A lot of us at some point or another dream about playing professional sports. However, it’s rare if it ever happens, and it’s even more rare to call your shot.
That’s essentially what then-17-year-old Corey Clement did when he tweeted this in 2012:
One day ... Some day pic.twitter.com/RocLxvIh
— Corey Clement (@CoreyClement_6) May 16, 2012
Clement’s success in football isn’t unexpected. He was a four-star recruit coming out of high school, per 247Sports. He committed to Wisconsin, where he played behind Melvin Gordon for two seasons. After injuries plagued his junior year, he ripped off 1,375 yards and 15 touchdowns his senior season.
He went undrafted, but immediately after the NFL draft the Eagles signed him. Tweet full circle, dreams come true, etc.
And thus far, his rookie season has been good. He’s not getting the bulk of the carries for the Eagles, but he has managed 232 yards on 54 rushes with four touchdowns. He also had to steal carries from Wendell Smallwood, and that’s no easy task in the NFL. And he knows that opportunities like this are rare.
“I had to believe in myself before all of this even started,” Clement said, via NJ.com after the Eagles’ win vs. Dallas. “Once I was given the opportunity, I ran with it and didn't look back. Every time I get the opportunity, whether I'm in the plus-50 or the red zone, I make sure I don't try to get taken out because I did the wrong thing.”
So far, he doesn’t have to worry about that. But it’s pretty badass he can look back on that tweet and say he did everything in his power to accomplish his dream.
(h/t @FreezingColdTakes)