NFL Star Tells Youth Hard Work Overcomes Adversity

Danny Woodhead may not be the biggest player in the National Football League, but he’s one of the biggest inspirations to the boys and girls at Boys Town. Woodhead shared his message of “sticking with it” as the special guest at the 2011 Boys Town Booster Banquet Tuesday, May 3.

Woodhead has been told throughout his life that his small frame would never allow him to make it in football. But he stuck with it, even when he got knocked down over and over again. With hard work and a lot of heart, he continued to prove his critics wrong, first as a record-breaking collegiate athlete and now as running back for the New England Patriots in the NFL. 

“The toughest thing to overcome is people not letting you get that opportunity,” Woodhead told Boys Town youth. “What I did was keep working hard because that’s the only thing I can control.”

His message resonated with Boys Town youth, who too often have been on the receiving end of doubt. When they arrive at Boys Town, professionals work with them to rebuild their confidence and create a foundation for success.

For many of the youth, playing sports at Boys Town is the first time they’ve put on football pads or dribbled a basketball. Boys Town coaches emphasize the team sport experience, not the final score. As Paris, the female winner of the Competing with Character award, told the audience Tuesday night, “At Boys Town, we know that whether we win with class or lose with dignity, we always compete with character.”
 
The annual Booster Banquet honors Boys Town student-athletes for their outstanding accomplishments throughout the season. Youths Nehemiah and LaNiece were named the Outstanding Male and Female Athletes of the Year, respectively, for their tremendous commitment to Boys Town athletics, while Taylor and Paris were presented with the Male and Female Competing with Character awards.
 
Four Boys Town alumni also were recognized with their induction into the Boys Town Sports Hall of Fame. Glen Hepburn (1956), John Sterner (1957), James Cortland Swaim (1955) and Robert Cross (1958) were honored for their athletic achievements during their time at Boys Town.

Keep updated on next year's Booster Banquet!

The Boys Town Boosters were formed more than 40 years ago to ensure that any child who wants to play sports has the opportunity to do so. Every year, the Booster Banquet brings Boys Town and the Omaha community together to recognize Boys Town’s student-athletes and raise funds for sports equipment, uniforms and other necessities. This support of Boys Town athletics guarantees youth have an outlet where they can have fun and learn valuable life lessons. 

If you are interested in learning more about the Boosters or would like to join, please email Herb Hames at herb.hames@boystown.org.