Members of the Memorial Junior High School football team had the special opportunity to meet and hear inspiring remarks from Seattle Seahawks defensive back and Northeast Ohio native Linden Stephens during their June 18th conditioning session. Approximately 45 student-athletes participate in the summer conditioning program which runs through the months of June and July on Tuesdays and Thursdays. During his remarks, Linden emphasized the importance of hard work, determination, discipline, and persevering through adversity as keys to achieving one’s personal goals. Describing his own football journey from Euclid High School to the University of Cincinnati and finally to the NFL as an undrafted rookie, Linden shared how he persevered through various challenges such as several head coaching changes in college and losing part of a finger due to a weightlifting accident to realize his dream of playing professional football. He encouraged the players to enjoy each day of their own journey, both the good and the bad, to help them appreciate reaching their respective goals.
Linden was invited to speak to the MJH football team by Brush Assistant Athletic Director JC Collins, a close friend since childhood and fellow alum of Euclid High School. He plans on returning to the area in the near future to conduct a youth football camp in South Euclid. The SEL Schools would like to thank Linden Stephens for reminding our students the importance of hard work and perseverance in achieving their goals!