Custodians and star athletes aren't exactly synonymous.
Today, star athletes are known as much for their off-field antics and complaining as they are for the behind-the-scenes hard work they put in.
Custodians are probably just as visible in our daily lives but we often just pass by them without the appreciative "Thank You," or a warming "Hello."
The two became one Friday night at the James Madison University Convocation Center.
Rodney Landers, the Dukes' record-shattering dual-threat quarterback of the past two years and soon-to-be graduate, was humbly sweeping the lower level stands at close to 11 p.m.
Landers could be seen on press row at most men's and women's home basketball games this season as he was working on a practicum for his sport management major. He helped with media streaming and keeping track of play-by-play.
But when his practicum duties were done on Friday, after the women's team beat Northeastern in the quarterfinals, he quietly picked up a broom and started helping the Convo's custodial staff — a responsibility often reserved for students needing community service after earning a strike or some other reprimand.
Landers wasn't in trouble though.
That's just the type of guy he is.
Repeatedly, a manager of the clean-up crew thanked Landers for sticking around and being so selfless. He politely said "your welcome" and "no problem."
He should be used to saying "your welcome" after JMU's superfans had plenty of gratitude to show after two years of dominating football the NFL hopeful played.
It's moments like this that you'd wish more athletes could be seen participating in. At the same time it's nice that only a few people will likely read this because it seems like few would really appreciate it.
Hopefully, this week, scouts will embrace his character, as much as his athletic ability, when he puts in more thankless work during JMU's Pro Day.
No comments:
Post a Comment