The Players Tribune

Football

ALL STORIES

We expect to be ranked in the Top 5. We expect to win the ACC. And we expect to win every game. Every single year.

Willie Taggart

When I was doing everything I could to create an opportunity for myself, I would remember what Grandma taught me.

Antonio Brown

The cancer may be gone, and the chemo may be over, but the real fight is just beginning. Now it’s football season. And I’m just getting started.

Rex Culpepper

I’m ready to admit that I’m okay with giving up the identity of “Julius the football player.” I’m O.K. with not being recognized as an NFL athlete — because I’m

Julius Thomas

“Wait,” she said. “James Walker ... you mean his father, right? Not Junior. Not my James.” She lowered the phone and started to sob. Then she told me my brother

John Brown

I’m asking the Seahawks to do one of two things: Offer me an extension. Or trade me to a team that wants me to be part of their future.

Earl Thomas

I was living in darkness. That’s the only way I can describe it. Pure darkness. Like nothing good could possibly happen in my life.

Gerald McRath

The bottom half of my leg was just gone. It was severed, and the blood was rushing out of my body while I was lying in the grass.

Isaiah Pead

I’m proud of everything I accomplished during my five years in Seattle, and I’m proud that I got to do it all in front of the best fans in the world.

Cliff Avril