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Vince Williams isn't just another football player. When most people view football players, they think of men who couldn't do much outside of playing a game. Williams not only graduate from Florida State University, but graduated with two degrees, one of which was creative writing.
The second year inside linebacker started in 10 games last season as a rookie, but is now facing an undecided future with the drafting of Ryan Shazier, and if you follow his twitter account, the harsh realization that he faces heading into training camp is enough to make a normal human crumble.
Everybody hungry but there's only 53 plates. Somebody gonna be teaching PE in August. #grinding
— Vince Williams (@VinnyVidiVici98) June 22, 2014
Next up is training camp. Bodies break minds melt, dreams are crushed. I think it changes you. For better or worse Idk but you're different.
— Vince Williams (@VinnyVidiVici98) June 22, 2014
Watching bright eyed college stars come in hungry. Sitting just on the edge of all of there dreams. Money Fame Greatness
— Vince Williams (@VinnyVidiVici98) June 22, 2014
Then watching the Vets grown men with kids that have grown accustom to their lifestyle. 8 years in they don't know any other way.
— Vince Williams (@VinnyVidiVici98) June 22, 2014
Competition is a fierce polygraph. Showing you truly what you are willing to do or go through to be the better man.
— Vince Williams (@VinnyVidiVici98) June 22, 2014
I tell myself I have two degrees I could get a job & take care of my family without bustin up my body or the mental strain of competition.
— Vince Williams (@VinnyVidiVici98) June 22, 2014
But how could that compare to standing on the 20 yard line 4th quarter 3rd down in the snow w Renegade blasting through Heinz smh #Chills
— Vince Williams (@VinnyVidiVici98) June 22, 2014
What drives these individuals to put so much on the line isn't always money, but a desire to make something of themselves. Williams could easily hang up his cleats and get a "normal" job, but the glory that accompanies being an NFL star is far greater than anything most jobs could ever provide.
Williams' spot on the roster isn't solidified heading into training camp with Shazier, Terence Garvin, Sean Spence and Williams all striving for playing time at the weakside inside linebacker position. Training camp will truly be as fierce as described for Williams and many others when players report to St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA in late July.