To reach and achieve one’s dreams, one must understand their “why”. 

For former student-athlete David Martin-Robinson, now Tennessee Titans tight end, his “why” led him to his ultimate dream of competing in the NFL. 

Thursday, February 26th, David came back to his Alma-mater, Hempfield High School, to implore young athletes to find their “why” and to chase their dreams.   

Growing up active in many sports and influenced by his college football-playing father, David knew from an early age that he wanted to make it big. He began playing football in middle school for the pure fun of it. But in high school, something changed. He started playing to be the best. His “why” shifted. 

Gear Shift 

 David remembers the moment he became “all in”. It was the summer before his sophomore year when his dad gave him a bike. He told David it would be his transportation to football workouts for the summer. Mind you, he lived four miles and one huge hill away from school, which he traveled every day before his hours of football practice AND lifting for basketball within the same day. Let’s also not forget the bike ride home of course, in which he traveled another four miles. “Looking back on it now, I was like damn that was actually kind of crazy, but I just didn’t question it because it was just what I wanted to do” David reflects on his niche experience. He goes further to say “I don’t know, It’s just how it is.” Showing that, even as just a sophomore, he was dedicated and committed to showing up for his team. David would ride those four miles for his football family, for his coach, and for his future success. During the summer of 2016, his ‘why’ was his team.

The success of his team, however, was not a self-fulfilling duty for David. As a leader on and off the field, the player held his entire team to the standard he held himself. Team accountability was a core value of David’s. He lifted up his peers not only on the football field, but on the court and track as well.

Football, although his favorite, was not the only thing he was dedicated to. As a three-sport varsity letterman,  David showed devotion in everything he did. These things include football (of course), track and field, basketball, and to his teacher’s delight, school.

Character 

David put his best foot forward and gave 110% in everything that he could. What was really important, however, was his communication and ability to build relationships. With everybody, whether that be on or off the field. “How you do anything is how you do everything,” says David, emphasizing the importance of being well rounded and not solely focused on athletics. To this day, that is something he is remembered for. He was always a leader in the classroom, treating everyone with respect. Mr. Martin, Hempfield algebra teacher shares, “He approached math class the same way he approached Friday nights—with diligence, excellence and hard work. He was always very respectful, had a smile on his face, and was a joy to work with.”

Navigating challenges 

David’s journey was not perfect, though. He dealt with many injuries during his time spent playing at Temple, and they challenged him in ways he had never been challenged before. David even had to redshirt (not playing an entire season) as a freshman. A broken hand, a broken foot, a torn hamstring, the list goes on… Yet throughout it all, he still had love for the game. He attributes this to his unwavering support system, especially his dad. When David would start to think negatively, his dad would ground him with reminders that he was there to play for a reason. While he navigated this tough time, his “Why” changed once more. He was now playing for the people around him, and those who no longer were. 

Playing in the NFL, David still remembers everyone who helped him get to where he is today. He says the list of people is “a mile long“. Every successful player has people behind them. David continues to recognize and appreciate them, making him not only a successful player, but a fulfilled human being. One does not make it to the NFL by themselves and David is not the kind of person to forget that. It is evident in his words his admiration he has for his supporters, past and present.

Legacy

To those who were in the room with David two weeks ago, it is clear that he has left a strong impact on the Hempfield community. Teachers lined the walls watching as their prior student spoke, their current students listening in awe. Junior Charlie Williams reflects on David‘s  speech:  “Your time is going to come so you’re going to need to keep working for when you finally become an upper-classman, and the coaches are going to count on you.” It is safe to say that Hempfield football continues to carry the weight of David’s legacy and will keep doing so through its crafting of a bonded team. 

No one goes through it alone, and it gives Hempfield a sense of pride knowing that one of their alums embodies this notion fully. David, a wonderful athlete, student, and person, carries this with him through life, taking every moment in and living for his people. That is his “Why.”