Age: 27
Hometown: Spring Valley, N.Y.
Current Residence: Spring Valley, N.Y
Occupation: Personal Trainer
3 Words to Describe You: Consistent— never too high or too low. I am a rock my family and friends know they can rely on. Anamoly — I am more than what meets the eye, I have a little edge I am different. Hustler — I will find a way to make it happen!
Why do you want to be part of Survivor?: My older brother once told me “You don’t owe us anything” when it looked like my NFL career wasn’t going to be what I thought. But he is wrong I owe them everything and that’s why I am here. To change my families’ lives. They carried me in their hearts on their minds and shoulders. They sacrificed everything for me to be here today. And right here right now is an opportunity to pay that back for all they have done.
What’s one life experience you feel has prepared you for the game?: While in college my mom had an accident, she really hurt her back. I was finding my footing realizing some of my division 1 football dreams, but I had to transfer, I needed to be closer to home. I was a really good player so many schools wanted me. But all that really mattered was being there for my family. So, I transferred from the University of Louisville to the University of Maine, for simple fact that it was close to home. When creating our schedules I joined the earliest workout group on Fridays at 5am and the latest on Mondays at 3pm. Every Friday after my 5am lift fighting sleep I would drive 8 hours home in a little blue Audi A3 I could barely fit in. I would help my family for the weekend then head back Monday AM. I did every weekend for my first semester and a half. I put in so many miles on that car that it literally blew up! The amazing part of that experience was that I played some of the best football of my career. I broke an NCAA Division 1 record and received all kinds of awards. That was because my family was all that I thought about. There was no one who was going to outwork me, get to the ball before me or anything. My brother and sister who were sacrificing, my mom who was fighting for her health were on my mind. I couldn’t LOSE! That’s Survivor! When you are tired, homesick, worried about family, hungry, when you feel all that pressure THAT’S WHEN YOU HAVE TO PERFORM! That’s when you have to SURVIVE. And I have done that time and again.
Which previous player do you identify with the most? Who do you think you will play most like?: Jeremy, I feel like I identify and will play like him because for the simple fact he was strategic and was playing for his family. When your “why” is greater than yourself and you have everything riding on this there is NOTHING you won’t do. And nothing means more to me in this world than my family!
What will you value in an alliance partner?: I know it is cliché but loyalty first and foremost, there is no alliance without trust. People that are doer’s and not scared, people that will pull the trigger and make a move with me. It’s like playing a game of basketball if I make a move or get double teamed and pass you the ball, SHOOT! Don’t hesitate don’t get scared TAKE THE SHOT! Because if you don’t, I might not pass it to you again.
Favorite hobbies: Food — some people call themselves foodies, I LOVE TO EAT! Travel —I love to see new places and try different things whatever it’s at out the country or just a road trip, let’s just go! Fashion — I love to look and dress nice, I take pride in walking into a room and being the flyest dude there. It’s also been a sort of healing journey for me. Being able to buy and have the sneakers and clothes I couldn’t afford as a kid is incredible.
Pet Peeves: I hate idiocy, I have no patience for people who lack common sense. My second pet peeve is someone that absolutely NEEDS attention. I know it’s ironic saying that on a TV show. But the “look at me!!” people bother me, just chill!
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?: I am most proud of being the first in my family to get a college degree and not only did I do that I went and got my master’s degree. It means so much because there was no one to help or show me how. I filled out all the forms; I moved myself into the dorms. I couldn’t call home and ask for money; I was the one sending money back home. What’s even more special is now everyone in my family is a college graduate. I have a little sister who is a social worker that helps kids go to school and another becoming a doctor. It’s like I broke a generational curse seeing me do it let them know they can too.
What is something we would never know from looking at you?: Something you would never know by looking at me is that I used to play the violin. I was pretty good at it. It’s funny because I’m not an artist, the arts were never my thing. But somehow, I ended up First Chair in my 6th grade orchestra.
Who in your life is your biggest inspiration and why?: My mom! My mother is not only my inspiration but my best friend. There have been so many times that she didn’t eat so me and my siblings could. Didn’t sleep so me and my siblings could. To try to name and thank her for all her sacrifices would be impossible so winning this money and retiring her would make all my dreams come true.
Why will you be the Sole Survivor?: I am book smart, I am street smart, and I am a former pro athlete. I am literally made for Survivor. But most importantly I am here to win, there is nothing that I won’t do to win Survivor.