Jaguars FB Lee Webb took a trip down memory lane recently when he spoke to a group of foster children at the Jacksonville Youth Sanctuary. Webb, a Los Angeles native, spent many years of his life shifting around from foster home to foster home. He lived homeless at one point in his life, pushing shopping carts on the streets of Detroit and Los Angeles, begging for food. Webb felt it was very appropriate to address other foster kids about the journey his life took and what he has overcome.
"If these kids can listen to me, and listen to the message that I'm trying to tell them, then there is no reason why they can't be successful in life," said Webb. "I've been there. I know what they're going through."
Webb's main focus of his speech was to explain to the kids to pursue their dreams. He told them about many of the obstacles that he has had to face in his life.
"When I was walking the streets of Los Angeles, I would walk by the University of Southern California, and I felt that I really wanted to go to that school," added Webb. "A few years later I enrolled at a local high school, excelled in football, and was recruited by many of the top colleges in the country. There was no doubt where I was going to go to school."
"I went on to the University of Southern California and won two national championships and here I am today in the NFL. Good things happen to people who work hard. Nothing is going to be handed to you. You must bust your hump to achieve success in life," said Webb.
Webb attributed much of the success he has had in life to his foster parents. They took him in and taught him discipline and responsibility.
"My foster parents were great influences in my life," Webb told the kids. "These mentors and foster parents that you all have, they love you, and want you to be successful. Listen to them, respect them. They want what's best for you."
The Jacksonville Youth Sanctuary runs two group foster homes, with the ability to house 58 at-risk youth who do not have an opportunity to live with parents, family, or other responsible adults.
Webb's visit provided the children with memories and inspiration that will last a lifetime.
