Pats Star Tackles God, Sports

New England Patriots linebacker Don Davis called upon students to embrace Christianity and think carefully about their decisions in a speech sponsored by Athletes in Action (AIA) in Science Center D yesterday.

In a discussion entitled “Defining Moments,” the ten-year National Football League (NFL) veteran spoke to almost 100 students about the various turning points on the road to becoming a three-time Super Bowl Champion.

“Defining moments happen to us all—they have no racial bias, no age bias, no gender bias,” Davis said.

According to Davis, defining moments can only be identified by “looking back through the rear-view mirror of your life.”

Although religion was a consistent motif in the life of Davis, he believes that he did not become complete until a fellow athlete advised him to truly live the will of God.

“The reason I’m living an abundant life is because I gave it all over to Jesus Christ,” he said. “Until you give it all over to him, you’re always going to feel a hole. The only thing that fits in there is Jesus.”

Davis, who addressed life struggles ranging from being released by NFL teams to becoming a father while still in college, advised the audience to never give up on its goals.

“Quitting is never, ever an option,” he said. “It’s the coward’s way out.”

Davis initially dropped out of college to pursue a career in the NFL, and drew upon this experience to talk about the importance of education.

“You all are from Harvard, so [education] is not going to be a problem, but just in case,” he quipped, to an appreciative crowd.

The discussion was emceed by AIA’s John W. Scott ’06, who praised Davis’ work beyond his athletic career.

“A guy like Don has the platform to influence a lot of people,” he said. “So many professional athletes give nothing back; it’s good to see [Davis] using his influence positively.”

Scott, who greeted several of his Harvard football teammates prior to the speech, said he found Davis’ words especially relevant.

Though Davis’ background in football was his primary draw, the event attracted a variety of students.

Paul G. Hamm ’07 said that life in college offers significant potential for defining moments.

Hamm said he particularly agreed with Davis’ advice regarding the consequences of the choices one makes.

Prior to addressing his life’s defining moments, Davis shared the story of a practice squad player whose rule-breaking sexual encounter cost the chance to play in the Super Bowl and, ultimately, the player’s job.

Davis said, “one bad choice can ruin a lifetime of achievement.”