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Former NFL star shares positivity at Frank Ohl
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .From 1977 to 1981, Michael Cobb was a member of the Chicago Bears football team. To show their support for Cobb (center), fourth-graders David Kollar (left), Alex Berkenyi, Mark Judy, and Brian Long wore their Bears jerseys to the Sept. 15 event.
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Michael Cobb (right) offered many questions to the Frank Ohl students, asking their own opinions and meanings on important words. During his Sept. 15 presentation, Cobb asked a fourth-grader what "regret" means to her.
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor Michael Cobb (left) stayed after his Sept. 15 presentation to field questions from a few friendly Frank Ohl fourth-graders.
By SARAH FOOR
Back in 1978, Sports World was created to offer professional athletes the chance to share life experiences, advice, and messages of hope with students throughout the United States. Youngstown native Michael Cobb was drafted by the NFL a year before, in 1977, to join the Cincinnati Bengals.
Nearly 35 years later, Cobb is a member of the Sports World ranks and sharing positivity with crowds, including a visit to Frank Ohl Intermediate School on Sept. 15.
“It is a real honor to be part of the Sports World team, and in my speeches, I focus on encouragement, choices and decisions. I only have 40 minutes to speak at Frank Ohl today, but in my experience, great things can definitely happen in that time,” shared Cobb before his speech.
During discussions with Frank Ohl fourth- and fifth-graders, Cobb summarized his thoughts in catchy phrases for the students to remember.
“You’re not born a winner, you’re not born a loser. You’re born a chooser,” said Cobb, stressing positive choices.
Regarding drugs, Cobb had strong opinions.
“I know the phrase is, ‘Just say no,’ but I go further than that. Don’t just say no, say never,” he exclaimed.
Cobb offered helpful advice and told the students to work hard to find success in life.
“I want you to see yourselves in my story,” Cobb said in closing. “As much as we find ourselves alone in our feelings, I think we have universal woes. Stay positive and make good choices and you’ll go far.”