was in D.C. at the Redskins’ training camp when it ‘clicked’ for Smith as to what his purpose was. “I wasn’t upset (when he was cut), but it was critical for me,” said Smith. “We had bible study each evening after practice or training camp that Darrell Green (Redskin and NFL Hall of Fame great) would lead. The title of the bible study was called ‘Knowing your purpose’. Each day, Darrell talked about knowing your purpose and one thing he asked was when we all were in school, who loved going on field trips? All the guys raised their hands of course because everyone loves going on trips. Then Darrell said when you go on the trip, you get on the bus, you go on the trip, you came back to school, and eventually, you went home. Darrell said your purpose isn’t to be a professional football player (purpose for school is not to go on trips), your purpose is to do something greater than the game of football (go to school to be educated and prepare for life). You can have an injury, get cut or something can come up and cut your career short.”

Through Smith’s experiences and his foundation, he has had the pleasure of speaking at youth events, after school programs, sports camps/clinic/banquets, churches, school assemblies, community centers, and youth leadership conferences. Smith knows the importance of having a dream living in a negative environment. To have an opportunity to help young kids to have a vision is just as satisfying. “Although I was around negative influences, I was a dreamer,” said Smith. “This was a dream I actually had for myself (having a foundation). So I always wanted to create a program to help those kids who have a low esteem, help those kids to have a vision, push them into their purpose and be a difference maker for them.”

Smith’s passion to help inspire youth has already influenced his little nephew, Jonathan Smith, a junior at Towson University. “What Tyrone is doing is great and after having the experience this summer of working at a football camp inspired me,” said Jonathan. “Because of that and what Tyrone is doing in Texas, I know what I want to do for the rest of my life, helping kids. I will do my internship with him in his organization this year and hopefully next year.”

Smith’s uncle and father of Jonathan, lives in Baltimore, MD with his family, Jerry, Patricia and Jerry, Jr. (Jonathan’s older brother) Patricia Smith was diagnosed with cancer (mesothelioma), but through prayer and treatment, she is completely healed from the illness. It’s safe to say that the Smith family can endure and recover from anything.

Tyrone Smith has a great testimony of how to overcome when all things appear to be impossible. From negative surroundings to a career ending injury, Smith has a message for all NFL players and the world, a message he lives by and walk in.

“The advice I would give to all NFL players is the same advice I received from Darrell Green,” said Smith. “The NFL means the National Football League, he believed that as a player, you have to look at it as “NOT FOR LONG” because you are not guaranteed to play for long. You have to make the most out of the opportunities because you have to, at the same time, you will have another career after the NFL that will actually allow you to go further in life than the game of football.”

Written By: Barry Barnes

2bdcmetrosports@gmail.com

To read more articles from Barry Barnes, click on the dcms blog.

The Man In The Mirror Pt. 1

2009-05-14T00:27:00.007-05:00

On May 12th I had the opportunity to be a guest panelist at a male minority initiative conference hosted by Houston Community College. We talked to the young men about life, being a man, success and obstacles while growing up. Based on everything that we had to say to the young men as examples of success and role models the biggest thing that they must realize is that change in life starts with the man in the mirror.

Going Back Home

2009-03-24T09:20:00.002-05:00

On January 28th I was the presenter at the 1st Annual Christa McAuliffe Day. It was held at Christa McAuliffe Middle School where I attended as an eighth grader in 1987. I was able encouraged the entire eight grade class to realize that they have purpose in life.

The presentation was filled with energy, excitement and enlightenment about living filled with purpose and a willingness to succeed.

I am receiving an award from Principal Sharon Delesbore of Christa McAuliffe. Principal Delesbore and I grow in the community where Christa McAuliffe is located and it special for me to go back to the middle school that I attended to encourage the students to be determined and focused in life.

I am pictured here with the entire staff of Christa McAuliffe Middle School
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I felt the speech was true to have success in your life.
Brandon Brown

Tyrone Smith, I felt that it was very well presented and very well said.
Cordera Thomas

I thought the speech was enthusiastic. And you showed the true zeal about life and how we carry on in it to fulfill our destiny.
Jomal Walker

I thought that Tyrone Smith speech was inspiring it was awesome how he took time off for what he was doing to better us.
Kenya Ceasar

Tyrone Smith’s speech was very entertaining yet very educational. I really enjoyed it and learned a lot from it.
Tatiyani Robinson

Change

2008-11-15T09:33:00.006-06:00

To be able to go and encourage youth daily is what I am called to do as an individual. With recently elected President Obama as the leader of our country, I believe that it gives youth a better picture of achievement. President Obama has achieved what some people thought was impossible. I believe the youth of today will truly see that anything is possible, just as long as they believe in themselves. Change can be a good thing in life

I am pictured here in October encouraging a group of alternative school students in San Antonio, Texas to get beyond their failed experiences in life and to move forward.

Journey Beyond Dreams 2008 Review and Recap

2008-07-24T19:13:00.003-05:00

It was really special for me to be back at my alma mater Baylor University to give students a true outlook to see what college is like through the Journey Beyond Dreams College Experience Program. Which was just a thought in my head seven years ago but the reality is that over 400 youth have benefited from the program since 2003.

The Journey Beyond Dreams College Experience Program at Baylor University was a success. Students from Houston, Conroe and Waco benefited this summer from an experience that they will never forget. The program exposed the students to college life and what it means to be a successful college student. Thanks to our sponsors from Shell Oil Company and Davis Hydro Power of Houston for making this program possible with generous donations.

Students are seeing what it is like to be a college student.

The theme this year was "Success is a JOURNEY"
Our goal was to empower the students and let them know that they are already success in life however, their success in is an ongoing journey in life not a destination.

All smiles and thankful for the experience

"I really enjoyed this program and I sincerely thank all of you from the bottom of my heart. I am really excited about going to college now."
Passion Metcalf
Reagan High School - HISD

The Shake 'Em Up Tour

2008-06-02T22:22:00.007-05:00

Me and my sister in Christ Yunek are looking to make an impact for Christ through The Shake Em Up Tour. I am truly looking forward to this opportunity to make a difference in the world that we live in today.

The Shake Em Up Tour will empower youth and young adults to:

See the power within their own possibilities
Overcome the obstacles of the past
Know that they don’t have to conform in order to have fun
Understand that transformation is possible if change is desired

Learn that everyone has the power to be a leader and not a follower

Do not let your youth and young adults miss this powerful, life changing movement.

Join us as we empower the next generation of leaders to use their gifts and talents to SHAKE UP THE WORLD!

To bring the “Shake Em Up” Tour to your youth and young adult ministry, please contact Dominique Henry at (713)298-2023 or email dhenry@yunekmusic.com