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The Daily Grind Video
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My dream of playing in the NFL came to me when I was in the fourth grade.  This dream gave me vision and direction; I knew where I was headed. At that moment I didn’t know how I was going to get there, but I knew by taking it one day at a time and one step at a time, eventually I could transform my dream into my reality. I am happy to say as a starting Safety for the NFL’s Buffalo Bills, that my dreamhas come to fruition.

Being from a small town has given me a unique perspective on life. Taking the long route to get to where I am today has taught me “humility with dignity and humbleness with pride.” Throughout my childhood I didn’t develop my work ethic in the gym or on the practice field, rather by working on my grandparents’ tobacco farm.  That was
where I acquired my intense work ethic and developed my sense of responsibility and integrity.

I’ve never been a stranger to hard work on the field; whether it be tobacco or the gridiron. That comes second nature to me — to work hard to get what I want. If I’d given up I would’ve never made it to where I am today, but acting in front of an entire video crew for Mary J. Blige’s ‘Hood Love’ video was a unique challenge for which I wasn’t familiar. I didn’t know the rules of the game, and wasn’t given a playbook, nor could I rely on the refuge of being masked under my helmet. This was a venture outside of my norm, but it presented the chance for me to act alongside an iconic artist and create future opportunities for life after football.

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After fighting off the jitters, I composed myself and realized that the only difference between an obstacle and opportunity is your attitude, and I wasn’t going to let this one pass me up.  I faced acting in this video just like every other challenge I had faced; I took it minute-by-minute and step-by-step. After being given the chance at such an amazing opportunity, I wanted to make the most of it – After all, that’s all we can ask for in life.

Acting as Mary J. Blige’s love interest in the “Hood Love” video, and being featured in Essence Magazine website’s “Eye Candy” edition were both truly incredible opportunities to gain exposure, however it is my philanthropic efforts for which I want to be valued. I look forward to continuing to perfect my craft, and work to be a consistent, impact player each week both on and off the field.

When I prayed for this dream, I vowed to God that I would never be selfish with it.  Now I have a complete understanding that God blesses you in order to be a blessing to others. I’ve chosen to fulfill my promise by establishing my foundation, The George Wilson S.A.F.E.T.Y. Foundation—Saving Adolescents From Everyday Trials of Youth.

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Last month I hosted my first event, a leadership retreat for 40 students from my hometown’s middle school.  I invited the students there to inspire and encourage them to become future leaders, but I left inspired by their growth and participation over the weekend. Currently, I have a 6-week after school program called “That’s Life,” which focuses on equipping today’s youth with the life skills to fuel
their journey to a healthy, successful life.

My experiences have broadened my platform and added to my testimony, which allows me to re