New York Giant Shaun OHara dropped by Peekskill Middle School with some friends Wednesday, but the all-pro center wasnt there to talk just football. Despite winning a Super Bowl and being a team captain in 2007, the 33-year-old all-pro center told students his road to success wasnt as easy as some might think, and urged students to start planning for the future now.
An undrafted player in 1999 who played as a walk-on at Rutgers University until his third year, OHara was forced to test the uncertain waters of free agency. Much like I had to walk on at Rutgers, I basically had to walk on as a free agent tryout with the Cleveland Browns, OHara said. I was disappointed for like 30 seconds but my ultimate goal was to have a chance in the NFL. That all you can ask for in life - an opportunity.
OHara signed with the Browns as a free agent and received a $1,500 signing bonus, far less than star players got. Thats a myth, and one of the challenges a lot of my teammates face, OHara said. Everybody thinks everybody makes $8 million a year, but thats just not the case. Growing up, OHara said his family didnt have a lot of money. His parents taught him how to stretch a dollar. My mother was a coupon queen, OHara said. Saving up for something like a new phone or pair of jeans is just like any other goal, OHara said, and requires preparations just like playing football.
OHara was asked about the current NFL lockout and said it was a perfect example of why its important to save money. Thats why what were talking about is so important, OHara said. For me and my teammates, were not getting paid right now. We cant go to work.
OHara was joined by Pete Dominick, a comedian and commentator who has appeared on CNN. Dominick hosted the event and helped get the crowd warmed up before OHara arrived, partly at the expense of the principal, Dr. David Fine. Dr. Fine has the greatest name Ive ever heard in my life, Dominick said. The expectations arent too high. Its not Dr. Awesome, its Dr. Fine. Also appearing with OHara were some Peekskill High School graduates who said they wanted to give something back to the community. Richard Bennett, Jr., Class of 1985, complimented students on their new school. This school is unbelievable, Bennett said. Our [old] school was a little different than this, but it looks great. Bennetts partner, Eric Salzman, told students that they hoped to motivate young people to be more economical. We want to get you guys thinking about saving, about how money works, how to set yourself up to succeed in life, Salzman said.
Bennett and Salzman, along with Michael Skouras, PHS Class of 1984, are executive producers who are making possible the publication of OHaras book and are also developing other book and television projects involving sports figures and celebrities. "I always felt that coming back to your roots was important," said Skouras last month. "My high school years at Peekskill High School were fantastic and I have always held the community very near and dear to me. I know Rich feels the same way, especially with much of his family still living in the area.
The Peekskill event was the first of several presentations the men plan to give at area schools, but Fine said he was happy his school was the first and liked the lessons the guests discussed. Its good for the students to hear how difficult it is and how tough it can be and the importance of setting goals, Fine said. They (the speakers) fall and they get back up. They had challenges and they kept moving forward. I think that message was sent across nicely.
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