AyiPreneur

Jason Pierre-Paul: The Road to Success

January 10, 2012 at 6:14 pm G Leave a comment

Jason Pierre-Paul, defensive end on the New York Giants, has earned the accolade of “Superman” from his teammates. With the speed and agility of a superhero, Jason’s talent is a dream come true for the team. But his success wasn’t obvious during his rookie season. As a Haitian-American who only played one year of high school football and one season of major college football, his first NFL season led many to think he was a bust. Teammate Justin Tuck admitted that at times during the first season he thought the Giants’ 15th pick was a mistake. Jason proved them wrong in 2011 and has started the new year with continued victory.

Jason’s increasing success is seen by many to be a God-given talent. Indeed, the football star has “Chosen” tattooed broadly across his chest, and every indication points to supernatural skills. At 6’5” and 278 pounds, his athleticism allows him to do nearly the impossible for a man of his size. Many forget, however, just how inexperienced Jason is; the only NFL games he has seen are the ones he plays in. The 23-year-old never watched football growing up and his playing experience nearly matched that before his professional career started. So what is it that makes him such a dynamic force? It’s simple:  his drive.

Early in life Jason learned about the strength and perseverance needed to overcome life’s obstacles. He grew up in a gang-ridden neighborhood in Deerfield Beach, Fla. where walking home from school was way more dangerous than playing football. Tragedy hit early, too:  when Jason was just 8 months old his father, Jean, went blind, leaving his mother Marie to work long days as a hotel cleaner to support their children. Over the years Jason and his three siblings talked less about their father’s disability and more about their mother’s remarkable strength. This determination to survive and then thrive is embodied in his playing.

Jason knew his capabilities in 2010 but the world hadn’t seen it yet. Instead of buckling under the pressure, he worked harder reviewing games and studying his teammates, constantly striving to improve. His practice is paying off, but Jason knows he has a lot more to offer. “I could be great,” Jason has said of himself. His unmistakable drive is a much a part of his success as his athletic talent.

Entry filed under: Haiti, Sport, Sucess. Tags: dynamic force, ESPN Sport Science, Giants DE, Haitian sensation, Haitian-American, Jason Pierre-Paul, New York Giants, Smartspeed, unmistakable drive.