Byner Visits Greene Central to Motivate Athletes

By Nadine Miller

         Former professional football player Earnest Byner visited Greene Central High School and spoke to the school’s Student Athlete Leadership Team (SALT) on Friday April 11th about leadership and the importance of academics.  

         Byner played at East Carolina University(ECU) for three years before he played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 years with the Cleveland Browns, Washington Redskins, and the Baltimore Ravens.

         After he finished playing, he later coached the Baltimore Ravens and Washington Redskins.  This year Byner became the coach for the Tennessee Titans.

         He has also been placed on the list of 70 Greatest Redskins, ranking number 21, and was a two-time selection to the Pro Bowl.

         Byner was asked to come speak by Greene Central High School’s assistant football coach Andre Quinerly and talk with students about the importance of goal setting and academics.  “Earnest Byner is a wonderful speaker and a great motivator,” said Quinerly.

         “I was so glad to accept the invitation and come speak to the cream of the crop of Greene Central High School,” said Byner with a smile.

         Byner’s speech focused on academics aside from the thrill of playing sports.  “Academics is very important,” said Byner.  “A student can be gifted in athletics, but because they don’t apply themselves, they do poorly in academics.”

         Byner told students that it is vital to get a good education and not just slide by.  “When my Geometry teacher failed me, she did not do it to be mean; she did me a favor and taught me to apply myself.” 

         His emphasis on hope and leadership seemed to motivate many of the students in attendance.  Junior Reggie Sanders said, “This really helped a lot, and I’m ready to do a lot more things.”

         “It’s tremendous that we have a graduate of ECU, a professional football player, and someone who is successful in academics willing to come and talk about the importance of preparation and be a positive role model,” said Greene Central High School’s Principal Dr. Randy Bledsoe.  “Student-athlete leaders are very important for now and the future.”

         Byner gives credit to his grandmother for teaching him the importance of hard work early on in life.  “She always pushed me to do better, to work hard, study; that’s why I always did my homework right away, then I played later,” said Byner.

         He admits that his life has been challenging and there have been times when he wanted to quit, but his grandmother talked to his coaches and kept him in the game.

         “The relationships that I have developed have been most important to me,” said Byner.  “I went through challenges in my life, and I cherish those memories because they helped me rise above them.”

         “He did a real good job,” said junior Shakira Dudley.  “He really influenced me to strive for better in sports, and work hard in school, and that we can do anything if we set our minds to do it.”

         Byner reminded students that they have to determine where they want to go, and develop that level of commitment to achieve that goal.  It’s important to understand why things happen, and always do the right thing.

         “It’s real easy to get caught up with people who are going the wrong way,” said Byner.  “Students need to have the determination to get to the next level, and have a craving to make a difference.”

         Byner wants the world to have more leaders who are willing to make a difference, and he believes that, that next generation of great leaders can come from Greene Central High.