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guys who caused a good deal of trouble. They were constantly getting into fights, stealing bikes, and taking stuff from people’s yards and local stores. My childhood best friend, Jamel Wilson, and I were never into all that. We showed respect to the other guys and the older kids in the neighborhood, and they had respect for us because we didn’t get involved in the neighborhood nonsense. For me it was more fun to play football than to fight or steal.
    But I wasn’t an angel by any means either; I had my moments of childhood indiscretion and mischief. I snuck down to a place called The Crab Factory and stole seafood to sell elsewhere in the neighborhood. I also would ride my bike or even walk miles farther away from our house than my parents knew.
    The thing is, I had four great influences keeping me from getting into too much trouble: my mother, Brenda Vick; my grandmother; the outlet of sports; and especially the Boys & Girls Club, which was located a short walk from home.
    My mom was, and is, the rock of our family. I have a younger brother, Marcus, and two sisters: Christina, who is the oldest, and Courtney, the baby of the family. Mom took on all theresponsibilities of raising us. Even though my dad, Michael Boddie, was there, Mom dedicated herself to making sure that we were provided for and that we lived the best life we could.
    She was a very forgiving lady—very generous and gracious. But she was stern and didn’t hesitate to correct us by chastising or spanking us. And when need be, the belt came out. But we needed it. God knows I did!
    For some reason, when I was away from the house, I was a cool, calm guy. But when I was home with my mom, I would just wreak havoc all over the house. My mom would put the belt to me when she needed to. Of course, I didn’t want to be punished, but it did keep me in line.
    She always made sure we had the finer things in life to the extent we could afford them. If it was one new pair of shoes per year, she was going to make sure they were clean, and she was going to make sure we had brand-new clothes to wear with them. Mom just dedicated herself to giving us the best life possible. She worked two jobs at times and did everything she could to provide. It’s amazing what she did for us on the income she earned from working at Super Kmart.
    She found a way to keep us away from potential harm too. She tried to show us a different side of life when she could. For instance, she took us to Outback Steakhouse whenever she had enough money so we could eat somewhere nice. She sacrificed a lot for us.
    My father worked in the nearby shipyards as a sandblaster, turning in long hours that kept him away from the family. But it wasn’tjust his job that kept him away and distant at times. He also spent plenty of time in the streets, struggling with drugs and alcohol.
    He would stay with us at our house, but he really wouldn’t put in the effort and family time like I thought he should have. I guess he was into his own thing. I can’t really put my finger on it, but I wanted something more. I wanted to spend time with my dad, but he wasn’t there. He was usually running with his friends. But he showed that he cared by making sure things were okay for us financially.
    I do have some great memories with my dad. When we did spend time together, he would take the time to throw the football with me in the yard. It was in those early days that I realized I was a left-handed passer, which makes me somewhat unique in a sport in which right-handed quarterbacks are most prevalent.
    My mother and father eventually married. To my best friend, Jamel, our family seemed close-knit since there was a father and mother in the home. He said we were just about the only family in the neighborhood with a mother and a father in the home together. Jamel once told me, “You have the complete family. You have what everybody else wants.” He also said he fondly remembers my