No Stars Required - The Path to the NFL with BoPete Keyes

In the garden of life, some flowers bloom early, while others take their time to unfold their petals with grace and resilience. Nowadays, people value speed and instant gratification, so we often feel the pressure and need to succeed within the expected timeframe of those around us. Consequently, to be a late bloomer is to carry a feeling of inadequacy and self-doubt that often hinders a person to keep thriving. However, we must realize that everyone has a unique timeline in life. And that our time to bloom may be delayed, but the beauty of our growth is incomparable.

Therefore, we must recognize that our journey might take longer, but that does not diminish the value of our accomplishments. For instance, in athletics, not all athletes reach their peak performance at a young age. Some of them experienced number of disappointments and failures that almost drove them to give up their dreams. Thus, we must realize that a specific timeline does not determine a person's greatness. Still, by his unwavering commitment to improving every day as a person who trusts the process, God wants him to go through. As a good quote states, "The path to greatness is not linear; it is paved with the sweat, determination, and an unwavering pursuit of a dream."

Thakarius "Bopete" Keyes is an American football cornerback for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). Keyes was a basketball-first athlete for much of his life until his junior year of high school. A star on the hardwood, Keyes started playing football at Laurel High School in Laurel, Mississippi, in his junior year, but he picked things up quickly. Keyes earned First Team All-State honors and helped lead Laurel to a state title. However, he only garnered much interest in college programs when Tulane offered him a scholarship late. Four years later, he's headed to the NFL. And though despite enduring unthinkable life tragedy, Keyes persevered toward his dreams. He focused on sports to overcome difficult times, and that unwavering mentality helped him reach his goal.

In this special episode with Bopete Keyes, we will learn about the journey of a man who made a spot in history for the city of Mississippi and paved the way for many future athletes. Today's episode will inspire us to grind harder, always be ready to take the next step, and trust God's plan for our lives. Be captivated by the journey of BoPete's sports career and how despite the years of waiting for his time, he allowed growth and learning to empower him as an athlete.

"If I can do it, anybody else from the city could do it as well because our small town in Mississippi, we always had athletes but not many people made it to the NFL." – BoPete Keyes

Topics Covered:

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:00:38) Introducing our guest speaker, BoPete Keyes.

(00:01:56) How does sports play an essential role in the life of BoPete Keyes?

(00:03:35) The Late Bloomer NFL Player: Who is BoPete Keyes?

(00:04:40) His Sports Achievements

(00:06:31) The Recruitment Process

(00:08:28) How does leaving Laurel for Tulane impact BoPete?

(00:09:31) Entering Theater Acting

(00:10:23) The empowering advantage of Connection

(00:12:15) Making a spot in history

(00:14:44) Quick Reminder: Are you enjoying this episode? Please share it, leave a five-star review, and give feedback. Go to TimeOut with the SportsDr website.

(00:15:14) How does Akeem Davis impact Laurel through the football game?"

(00:16:39) BoPete's Blessed Football Career

(00:17:19) Supported with learning and strategies

(00:18:00) The Short Man Syndrome

(00:18:56) Career Update of BoPete Keyes

(00:19:56) What does it mean to be a professional athlete?

(00:20:24) Sports needs effort and consistency.

(00:20:56) Keep your body right.

(00:21:39) Preventing injuries

(00:22:09) What does music mean to BoPete Keyes?

(00:22:59) Final TimeOut with BoPete Keyes: How would you encourage young athletes to pursue their dreams despite their circumstances?

(00:24:00) Have confidence in yourself.

(00:24:21) Everything works out in due time.

(00:25:04) You always need a team.

(00:25:18) Surround yourself with good people.

(00:25:47) Think twice before sharing on social media.

(00:26:53) Outro 

Key Takeaways:  

"Sport is a huge culture in Mississippi, and we take it very personally." – BoPete Keyes

"Being able to make a spot in history for my city paved the way for a lot of the guys coming up." – BoPete Keyes

"There were great guys who helped me a lot to learn the different sequences, strategies of the league, and different defenses, and learning more than football as well." – BoPete Keyes

"The game is more than just about your physical attributes, but it's about your ability and what you were able to do, and it's about heart and gratitude." – BoPete Keyes

"Being in the league, you might end up on practice squad wherein they teach you how to grind harder, but you can't stop there." – BoPete Keyes

"I'm working hard to be ready to take the next step and see what God has planned for me." – BoPete Keyes

"Being a professional athlete shows a character that drives you to gain a routine and to stay consistent with that routine as well." – BoPete Keyes

"Being a professional athlete is more than just about going to the building every day, going out to practice, and doing what you must do; it means off the field as well. You have to keep your body right." – BoPete Keyes

"Injuries is the worst part of the game because it stops a lot of people in their career, and it's crazy, but you have to prepare." – BoPete Keyes

"If you don't have confidence and faith in yourself, then you'll never be able to make it to where you want to be." – BoPete Keyes

"Everything will work out in due time." – BoPete Keyes

"You always need a team because there's nothing you can do alone." – BoPete Keyes

"Surround yourself with good people and make smart decisions too because we see now how one decision can completely make everything go away." – Dr. Derrick Burgess

"Be mindful of what you post on social media." – BoPete Keyes

Connect with BoPete Keyes:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bosavagee3/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TzKeyes

Connect with Dr. Derrick Burgess:

Website: https://www.drderrickthesportsdr.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drderrickthesportsdr/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimeOut.SportsDr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-burgess-72047b246/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHGDu1zT4K_X6PnYELu8weg

Email: thesportsdoctr@gmail.com

This episode of TimeOut with the SportsDr. is produced by Podcast VAs Philippines - the team that helps podcasters effectively launch and manage their podcasts, so we don't have to. Record, share, and repeat! Podcast VAs PH gives me back my time, so I can focus on the core functions of my business. Need expert help with your podcast? Go to www.podcastvasph.com.