SOUTH OTSELIC – It’s not very often that the small Otselic Valley school district gets to play host to a National Football League player. It’s even less frequent that such an opportunity would be presented exclusively to the smallest school in the county, but that is exactly what happened Friday.
Former Carolina Panthers Safety Mike Minter visited the Otselic Valley School District Friday, pushing a message to follow your dreams. After 10 years as a safety for the same team he started with, Minter retired at the end of the 2007-2008 season, with an NFL career total of 790 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 15 forced fumbles, 8 fumble recoveries, 15 interceptions with 371 yards returned and four defensive touch downs. Minter explained he was able to achieve his dream.
“The most important thing God has given us, is the opportunity to dream,” Minter told the students, explaining that he dreamed of being a football player since he was five years old. While dreaming is important, Minter explained without hard work, those dreams will never come to light. “Things in life don’t just happen. It’s a process. You have to put in work and have a goal to achieve it.”
Growing up in Lawton, Oklahoma, Minter knew he wanted to attend college and play football for the University of Nebraska. By setting goals and working hard, Minter maintained the grades he needed and worked to become a better football player. Although his high school coach didn’t think he was good enough to attend the University of Nebraska, Minter worked to prove him wrong.
“Never let another person dictate your future. Wherever you end up in life, you got yourself there, and you have to be responsible for the decisions you made in your life.”
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