Have You Ever Wanted Yesterday Back?
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Joey has lived his entire life in Jackson, Tennessee. Like many boys, he grew up watching football on television with his family and playing "backyard" football with his friends. He attended the public schools in Jackson and always played on the football teams - from elementary through high school. |
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Joey attended Jackson-Central Merry High School and played tackle on both the offensive and defensive lines. (Pictured right: Joey, 76, with the defensive and offensive tackles) He did a great job and dreamed of one day playing college football. He was offered a football scholarship to Tennessee Tech in Cookeville, Tennessee. However, during his senior year, Joey received a knee injury that kept him from taking advantage of the scholarship. |
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After high school, Joey attended Jackson State Community College. He married his high school sweetheart, Susan Hamilton and became the father of four children, Kyle, Allison, Ginger and Cody. He worked at and later became co-owner of Tom Lawler's, Inc. Office Outfitters. With his family, he attended Lambuth Memorial Methodist Church where he taught Sunday School, served in many church offices and the choir, and provided numerous vital services to the congregation. After high school, Joey attended Jackson State Community College. He married his high school sweetheart, Susan Hamilton and became the father of four children, Kyle, Allison, Ginger and Cody. He worked at and later became co-owner of Tom Lawler's, Inc. Office Outfitters. With his family, he attended Lambuth Memorial Methodist Church where he taught Sunday School, served in many church offices and the choir, and provided numerous vital services to the congregation. Joey continued to be involved in athletics. He became a Certified Youth Sports Coach and coached Junior Flag Football, Baseball, Softball, girls and boy's Basketball, and Soccer. He continued to attend local high school football games and served as president of Jackson-Central Merry High School's Football Boosters organization. And, like many others, he watched college and professional football on television and attended regional college games. |
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Through the years, the dream of playing college football faded as Joey became involved in his family, church, work, and coaching. And then his son, Kyle, started playing football in middle school and high school. Kyle played the same position that Joey did. The dream of playing college came flooding back. Then Kyle received a football scholarship to Lambuth University. As Joey visited Kyle's practices and games at Lambuth, his dream became stronger. "I couldn't compete with those young people. I'm too old and out of shape", he told himself. But the dream continued. He talked to his family about his dream. They responded, "Go for it!" Joey started working to get in shape. He joined an aerobics class, started walking, and lost eighty pounds. Then he added lifting weights and running. His family participated in this "get in shape" program and offered him encouragement. |
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In the summer of 2003, Joey applied to and was accepted at Lambuth University. He entered as a junior with a full class load and signed up to try out for the football team. He reported to the August football camp to try to make the team. This required a two week stay in the dorm. He told head coach Vick Wallace that he wanted no favors, and he wanted to make the team or fail on his own. Joey's roommate was his son, Kyle, now a senior. On the wall, he posted the letters of encouragement each of his children had written; and he started to keep a diary of his experiences. |
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Football camp was very demanding. The conditioning session was 5:30 AM until 6:00 AM. Morning practice was 8:30 until 12:00 and the third session was 5:00 PM until 8:30. Each day he prayed, "Lord please help me through this practice." There came a day when Joey thought he could not go on. He talked to his wife about quitting. The next morning, he read the letters of encouragement from his family and friends. At sunrise, he reported to morning practice. He sat on the bench and looked back across the field. There in the morning dew, he saw his footprints. The scene reminded him of the bookmark he had in the diary he was keeping. It was "Footprints in the Sand". When he saw that, he knew he could make it. He had faith in God, belief in himself, and the support of his family and friends. And Joey did make it! He made it through camp and he made the team! He was accepted as a teammate by the other players. The Lambuth football team not only had a winning season, but went on to win the Mid-South Conference championship. At the end of the season, Joey was offered a position as an assistant offensive line coach for Lambuth. He also travels the country as a spiritual and motivational speaker sharing his story. |
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| Joey and Kyle's Mid-South Conference Championship rings | ||||
Do you have a special dream? Then believe in yourself and "Go for it!" |
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