By Joyce Oscar
The New York Giants are a legendary football team that have inspired many young athletes. Michael Horsford, a 2018 athlete from Virginia, is one of those athletes. He has always been a New York Giants fan and watching them play inspired him to play football. So at ten years of age, young Michael took the idea to his parents and started his football journey as a defensive end and running back.
Now at the position of wide receiver It’s been over six years since he first picked up a football and he loves it just as much today as he did years ago. His entire week is full and dedicated to perfecting his craft. On Monday he focuses on his lower body doing squats and cleans. Tuesday is dedicated to the upper body and Wednesday is a mixture of both with more body weight exercises. Thursday is stretch day and then comes game time on Friday. But it doesn’t stop there. In addition to watching film on Saturday, he takes time to watch college
football. Sunday it’s back to the grind with wide receiver training where he works on his agility, route running and ball reception.
His season so far this year has been good although it hasn’t been without challenges. “My biggest challenge this season was trying to get over the death of my best friend and team-mate,” he admitted. “I played football with him for three years and it’s been rough playing knowing he’s not with me anymore. But it gives me an extra level of energy and I treat ever play likes it’s my last. I play 110% just for him.”
Michael isn’t alone in his highs or his lows. His mother Tisha Green is always right by his side and her involvement has helped tremendously. “My mom plays a very huge part in my football career,” he says. “She does an excellent job getting my name out there and paying for my camps and for my trainer. She’s never missed a game of mine and without her I wouldn’t be at the level of play I am now.”
Michael’s life motto is “the grind never stops”. He believes that the only way to get better is to think about the things you’ve done wrong or aren’t the best at and work on them. He says although there are times when he really doesn’t want to wake up early for practice, he knows it has to be done if he wants to get better.
