Roberto Garza is one of my most treasured role models of all time. I adore people who gave back to their community after becoming successful. I can't wait to inform you on his journey to success!
Known as one of the most unique football players to have ever embraced the one-hundred yard field, Roberto Garza had one thing in common that we all share: a dream. He held onto his dream steadfastly, more determined than anything to pull them through, just as he did on the football field. Obstacles that seemed to have obstructed him, he has tackled through like the exceptional center he was. His story is sure to inspire those to defy adversity and reach their dreams that lay waiting to come true.
Roberto as a child
Rio Hondo is a small border city complex within the state of Texas, the population is as small as one’s pinky. Humidity was at an all time high, property crimes were ubiquitous, and poverty was not an anomaly. The town was stocked with predominantly Mexican-Americans, who lived daily within a furnace of the lofty 70 through 80 degrees and counting (areavibes.com). When Roberto was a tyke, he lived in a small street with his parents and siblings. He grew up watching the likes of Cincinnati Bengal very own Anthony Muñoz and the Dallas Cowboy Tony Castillas, two Hispanics who were gods of the football field. There was a gigantic football stadium at the end of said street that permeated throughout his infantile mind as a new landscape to uncover: the gleam of the lights when night fell, the flames of excitement when a game was present, sparked both his curiosity and excitement.
Yet as seventh grade arrived at his doorstep, he asked his parents if he could play football, to their extreme disgust. ((NFL 100, Hispanic Heritage Month: Roberto Garza)
Roberto Garza as a teenager
“Football is too dangerous. We don’t even play sports. You may get seriously hurt.” They debated.
Soccer was also on his checklist. However, he was stout for his age, so he didn’t enjoy the role as the Tasmanian Devil. Ironically, he ran in track and field. Eventually, he also got the chance to play football during high school, becoming a member of the National Honors Society. “It wasn’t a big deal! Where I grew up, everybody played sports.” Roberto said nonchalantly during an interview for the NFL Hispanic Heritage Month. Unexpectedly, his parents couldn’t support him in paying for college, as he was unable to attain a scholarship. His only recourse was travelling to Texas A&M University in Kingsville, the country seat of southern Texas. There, he took his first steps to his eventual success ((NFL 100, Hispanic Heritage Month: Roberto Garza)
The Strong and Grown Up Roberto
The multitude of barriers that withheld him, such as his parents’ acceptance, or lack thereof, of Roberto’s passions despite their ongoing support of taking care of him and his siblings, as well as their financial shortcomings, tested his mettle. Determined at finding ways to allocate funds for college, he decided to join the Marine Corps. However, delusion was as apparent as an army of flies within a room.
After completing the Marine Corps testing, the recruiter bore a question for the discombobulated young adult.
“What is your dream?” He asked.
“My dream is to play Football.” Roberto replied. The recruiter eyeballed him intently, as if he had qualms about his dream.
“There are no Mexicans playing football!” He answered in a condescending manner.
“I couldn’t believe he said that to me.” Roberto said at the interview for Hispanic Heritage Month.
“Now I have to prove this guy wrong.” (NFL 100, Hispanic Heritage Month: Roberto Garza)
Roberto Garza on The Modelo Commercial For Hispanic Heritage Month, 2019
After becoming a Javelina and playing football at Kingsville, Roberto Garza was drafted into the Atlanta Falcons in 2001, a momentous feat for him. After climbing through four years as a successful left guard and a center, he joined the Chicago Bears in 2005, where he was finally at the top of the mountain, spending a memorable fifteen years before retiring from football (Browse Biography). To express his gratitude and altruism, he created a camp in Rio Hondo, Texas that assists young kids and share his message about his many hurdles that impeded him and how he advanced through them, encouraging them to achieve their dreams, despite all that tries to stop them. (NFL 100, Hispanic Heritage Month: Roberto Garza)
His story of success through adversity are one of the examples of the bumpy roads and detours that it takes to achieve success, and how his determination and resilience guided him into glory. Take his example into mind, and strive for goals that are set. If dreams lay waiting to come true, why not reach them?
Sources
Vibes, Area. “Rio Hondo, TX Crime.” Rio Hondo, TX Crime Rates & Crime Map, AreaVibes, 2019, www.areavibes.com/rio+hondo-tx/crime/
Garza, Roberto. “Roberto Garza Life and Biography.” Roberto Garza Biography, Birth Date, Birth Place and Pictures, BrowseBiography, 4 Jan. 2011, www.browsebiography.com/bio-roberto_garza.html
Data, City. “Rio Hondo, Texas.” Rio Hondo, Texas (TX 78583) Profile: Population, Maps, Real Estate, Averages, Homes, Statistics, Relocation, Travel, Jobs, Hospitals, Schools, Crime, Moving, Houses, News, Sex Offenders, City-Data, 2019,
League, National Football. “Hispanic Heritage Month: Roberto Garza.” NFL.com, NFL, 16 Sept. 2013,
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