Fresh Air, Family, and Football

By: Carson A. Merk, May 25,2017 (Photo Credit: Washington Valor)

“No such thing as a life that’s better than yours.” That’s part of the chorus to J. Cole’s song Love Yourz. Along with Kendrick Lamar, Cole is a favorite artist of Washington Valor defensive tackle Everett Dawkins. The Spartanburg, South Carolina native Dawkins absolutely loves his life, especially his country upbringing.“The best part of growing up in the country was the freedom,” reflects Dawkins. “Just being able to go outside, having the space, the woods. You had the space to do whatever you want. We used to fish a lot, dig up our own worms.” It was during those early years that he learned some of life’s most important lessons from his grandparents. In addition to always being yourself, he shares, “They taught me the basis of having respect for other people, and to treat people the way you want to be treated.” His grandfather imparted the importance of a strong work ethic, without needing to say a word. “I saw him everyday, go to work, third shift, come back, sleep all day, then go back to work,” Dawkins recalls. “The bills were always paid, my grandma and everyone were taken care of, so that’s kind of the mentality I have.”

Everett  would become an All-State defensive lineman at James F. Byrnes High School, winning a state championship in 2007. On the other side of the ball that year, the team had sophomore running back Marcus Lattimore. He would go on to be a superstar at the University of South Carolina, but severe knee injuries in college did not allow him to see the field in the NFL. “Everyone knows how great he was coming out of college, and even in high school. It’s a big disappointment, because of the talent the kid had,” Dawkins comments on Lattimore. “He was always a head down, work first kind of guy. He always did what the coaches asked of him. He’s coaching now, so I know he has a bright future ahead of him still.” Lattimore is the head coach of Heathwood Hall, a prep school in South Carolina.

After his own college career as a Florida State Seminole ended, Dawkins signed with the Minnesota Vikings. He never saw game action, but he was also signed by the Cowboys, Buccaneers and Giants before joining the Arena Football League. He had his best AFL year so far with the Tampa Bay Storm in 2015. He had 22 tackles, three sacks, and two forced fumbles. He played another season for the Storm, then was assigned to the expansion Valor this offseason. He has six assisted tackles and two fumble recoveries in the early stages of his Washington career.

On the field, he prefers to lead by example.Whether that’s working hard in practice, or showcasing his skills during the game, “If you knock me down, I’m going to get right back up and try to knock you down,” said the Valor defensive lineman. He’s able to flip his calm, country demeanor to explosive and aggressive when the time comes on gameday. He details the process, “I just have to get into my zone. Sometimes music to get hyped up, but just get into my zone.” Dawkins admits it’s always a challenge and something that, no matter how well he’s playing, he has to improve.

You can see Everett Dawkins and the Washington Valor take on the undefeated Philadelphia Soul this Saturday at the Verizon Center. The game will kickoff at 1 pm Eastern Time, and will be streamed live on ArenaFootball.com