(S20) - PT2 - Role Model

[nunccoepi]

Blackstone's role model growing up changed over time. He grew up always wishing for another Muslim football player to watch and emulate, but they were hard to find. He seemed to find them more often in basketball with players such as Hakeem Olajuwon, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, and Nazr Mohammed. The way that they lived out their beliefs, including fasting during Ramadan even if it meant they were often hungry during the season was an inspiration to him. But more than anything, he often cites Muhammad Ali as his top professional athlete inspiration in the faith. Blackstone is inspired by how Muhammad Ali absolutely transformed the sport of boxing and the influence that he had on all professional athletes. Right now he can only dream of influencing his sport in the same way some day. Right now he can't really think of any Muslim all time greats in the sport of football -- so he takes great solace in the fact that others may look up to him as an inspiration and a role model in the sport, just like he was looking for a role model when he was younger. Blackstone was heartbroken when Ali died a few years ago, but he knows that he is better off for having learned from him.