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The Wright Stuff !

 by Reginald Grant

How many former professional athletes really move back to there home towns and dedicate there lives to making a difference in the lives of disadvantaged youth. Well, former NFL player Toby Wright is an examples of someone made of the “Wright” stuff. He has moved back to Phoenix, Arizona and has immediately made an impact on the lives of kids.  While still an NFL player he started the "Wright to Dream" Foundation in Phoenix with his brother to help inner-city children. He doesn’t just talk the talk he walks the walk.

The foundation is dedicated to helping inner-city youth learn the skills it takes to be successful in life. They also teach the youngsters to have big dreams and how to set goals to achieve those dreams. Toby is a product of the inner city and a shinning role model of success on the field and off. He not only helps local youth, he is also a founding member of the Board of Directors of the newly formed Arizona Chapter of the, National Alliance of African American Athletes. The National Alliance of African American Athletes presents the “Watkins Award” which is the most prestigious award in the country for African-American Male High School Scholar Athletes

At Dobson High school in Mesa, AZ he was a three-year football player and earned All-Arizona first-team and defensive Player of the Year Awards. He then attended Phoenix Junior College where he earned an associate's degree and was a unanimous All-American football player. He then transferred to Nebraska for his final two years. He led the Cornhuskers in 1992 and 1993, the two years they were runners-up in the national championship race. At Nebraska he started every game senior year and finished his Cornhusker career with 13 tackles for loss and three interceptions.

As a professional he was the 49^th overall pick in the 1994 NFL draft by the Los Angeles Rams. Both of his brothers Terry and Torry played professional football. Most notably his brother of Terry was a defensive back with the Indianapolis Colts (1987 and 1988) and Hamilton Tiger-Cats of CFL (1991-1995). Toby was a 1996 Pro Bowl alternate, played for the Rams from 1994-1998 and just missed winning a super Bowl ring. He played the 1999 season with the Washington Redskins but he reinjured his left knee and had to have minor surgery to repair the damage, which he had done by returning to the field too soon. He was signed by the Raiders the next season but it didn’t work-out. He eventually ended his professional career with the Arizona Outlaws of the XFL.

Toby not only gives money, he gives of himself and has set the bar for other celebrities to reach for. Toby Wright is a real American success story and a true role model for our youth. He is also a shining example of what giving back is all about. Toby Wright is truly a man made of the Wright stuff.

by Reginald Grant

( www.rgrant.com)