Tulsa is witnessing a remarkable transition as former NFL player Shamiel Gary takes on a new role. Seven years after his football career, Gary is back on the field, but this time, he is not playing. Instead, he is educating and motivating young athletes at the Avedis Foundation’s “Health Week 25” event held at Shawnee High School.
Gary, a standout from Booker T. Washington High School and Oklahoma State University, is dedicated to delivering one important message: take care of yourself. This includes being mindful of both physical and mental health. “You want to be physically healthy to play with your kids or to support your friends,” Gary explained. “And being mentally strong allows you to achieve so much in life.” He encourages individuals to view self-care not as selfishness but as a way to be more effective in caring for others.
Dr. Kathy Laster, the CEO of the Avedis Foundation, echoed Gary’s sentiment, saying, “Kids need to hear this message more often. Having someone they admire, like Shamiel, share his experiences and wisdom can impact them greatly. Sometimes, it means more coming from a role model rather than a parent.”
Since ending his NFL career with the Buffalo Bills, Gary has spoken to over 150,000 people through hundreds of presentations, sharing how he transformed his life. He recalls a moment during a car wash that sparked his journey toward self-improvement. “I opened the trunk and saw baggage I still held on to, both physically and emotionally,” he said. “It was time to clean out my mental truck, and I started by embracing solitude to understand who I really am.”
Gary believes that true growth occurs when individuals pause and reflect on their paths. He stated, “It’s common to get so busy trying to thrive that you don’t realize you’re just surviving without checking in with yourself.” This philosophy also extends to sports, as Shawnee High School football coach Jason Madonna noted. “Not everyone will become an NFL player, but what they learn from football about hard work and dedication is crucial for success, no matter the career,” he said.
As Gary continues to engage with the youth, he is hopeful his experiences will resonate with the future leaders. “Most people are underdogs in their own way. If young people can see themselves in my journey, it makes my message stronger and more relatable,” he concluded.
