Ever since the first grade, football was a big part of my life. When I was eleven, I was a Punt, Pass & Kick champion. I was a kicker, punter and wide receiver in high school, but I chose to specialize in kicking. Louisiana Tech signed me to a full scholarship, and I went on to kick all four years at Louisiana Tech, where I received many honors.

The dream of my life was to become a professional football player. That dream came true on April 23, 1990, when I was drafted by the New York Giants. I was the only kicker chosen in the entire 1990 draft. The Giants went on to win the Super Bowl my rookie year.

My dream of being able to play professional football came true, but it did not bring the inner fulfillment and peace of mind I was seeking. The world told me that I would find satisfaction and fulfillment through my success on the field, and that money, fame and material possessions would fill the sense of incompleteness and lack of peace I felt. But I found that neither a Super Bowl ring, nor a championship, team could satisfy me and fill the void in my life. Later that same year, I left the Giants to play for the Cleveland Browns and continued my search for fulfillment.