This is my first time speaking on this publicly since it happened but I want to take the 2nd chance that God gave me to tell my story in my own words. I literally NEVER post anything on social media unless it’s business related and my niece originally made this when I was still in the hospital to help me try to put the pieces of my life back together! On July 1st I was leaving from coaching a night game we had for my football team and headed to my brothers house to pick up fireworks he bought for my kids. We were turning on his street when a couple of kids (young men) walked seemingly out of nowhere right in front of our car. One of the guys was aggressive from the jump and yelling threats about what he would do if we didn’t move our (fill in the blanks) out of the road. Speaking back to him across me, my brother yelled back at him to keep his (fill in the blanks) out of the road as they crossed over to my side of the car. The guys aggression escalated from there as the verbal back and forth between them ensued and before I could ever say a word the guy pulled out a gun and fired gunshots in the double digits at the car and struck me 6 times. God spared my life and extended me mercy in this crazy near death experience that should’ve never happened. This could have been ANYONE. I didn’t know these guys, had never seen them before and didn’t do anything to deserve this. I didn’t put myself in this situation but I do believe that everything happens for a reason. Everyone that really knows me knows that I strive to be an example through growing from my past shortcomings. My true passion is working with kids. For years whether it has been through coaching, mentoring or even more recently opening a Sports Training Facility for boxing, basketball, football, strength and conditioning and speed and agility training I have found ways to give back and try to make a positive impact on our youth. Just because of a random incident I refuse to let this dim my light or change my focus. If anything this proves that what I’m doing is needed. I want to thank everyone in the community that has reached out to me or shown overwhelming support for me during this time by reassuring me that what I have done has not gone unnoticed. I have been praying about how I can use my story for good and I decided that since this gofundme was created for me what I want to do is give back. That being said what I will do is if we reach 25% or less of the goal I am donating 20 percent of that amount to provide scholarships to 7 kids to train at my sports facility. If we reach 50% I’m donating 30% to sponsor 20 kids and if we reach 100% I will donate 40% to sponsor between 40-50 kids! I’m grateful for a 2nd chance and I want to give kids who deserve it a chance and use this incident for good. I will keep everyone posted on details to qualify and progress and please keep me and my family in your prayers.