During my freshman year at Southern Cal, I was put into a game for one play with instructions to do nothing but cover the tight end. Instead, I tried to sack the quarterback. I wanted to be the hero. I was within inches of the quarterback when he completed a 1-yard touchdown pass to the wide-open tight end. The extra point put our arch rival UCLA up 27-26 with two minutes to play. Fortunately we kicked a last second field goal to win the game. I had ignored my assignment, acting as if I knew more than an experienced coach. It was a devastating mistake, but I was determined not to let one play ruin my career. Every day that summer I went to my high school practice field. I lined up in front of an imaginary tight end, and covered" him in every defense USC used. It had to look crazy to anyone watching, but I was determined to prove that I could be counted on. You are responsible for your success. If you want something, do all the things, large and small, necessary to attain it. I'm talking about success as an athlete, and, even more importantly, as a student and all-around person. Everyone makes mistakes. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, and don't make excuses. Face up to your mistakes and learn from them, or you cannot succeed. Don't get burned by your ego. I had been taught to sacrifice my individual wishes for the good of the team. But against UCLA I tried to be a star instead of focusing on what the team needed from me."
