One of the hardest parts about leaving for college was the realization that I wouldn’t be able to spend Sunday afternoons with my brother at a local restaurant in town watching the Chicago Bears play. All my life I have been a huge Chicago Bears fan. I’m stubborn about it. I don’t think they will be as bad as they really are and I try to support sub par quarterbacks. My friends have become annoyed that I over-hype everything about the Bears. No matter what I say, they know I’m overreacting. Looking back they have been right about my “shooting for the stars” hopes; however, I think my excitement for this new Bear’s wide receiver will make me look pretty good.

His name is Anthony Miller.

Anytime you see him off the football field, chances are he will be at a local pond with a rod in his hand. He is a country boy. He lives by a simple message that relates to his love of fishing. “You may not catch it in the first or second cast, but who knows about the sixth or seventh?” This lesson has become his life story. A story of a fighter with a positive outlook. Anthony had many days similar to a day at the pond without catching any fish. He could have easily said “what’s the point?” and walked home.

He was a sensational high school athlete. He was a 3-year letter-man for the football team and a 4-year letter-man for the track team. He broke school records in the long jump, triple jump, 300m hurdles, and the 110m hurdles. Despite his success and athletic ability he still heard the mumbling that he was “too slow” and “too small” to play football at a division 1 school. On signing day senior year, he watched as his friends signed to continue their athletic careers, he on the other hand, had no offers.

He decided to attend Memphis University and try to walk on to the football team. He did not make the roster freshman year, but he was allowed on to the practice squad. All he needed was that chance. He made the most of this opportunity and earned himself a scholarship and a spot on the roster. Shortly after the news he injured his shoulder, causing him to watch games from the sideline for another year. Again, he left his bait in the pond with the faith that he was going to become stronger.

During his third year he got his dream. He received over 1400 yards and scored 12 touchdowns. His senior year followed with 1500 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns. He went from a walk-on to an All-American and is now regarded as one of the best players to ever wear a Memphis uniform.

Now he’s on my team. My favorite player. He has this energy and swagger about him that is contagious. You can tell he is just having fun like a kid at recess. He is now called the most underrated players in all of the NFL. Although he has caught 9 touchdowns in his first two seasons with the Bear’s, those numbers are certainly going to spike in the upcoming season. Although his fame is exponentially growing, he has not changed who he is. He is still that country boy who is doubted. No matter what people say, Anthony will always be true to himself. Not many can do that when the bright lights come on.

Remember even on days where it feels like life has no fish to catch, leave your bait out there, you never know when a bite of happiness is coming.