Even if Al Smith hadn't made it into the NFL six years ago, he says he still would have known he was successful because he earned his college degree.
Smith, a player for the Houston Oilers and a 1987 Utah State University graduate, spoke Friday at a USU Black Achievement Awards ceremony, relating how finishing his education was just as important as taking a shot at pro football.During his last academic quarter at USU, the Oilers selected Smith in the draft, and he didn't know what to do.
"They wanted to have me come for three weeks to learn the system. I was close to having my degree, yet I had my dream."
Because he didn't want to miss school, Smith ended up staying in Houston for only four days of the three weeks the team wanted him to train. Coaches told him the chances of his making the team were slim at best.
" `Fine,' I said. I had what I wanted. I gave it my best shot," he said. "I felt if I didn't finish school, that would be worse. You have to be willing to make critical choices."
The ability to make important decisions is one aspect of a three-part formula for reaching success, Smith told the audience at the awards ceremony.
People must also create positive environments for them to succeed, including surrounding themselves with successful people, he said. "By associating yourself with other successful people, it helps you stay on track."
Another factor for reaching success, Smith said, is keeping a positive attitude to deal with unpleasant situations. When his father died in the middle of the football season, Smith said, he had to do his best to cope with it and still go on.
"I still had an obligation to the team and although emotionally I was drained and physically I was drained, the guys were still depending on me to help lead them. I couldn't let a lot of people down." Largely because of his determination, that season resulted in Smith's first selection to the Pro Bowl.
The ceremony at which Smith spoke was the first of its kind at USU to honor black students for their achievements. Awards for outstanding undergraduate students were given to Trystan Smith and Fawn Groves; graduate student awards went to Robert Allen Washington; and Daniel Gowon and SaBrina Whitt were awarded for excellence in leadership. The "Al Smith award," in recognition of student athletes, was presented to Jermaine Younger and LaSabre Bell.