He is a former NFL cornerback who shot to prominence when he was selected 18th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2007 NFL Draft. Before making it big in the league, he was already turning heads in high school, where he excelled in multiple roles and earned the prestigious San Diego Union-Tribune Scholar-Athlete award. He spent his formative years in Vista, California, where he laid the foundation for what would become a standout football career. Growing up in such an environment helped shape him into the athlete he eventually became, and his early achievements were a clear indicator of things to come.
He was a standout player on the University of Michigan football team, and throughout his four seasons, he never once missed a game. His dedication and consistency made him a key figure on the field, and people often looked up to him as a role model. He showed up every single time, rain or shine, because that’s just who he was—reliable, tough, and fully committed. In fact, his name became synonymous with perseverance during those years at Michigan. Whether it was practice or a high-pressure matchup, he was always there, leading by example. It’s no surprise that when people think back on that era of Michigan football, his name comes up again and again.