The vulnerability of redshirting has caused me to question my utility at home. Therefore, when I am incarcerated, I fear my wife will realize she does not need me. I’m afraid my daughter will forget me, and I have accepted the fact that the dynamic between some of my friends and me has been inextricably changed.

Redshirting creates insecurities, but I have never been an insecure person. I want to make this experience as positive as I possibly can while recognizing this year will be much tougher on my family. I owe it to them to utilize my Redshirt year to return as a much improved person. Here’s to having a plan, and working on it every day. I believe in the WIN principle. (What’s Important Now). First up on the agenda, survive the first day with my dignity intact (I actually intend to thrive rather than survive but that’s neither here nor there). During intake, I plan to capture my experience while enduring the process, to stay focused on where I want to be not where I am, and to listen more than I speak.

Family and Friends,

The first athlete to extend his eligibility in the modern era of redshirting was a guy named Warren Alfson. Alfson attended the University of Nebraska in 1937. Alfson marched into the coaches office and requested he be allowed to sit out his sophomore season due to the number of experienced players ahead of him. Furthermore, because he had not started college until several years after graduating from high school, he felt he needed more time to prepare physically. The year off was good to Alfson; he was All-Big Six Conference in 1939 and an All-American guard in 1940.

Athletes may be asked by coaches to redshirt if it becomes apparent the athlete needs more time to prepare physically or intellectually. In short, the purpose of a redshirt year is an opportunity to get better.

The term Redshirt has also been co-opted by some in the pre-k academic realm as well. It is the practice of postponing entrance into kindergarten of age-eligible children in order to allow extra time for physical, socioemotional, or intellectual growth.

I intend to adopt the term “Redshirt” for my own purposes. As many of you know, I was convicted in Federal Court of one count of wire fraud. As a result, I will be spending my Redshirt year at the Federal Correctional Complex, Butner. I expect to use my Redshirt Year for physical, socioemotional, intellectual, and spiritual growth.

In college my number was 21, during this Redshirt Year my number will be 33778-171. I guess that’s too long to put on a jersey, but it fits on a letter if you’re interested in writing. There is a process to corresponding, visiting, or contributing to my commissary account. Information on processes associated with contacting me can be found at the BOP.GOV website.

I am already working hard to prepare and grow from my experience. As such, I would like to invite you to follow my blog, and hold me accountable. Yes, I have created a blog to share my experiences as my family and I navigate this process. The blog site is Myredshirtyearinprison.blog. I have also created a reading list on Amazon. Feel free to send me a book if you think it’s something that will help me to reach my goals.

My wife and I are determined to use this time as a period of personal growth and intellectual enrichment. Notwithstanding this Redshirt Year, we are blessed beyond measure. We are also very thankful to all those that have chosen to reach out.

I will miss my wife, daughter, family, and friends, but I’ll be back sometime soon. I think it was Arnold Schwarzenegger who said; “Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.”

See you soon!

33778-171