Former New York Giants Player Gives Solid Advice to Students

In a world where teenagers are often on the receiving end of conflicting advice, Lee Rouson’s message of believing in oneself was a powerful one for students at Alexander Hamilton High School who turned out to the school gym March 20 to hear the former running back speak.

Mr. Rouson, whose professional football career includes a seven-year stint with the New York Giants, is currently a motivational speaker for Sports World Ministries.

He was invited to the school by Athletic Director Rob Pollok.

“Who are you?” he asked the students as he walked around the gym floor with a microphone in hand. “You are the only ones who can make the decision about who you are,” he added.

Throughout his life, Mr. Rouson said he made some good life choices and some bad ones. He explained that the times he made good, positive choices, his heart was in the right place, but he always did it for the wrong reasons. He also made bad choices based on fear and selfishness and suffered the consequences of that.

“Fear is false evidence,” he said to the audience, which also included teachers and administrators. “Don’t allow fear to rule your identity.”

Mr. Rouson, a two-time Super Bowl champion, said the quest for one’s true identity is often a challenge. He also touched upon the pressure that young people face from their peers and others.

“It’s easy to get caught up in that,” he added.

Even in the face of adversity, Mr. Rouson said young people can still move forward. “You’re going to get through it,” he told them, referring to the obstacles they might face in life such as a death in the family or the fact that their dreams haven’t worked out the way they wanted them to.

“None of those things can find you because you already have decided who you are deep in your heart and you’re able to move the chains,” he said.