Dear Michael,
Congratulations on your new contract with the Eagles! I know it's been a long and tough road. As a guy who writes a semi-anonymous blog 1,000 miles away from you, I just want you to know how much I respect what you've been able to do over these last two years. It takes a lot for any man to turn his life around - whether he has been to prison or not. A person doesn't have to commit an unlawful act to be a prisoner in his own mind. So many people are prisoners of addiction, poverty, and despair. Some of us are prisoners of culture. Believe me; I do understand what you meant when you said dogfighting was part of the culture growing up. Young men dressed in what we call "wife-beaters" and sweatpants walked my St. Louis neighborhood with their Dobermans, Pits, and German Shepherds looking for fights.
I never personally participated in dogfighting, but don't get me wrong. It wasn't because I was so good or because I thought the guys in my neighborhood were so bad. No one ever asked me and the dogs I owned as a kid were too little to fight. I know the culture. Most of the adults in my life growing up dealt with severe addictions to alcohol and drugs. When people ask me where I grew up, I just pick a section of town. We had so many different addresses. It wears me out trying to remember them all. Foodstamps were part of my allowance and I mean the paper kind. The last time I saw my father I was six-years-old. He passed away when I was 17 and I didn't find out until the day of my mother's funeral. I was still 17. I'm telling you this because I want you to know that I understand where you've come from and how long the road is. I've never been to jail, but I was a prisoner.
You've had tremendous success in your life. You also made mistakes that all but wiped out your success. You suffered the harshest punishment our system of justice could levy. The debt is paid. So many people have used the word redemption to describe your story. Redemption means taking something and restoring it to its original value. I guess that would work for jewelry or a piece of antique furniture, but people have greater potential. Each day for us is a chance to be better than we have ever been. Sure, you're a better football player than you've ever been, but the added value is to your family and your community. You're now a better father, brother, and citizen. This makes you worth more than before. This transcends redemption.
Parents, coaches and teachers will read this letter. Some will cheer you on and others will boo you. Others will let jealousy consume them and never let you live down your past. Don't worry about any of them. Concern yourself with the people who believe in you and love you the most. Your family and the Philadelphia Eagles organization believe in you. Be your best for them. Remember that Eagles are the most magnificent creatures when they're in the air. Spread your wings and fly my friend. Good luck and Godspeed this season.
Sincerely,
Solomon Alexander
Congratulations on your new contract with the Eagles! I know it's been a long and tough road. As a guy who writes a semi-anonymous blog 1,000 miles away from you, I just want you to know how much I respect what you've been able to do over these last two years. It takes a lot for any man to turn his life around - whether he has been to prison or not. A person doesn't have to commit an unlawful act to be a prisoner in his own mind. So many people are prisoners of addiction, poverty, and despair. Some of us are prisoners of culture. Believe me; I do understand what you meant when you said dogfighting was part of the culture growing up. Young men dressed in what we call "wife-beaters" and sweatpants walked my St. Louis neighborhood with their Dobermans, Pits, and German Shepherds looking for fights.
I never personally participated in dogfighting, but don't get me wrong. It wasn't because I was so good or because I thought the guys in my neighborhood were so bad. No one ever asked me and the dogs I owned as a kid were too little to fight. I know the culture. Most of the adults in my life growing up dealt with severe addictions to alcohol and drugs. When people ask me where I grew up, I just pick a section of town. We had so many different addresses. It wears me out trying to remember them all. Foodstamps were part of my allowance and I mean the paper kind. The last time I saw my father I was six-years-old. He passed away when I was 17 and I didn't find out until the day of my mother's funeral. I was still 17. I'm telling you this because I want you to know that I understand where you've come from and how long the road is. I've never been to jail, but I was a prisoner.
You've had tremendous success in your life. You also made mistakes that all but wiped out your success. You suffered the harshest punishment our system of justice could levy. The debt is paid. So many people have used the word redemption to describe your story. Redemption means taking something and restoring it to its original value. I guess that would work for jewelry or a piece of antique furniture, but people have greater potential. Each day for us is a chance to be better than we have ever been. Sure, you're a better football player than you've ever been, but the added value is to your family and your community. You're now a better father, brother, and citizen. This makes you worth more than before. This transcends redemption.
Parents, coaches and teachers will read this letter. Some will cheer you on and others will boo you. Others will let jealousy consume them and never let you live down your past. Don't worry about any of them. Concern yourself with the people who believe in you and love you the most. Your family and the Philadelphia Eagles organization believe in you. Be your best for them. Remember that Eagles are the most magnificent creatures when they're in the air. Spread your wings and fly my friend. Good luck and Godspeed this season.
Sincerely,
Solomon Alexander
