It's not all about what you say. Sometimes it's how you say it. I'd take an entire day to do something with only my nephew and me and we'd go do something fun. Go karts, laser tag, arcades, and some lunch. It'd be important to build rapport at first and have him let his guard down so that I can get serious during lunch. Maybe some friendly jabs during the games just to remind him what his goal is. During lunch I'd ask him why he wants to be a professional athlete just to see if his passion is there. If his passion is there I'd ask him what he'd sacrifice to accomplish his dream. Then depending on what he says.... If he says he'd do anything then I'd tell him it's not only about training on the field, weight room, and with video, but it's about taking all the extra steps outside of football to put himself in the best position, and that's school, community, and being a leader off the field. I'd probably get all philosophical and say you can be an athlete without being professional, but you can't accomplish your dream without being professional.
Words - 197
Words - 197