Hometown Hero Returns To Alma Mater With Gift From NFL
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A hometown hero took the stage Friday at the high school where his dreams were born.
Mark Collins, who played in the NFL and won Super Bowl XXV with the New York Giants, returned to Pacific High School in San Bernardino to deliver a gift and inspire the students.
Collins presented the students and staff with a golden football, part of the NFL's celebration honoring Super Bowl 50.
The NFL is awarding the ball to any high school where a graduate has either played or coached in a Super Bowl.
"I jumped at the opportunity to share that with my alma mater, Pacific High School. And let the kids know the NFL cares about student athletes and athletes in general," Collins said.
The former defensive back who lives in Kansas City also came to tell the students that they can live their dreams, no matter what.
"Somehow, San Bernardino has gotten a bad rap, and I want to tell these kids, hey, it's up to you guys to bring it back," Collins told the students.
His message seemed to resonate with the students.
Solia Ramos, a junior, said: "If he made it, then I can make it, too. I come from the same school, same classroom he was in one day."
Korion Mabin, a fellow student, seemed to agree with Ramos.
"It was just inspirational, you know, just coming out, him just showing us that we can do something with our lives."
Collins continued by urging students not to give up in the face of adversity and that fighting through tough times builds strength and character.
He also emphasized the importance of how grades, not athletics, will get you into college.
" They'll [athletics] get you a look, but if you don't have the grades, you're not going anywhere."
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