As a kid growing up in Orlando, FL, there were many challenges and obstacles that were presented to me daily. Do you play in the dangerous streets with your friends, or do you play a different way by turning to sports? What I saw on a daily basis in my neighborhood, seeing some of the negativity that surrounded it, I knew right away that I would turn to sports. Sports to me was an outlet to all of my frustrations of being an only child, not having my father around on a consistent basis, living check to check with my mom, the only happiness I felt was the excitement of playing sports, so I leaned heavily on sports as my way out. Although I had the ability, I knew I wanted to be great playing sports. I knew that having the ability was only a start, being able to define my abilities would propel me to having success and being on the TV for the right reasons. The challenge for me was that I could not afford to go to camps, hire trainers, or even get transportation to different areas where other kids were competing working on their skills. Being limited financially, really made it tough to navigate resources and really maximize your abilities going forward.
With this understanding, I knew that in order for me to defy the odds, I had to do more and be well rounded. That meant I had to be good in school and be a positive figure in the community. School was not hard for me, but I will admit I did just enough to get by so that I could play sports. There were classes I took that I was able to do well in, and there were classes that I struggled in. I went to a large high school with about 4,300 students, so getting help in those classes presented challenges. With the student population being that high, it proposes challenges when you need extra help? As I mentioned before, I did not have the means to attend camps or hire trainers and the same goes for hiring a tutor to help me pass my classes. One might say, well ask your parents to help you. What if your parents are not home because they are working, or what if they just do not remember the material? Having the opportunity to get in front of a tutor in these times of need, would be greatly appreciated. Also, I believe that if I were able to have that tutor or attend some educational programs to teach me how I could be a better student, I would have been all in.
Growing up in my community you straddled the fence on many occasions trying to find your way. You had to choose streets, school, or sports as a way of life. Not having that father figure to show you the way and mentor you, it is easy to go the wrong route. Through school, sports and even the streets I was able to find mentorship that helped guide me along the way. The thing is not everyone is afforded mentorship. I was able to get it outside of my community sometimes, but I would have preferred it the other way around, having access to it within my own community. There is nothing like having a big brother or sister to help you along the way and help you with making the right decisions and showing you what hard word work can bring you if you stay on the right path. Someone to show you that just because of your circumstances you do not have to be left behind, you can make it as long as you believe.
Having went through these challenges first hand and having the ability to go on and fulfill my dreams of playing in the NFL, I feel it’s my duty to pass forward my story and help be a bright light to the underprivileged youth in our communities that otherwise may not have had the opportunity to do so. This is my reason the Ike Charlton IV Foundation was formed, to be the bridge of building hope for all youth that are faced with these challenges as they proceed in life. Be that leader, be that mentor, be that coach that helps you be an all-around Student-Athlete.
