From Deseret News archives:

Childhood dreams may come true for Tate

Published: Saturday, April 26, 2008 12:39 a.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
Well, it's just a couple more days to the end of the longest four months of my entire life.

It's been four months of constant worrying in addition to strenuous workouts, all for an opportunity of a lifetime. All a person can ask for in life is an opportunity, and that is all I am asking for this weekend.

Whether it's as a fifth-round pick or a priority free agent, I just want an opportunity to complete a lifelong goal.

Like most kids playing little league football, my goal was to play in the NFL. I have always been pretty set on accomplishing this goal but never more so than when I was in fifth grade. I remember my teacher having us stand up to tell the entire class what we were going to be when we got older. The answers pretty much ranged from becoming a firefighter to being a spy.

However, when I stood up and told my teacher and the entire class of my plans to play professional football, he said, "I've never had a former student play professionally in any sport. You have a better chance at winning the lottery."

This has always been in the back of my mind when playing football. It has become a challenge for me.

Story continues below
I know that I am living the ultimate dream, but it hasn't come easy. Like anything else in life, it has come with ups and downs. Whether it was walking on at the University of Utah or becoming first team all-conference, it has been an incredible journey. My family, friends, former coaches and players have gotten me to this point in my life. Their support has given me this opportunity, and I want to thank them for helping me achieve my dream. A new chapter in my life is about to begin.

Recent comments

I wish you the best of luck. Hopefully all of that hard work will be...

Alabama Ute | April 26, 2008 at 9:14 a.m.

Image

Steve Tate

previousnext

Latest comments

Sounds like a good option if you can't or won't switch to AT&T for the...

I worked with and around Bill Sederburg for 5 years while he was at...

Price injured; Miles has cast removed

hand. He needs to work on his moves to the basket and rebounding. Lateral...

Jazz blow big lead, hang on

play Fez or Koufos tonight. He went with a smaller line up and Boozer, Okur...

I've met Bennett before and he is a nice man. He also knows the Constitution...

Thousands protest health bill

That's never been a secret. Everyone will pay for it except those that don't...

What exactly were Nephite interpreters?

I agree with NonMormon. I am active LDS, and I enjoy Ash's articles, and I...

I kept saying don't resign Milsap, especially after Portland offered that...

U. hopes to keep clicking

BYU is the slowest team that has ever been in the top 25. Utah will put up a...

NFL: Midseason grades

i think u have the cowboys ranked too low! at least an A- LOL nice work!

Advertisements
Advertisement