Alfred Morris
Team: Washington Redskins
Hometown: Pensacola, Fla.
Born: Dec. 12, 1988
Height/Weight: 5-10/218 lbs.
College: Florida Atlantic University
Drafted: Sixth round (173rd overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft
Notes:
• Holds career records at Florida Atlantic University in carries, rushing yards, and touchdowns.
• Broke Washington’s records for single-season rushing yards and rookie rushing touchdowns in 2012.
•Became fourth player in NFL history to record more than 1,600 rushing yards as a rookie.
"Give me neither poverty nor wealth; feed me with the food I need.” – Proverbs 30:8b
My family didn’t have much, growing up in poverty in Pensacola, Fla., but we had each other, and that was really all we needed. My six brothers and I loved to be outside playing every sport imaginable, sometimes even inventing our own games. I can still remember playing football in the yard with my brothers and cousins, dreaming of one day playing in the NFL.
I realize now how fortunate I was that both of my parents were involved in my life. They’re one of the main reasons I’ve become who I am today. They instilled morals, values and beliefs in our family, taking us to church every week and introducing to us what it means to have a relationship with Christ.
My high school football career garnered attention from several colleges, but in the process of praying about where I should go, each school fell aside except for Florida Atlantic University. I honestly didn’t even know FAU existed when they first approached me, but I felt like God was leading me there.
Choosing that “road less traveled” proved to be a huge blessing. My performance on the field stood for itself, despite not winning as often as we wanted. Aside from that, I was experiencing tremendous growth in my faith. I’d been involved with FCA in high school and immediately jumped on board when I found out there was a Huddle at FAU. We were all there for one another as athletes and as brothers and sisters in Christ. We could talk about what we were all dealing with and pray for one another.
As time passed, I realized I had professed Christianity throughout my life and given God the glory, but I was still doing a lot of the worldly, college-kid stuff. God was blessing me and opening doors, but, when honestly looking at myself, I saw that I was lukewarm in my faith, one foot in and one foot out.
That all changed when I hit a rough patch during my junior year. A couple days before a game, I had so much going on and was feeling overwhelmed with it all. Things piled up, and I hit rock bottom. Broken down, I called out to the Lord and told Him I couldn’t do this life on my own anymore. I gave it all to Him that day and jumped in with both feet. I gave God my heart and have never been the same since. I felt the pureness of God's love and how all He wants is a relationship with each of us and to shower us with His unconditional love. It’s been an amazing journey since then.
As my college career came to an end, I set my sights on the 2012 NFL Draft. Regardless of where—or if—I was selected, my prayer was that God would put me exactly where He wanted me to be.
He did exactly that when Washington picked me in the sixth round. Their coaches believed in me and my abilities when many others didn’t. They gave me a tremendous opportunity my rookie season, and I made the most of it by helping us reach the playoffs. I can’t take any credit for it, though. All the glory goes to God, because without Him none of it would have been possible.
While here, I’ve also been blessed by our team chaplain, Pastor Brett Fuller. He always has encouraging words for us in our team Bible studies. And, just like with FCA at FAU, I have brothers in Christ on my team who will stand and support me through all the ups and downs of life in the NFL.
Professing Christ can be a popular thing to do, but living as He’s called us to isn’t easy. We all fall short of His glory, but to be able to walk the walk with others and be there for each other is the true definition of being a teammate.
I thank God for transforming me and being the solid rock on which I stand. He has never left me. Without Him, I would have given up a long time ago. He’s blessed me with the abilities to play this game, and in return I play to glorify Him. He is, was, and always will be the true prize.
Originally Published: September 2013
Photos courtesy of the Washington Redskins