FORT MYERS, Fla. — “It’s been a long time coming for me to be in this position, for me to have this platform”, said Sammy Watkins, wide receiver with Kansas City Chiefs.
That’s what Sammy Watkins told me this morning before the proclamation ceremony where Lee County Commissioners made February 18th Sammy Watkins day. Watkins family, friends and of course fans filled the room as commissioner John E. Manning read the request. Watkins a native of Fort Myers attended South Fort Myers High School and continued his education at Clemson University where he shined on the field as a wide receiver. In 2014 Watkins was the fourth overall pick in the N.F.L draft playing for the b\Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Rams, and currently with the Kansas City Chiefs, recently winning Super Bowl 54.
Watkins describes this moment as a dream.
“It’s just been so surreal, and it’s a good feeling to go everywhere and everybody notice me. and to be in the parade was definitely special to have everyone scream my name, it’s just a great feeling to where hopefully I can keep this going”, said Watkins.
He is working hard to give back to the community in many ways, especially the youth.
“It’s a lot of great things you can do besides football and stuff like that, giving back with knowledge, being the person that you are, and I think that very critical not just for our community but all these young generations that’s coming up,” said Watkins.
Sharing steps that he plans to instill in the community.
“Have a plan respect your peers, listen to your parents and everybody around you, it’s a lot of people that can help you”, said Watkins.
Adding he kids to know there is more to life than just sports, and all dreams can come true with a game plan.
“That’s my whole message, don’t get caught up in this sports world you can go be a lawyer or a firefighter, or whatever you put your mind to, and you have the people in front of us to pave the way, and I think if we can do that we can have more kids being successful”, said Watkins.
