A former Rutgers Scarlet Knight, nose tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day was selected by the L.A. Rams in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Here, he shares what playing in front of passionate, dedicated fans means to him, and explains the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to play on Sundays.
With years of hard work and dedication, what is your favorite part about such an inspiring athlete and role model in this space?
I think my favorite part about it, honestly, is the grind. Every day you really get out what you put in. I think that goes hand-in-hand with life. If you work hard in life, good things happen to you and that’s how I feel about this sport. It inspires me and really keeps me going.
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What do your fans mean to you? How does it make you feel knowing you have so many fans/people that are inspired and motivated from your work?
It’s such a blessing and crazy to believe I have fans. It’s awesome, the position that I’m in, because I get to influence so many people in a positive sense. One thing I’m always trying to do is influence kids in a positive way.
What piece of advice or inspiration would you give to young fans who are looking to become successful in similar roles?
That you’re going to fail and it’s OK to fail. It’s going to be hard, but it’s all part of the process. As long as you stay committed and continue to work hard, keep your nose down and do all the right things, it will work out for you.
Raising awareness is so essential as people often neglect the hardships that come with being a dedicated and active athlete. Is there something you’d like to change, or wish to see as people continue to celebrate their ongoing love for the game?
I feel like with any job that’s the case. A lot of people don’t really know about what happens behind the scenes and all the work that comes with the job, especially with sports and athletics since it’s such a private thing. It really is everything you put in, you get out.
Just maybe try to inform our fans a little more and inform the people how hard us athletes really do work. Putting in the hours, the dedication, hard work, the blood, sweat, all the things they don’t see on Sundays when we are out there playing.
If there’s one thing I could change, I’d probably change that. Besides that, I don’t think we need credit for playing football because at the end of the day, that’s what we love to do and signed up for.
This is obviously more than just football, this is about the continuous love and support we create when coming together to celebrate our favorite teams and players. That said, what message do you want to continue to voice to American sports fans everywhere?
I just want to say thank you to all the fans, because without you, there is no us, we go hand-in-hand. Thank you for your dedication, love, and support. I’m going to continue to do my best to make you happy, and be the best athlete and person I can be.
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