Last season defensive lineman Ty Warren decided not to partake in the Patriots offseason program so he could complete his college degree. With that move he sacrificed $250,000.
It all paid off in the end as Warren is getting his degree tomorrow when he finally walks in Texas A&M graduation ceremonies.
"It could be a big smile on my face or it might be tears of joy," said the 30-year-old Warren. "It's a big accomplishment for me."
Warren was selected in the first round of the 2003 draft by the Patriots and since felt receiving his degree was important for his four daughters. Warren had also promised his late grandparents and parents that he would graduate, becoming the first person in his family to do so.
"The curriculum and studying was easy, the only thing that was difficult was multitasking when you have four daughters and [Kesha] is coaching a basketball team," he said. "I had to hold up my end at the house, working out early in the morning, then again in the afternoon, and trying to make it all work."
Warren was placed on injured reserve in training camp with a hip injury, which gave him even more time for his studies. Looking back, Warren is pleased with his decision to forego the $250,000 workout bonus last year.
"I'd do it 100 times over again," he said. "When I was at the stadium, of course it's about football, but I also speak to everyone at the facility -- from the janitor all the way up. No matter who I was having a conversation with, we were all assessing our situation with the lockout. The writing was pretty much on the wall, which made it a pretty logical decision. The decision wasn't solely based on that, but it made it easier."
Warren plans to return to school to receive a master's degree in sports management but until then he says he will "focus is on getting back and doing what I have to do on the field."
I'm very proud of Ty Warren. It's not easy with work and a family. Job well done and congrats!
Original Story:
http://theladieslovefootballtooblog.b...
It all paid off in the end as Warren is getting his degree tomorrow when he finally walks in Texas A&M graduation ceremonies.
"It could be a big smile on my face or it might be tears of joy," said the 30-year-old Warren. "It's a big accomplishment for me."
Warren was selected in the first round of the 2003 draft by the Patriots and since felt receiving his degree was important for his four daughters. Warren had also promised his late grandparents and parents that he would graduate, becoming the first person in his family to do so.
"The curriculum and studying was easy, the only thing that was difficult was multitasking when you have four daughters and [Kesha] is coaching a basketball team," he said. "I had to hold up my end at the house, working out early in the morning, then again in the afternoon, and trying to make it all work."
Warren was placed on injured reserve in training camp with a hip injury, which gave him even more time for his studies. Looking back, Warren is pleased with his decision to forego the $250,000 workout bonus last year.
"I'd do it 100 times over again," he said. "When I was at the stadium, of course it's about football, but I also speak to everyone at the facility -- from the janitor all the way up. No matter who I was having a conversation with, we were all assessing our situation with the lockout. The writing was pretty much on the wall, which made it a pretty logical decision. The decision wasn't solely based on that, but it made it easier."
Warren plans to return to school to receive a master's degree in sports management but until then he says he will "focus is on getting back and doing what I have to do on the field."
I'm very proud of Ty Warren. It's not easy with work and a family. Job well done and congrats!
Original Story:
http://theladieslovefootballtooblog.b...
