My sports professional penpal is C.J. Spiller. He is the running backs coach for the Clemson Tigers football program. He also serves as the Offensive Run Game Coordinator for them. Spiller played football at Clemson from 2006-2009. He etched his name in the history books while playing there, which led to him getting drafted by the Buffalo Bills in round 1 of the 2009 NFL draft. He spent 8 seasons in the NFL before returning to Clemson to join Dabo Swinney’s staff.

Why C.J.?

I first met C.J. when I was a kid growing up in Florida. The church (Victory Christian Center or VCC) I went to at the time was in his hometown of Lake Butler. Any time he had time in the offseason, he would visit his family and friends and attend church. It was crazy seeing him because I remember watching him on Saturdays for Clemson and thought #28 is so talented (and FAST!). Another aspect about him that stood out is how humble he is. A lot of athletes can let success get to their head, but not him. God, family, and football always seemed to be at the forefront for him.

Becoming my penpal!

Finding a penpal seemed like such a daunting task. C.J. came to mind, and I immediately messaged his mom about my predicament and how C.J. would be perfect for this. She got in contact with him and BOOM! Connection finally made. I am excited to connect with a person that has experience as both a professional athlete and a coach. Many people dream of becoming a professional athlete, but most do not obtain that goal. C.J. did and now he is sharing all his expertise with players on the Clemson sideline.

I am looking forward to building a connection with C.J. throughout the semester! P.S. I could not find the picture I took with him many years ago when the Bills came to town to play the Jaguars but enjoy these pictures of him with my parents and me with former Bills CB Stephon Gilmore.