JH3
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Three-Point Stance | JH3
Four years ago, I was selected in the 6th Round of the 2014 NFL Draft. I'd had an amazing career at the University of Florida and was looking forward to what I knew would be a long, decorated NFL career. But that's the funny thing about life: things rarely go as planned; it's not what happens that matters, but how you respond that will determine your fate.
I was released by the Patriots at the end of camp. I spent some time with the Broncos and Cardinals, before ultimately watching that NFL season from my couch. At the time, I thought it was the worst possible scenario: from the top of the heap to the bottom of the barrel in one foul swoop.
I was wrong. Really wrong. This was probably the best thing that could have happened for me. Not to me, but for me!
In 2016, two years after I was drafted, I got a call from the Patriots again. The Jon who showed up for training camp in 2016 was very different from the one who was drafted 24 months earlier. Short hair. Trimmed beard. More tatts. Lean body. Hungry heart. Focused mind. I was in the best shape of my life and I nothing to lose.
I had a great camp, but was ultimately released during final cut-downs, but this time, it was completely different. I had the praise of my coaches--including Coach Bilichik, who told reporters how fit I'd reported to camp--and some great film in the can. I stayed humble, stayed hungry, stayed prayerful, and most of all, stayed ready!
Thirty days later, my wife, Sierra, and I welcomed our second child, Jeremiah. My heart was filled with gratitude. A week later, we received a call from the NY Giants and I played the 2016-17 season with Big Blue!
So, what's the point?
First, nothing happens with a bad attitude. What you think is what you feel, is what you do--so start each day with a good mindset. ATTITUDE!
Second, things rarely happen as we plan, so you've got to stay strong and maintain that mental fortitude. It's easy to stay on the path when things are going your way, it's much harder when it's up hill with a headwind. FORTITUDE!
Third, you must be appreciative for every opportunity and show gratitude to each person who helps you along the way. We can rarely pay it back, but we can always pay it forward. GRATITUDE!
These are the three elements--or the three-point stance--that I have come to are the keys to success in life, both on and off the football field. I have worked with my management team to build the Halapio Three-Point Football Foundation around these three points. I want to show kids from an early age, that organized sport and the application of these core points will set the foundation for success in any field of play.
In life, you either win or you learn something. You only lose if you quit. Period.
I'm proud to be sanctioned, certified and insured by the NFL Foundation in partnership with USA Football's FUNdamentals program. We are now two years into this program and we are seeing the impact it is having across St. Petersburg.
I am grateful for my opportunities and I remain committed to paying it forward to the next generation, who are just as hungry for an opportunity.
Jon Halapio
NY Giants