When I am out on the field or when I am off the field, guys know they can come to me to help get us all through.” My mindset whenever I go anywhere and do anything is to make sure everyone knows they can count on me. I came in every day and got the job done to the best of my ability. “I want people to know that I was a blue-collar worker. While the accolades will always hold a special place in the heart of the defensive end, he sees himself in a much simpler light. Many may remember Foster as part of the first Clemson class to go undefeated in Death Valley in a four-year span, amassing 71 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks in his career, or by his two national championship appearances and one national title, but Foster sees himself in a different light. I want to help out as much as I can.”īeing such a veteran mind, the insight and advice that Foster can offer to those around him, even from the sideline, can pay dividends to the development and confidence of his teammates. “My mindset is to finish out strong and give other guys the wisdom that I have learned over the past five years. Whether it’s the younger guys or the older guys, I want to be there for them. “My role now is to be there for my teammates. However, he remains persistent in the pursuit of his purpose…to be there for his teammates. It is obvious that this year did not work out the way he may have hoped, as the effects of his bout with COVID-19 led him to the decision to retire from the game at midseason.
#Every mans battle notes outline full
This is one of the best places in the country and it is full of great people.” “From the coaching staff to the people in the training room, weight room and the support staff, everyone has played a great part in making me into a better man, and they have prepared me for whatever is next in my life once I leave here. While his experience as a Tiger may not be what he had in mind, he remains clear in his advocation for the Clemson football program and staff. “Overall, I think that the everyday battle has made me a better and stronger person.” I still deal with stuff day-to-day from the physical part of it, like shortness of breath, and I still do not have my taste or smell.”Īlways looking on the bright side of things, Foster explained his feelings.
native worked each day to make his time as a Tiger worthwhile.
He missed the entire 2020 season due to his medical struggles, but the Shelby, N.C. But upon his return to practice just two weeks later, it was clear that something was not right.įrom struggling to breathe during conditioning drills, to lacking the ability to taste and smell any fluids or meals, to never feeling adequately rested, Foster was facing a fight with the long-term effects of COVID-19. As one of dozens of Clemson football players to test positive for the coronavirus that year, Foster did not experience any extensive symptoms signaling significant sickness. In the summer of 2020, one could find Foster confined within the walls of medical quarantine, awaiting his clearance that would allow him access back onto the field. In the wake of the sport industry’s battle with COVID-19, defensive end Justin Foster was one who was forced to experience one of his most trying times to date.įoster contributed during the 2017, 20 seasons on the gridiron. Among the groups affected, college athletes have faced many obstacles on the road to becoming both safe and healthy.
#Every mans battle notes outline trial
Note: The following appears in the Wake Forest football gameday program.ĭuring the past two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented all of us with immense trial and tribulation.