Bronco's FB to SHS Athletes: Nail Down the 'Why'

"Why" can be an empowering question, according to Denver Bronco's starting fullback Spencer Larsen.

Larsen visited Summerville High School athletes Friday. He is a fourth year NFL player for the Denver Broncos, and came to Summerville High School free of charge after being invited by the school PTSA to speak to the students about what it is like being an NFL player, and how they too can become successful. 

He advised students that to be successful as people and as athletes, students have to nail down the reason why they play and focus all of their energy on achieving that why.

Some of the athletes present found inspiration in his comments.

"He made some great points on focusing on the greater goal rather than the obstacles that get in your way," sophomore varsity cross country runner Renee Bourgeouis said.

In football, the why is "to win championships," Larsen said, and no team can win without the entire team being committed to that why.

He told students that he saw many people with natural ability lose their chance to succeed because they were quickly distracted by the “moments of gratification” that came with newfound popularity.

“Stay away from those things that don’t make you happy, that will ruin you,” Larsen said. “And I promise you will succeed.” 

He stated that he was motivated by his desire to live with no regrets, which led him to take a missionary trip to Chile, even though it meant taking a break from football. The desire to be a good father, and husband to his high school sweetheart wife also motivated him to play football so that he could provide for his family.

After his talk, Larsen opened up the floor for students to ask questions.

When asked about his game day ritual, Larsen said he focused on keeping himself under control, mostly to prevent himself from “throwing up,” as he used to before a games. He also said he refused to “Tebow,” and the best part of playing football was winning. For the NFL, it is the “best job when you’re winning,” he stated, “and the worst when you’re losing.” 

For the final question, a student asked how he got into football. Larsen explained that it was his mother who told him he was going to play football, and when he made his first tackle when he was eight, he stated that "it was the best feeling of my life.”

After the assembly finished, Larsen stayed in the auditorium, signed every autograph handed to him and took pictures with numerous students.

SHS coach, John McKissick, , stated that Larsen is an "all around football player," and that he was "proud to have a professional football player on the stage" to speak to students.