SUCCESS
ON PURPOSE THE REAL VERNON FOX III
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here are often misconceptions that success is something that you can trip and fall into. That if you are in the right place at the right time, or if you know the right people, it’s the only way that you can get a break in life. While those things definitely help, there is also the good old-fashioned idea of work and faith that still get the job done.
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Vernon Fox III is someone who has in many ways lived a life that some only dream of. From playing Division-1 college football, to playing in the NFL, winning a state championship as a head high school football coach, speaking internationally, and even most recently authoring a book, you would think he was all done seeking any greater achievements, but if you ask him, he will say he is just getting started.
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Vernon grew up in Las Vegas and attended Cimarron-Memorial High School, where his jersey hangs retired on the wall of the gymnasium. After graduating with Honors and going on to Fresno State University on a full-ride athletic scholarship to play football, he achieved his goal of graduating in four years and graduated cum laude, being recognized as an academic All-American. As he was racking up the hardware on the field, being recognized as a 2-time 1st Photo credit: Rae Paravia Team All Western Athletic Conference defensive back (a drastic shift from his high school days as a star running back), he also collected recognition for his work in the classroom. In 2001, Vernon was recognized as a finalist for the distinguished Vincent dePaul Draddy Trophy, now known as the William V. Campbell Trophy. This award is known as the “Academic Heisman” and given to 1 out of 16 finalists annually that exemplify excellence in the areas of on-field performance, community service, and academics. All of these things would be the lead-in to an amazing college experience that ended in an opportunity to achieve a childhood dream of playing in the NFL. Despite being projected to be selected as high as a 4th round draft pick in the 2002 NFL draft, to his disappointment, Vernon went on to go to the then San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent. It is what he has referred to as his “handshake and opportunity.” While he was a far-shot from making the final 53-man roster and came in as a 6th string strong safety, that previously mentioned hard work and faith landed him a spot on the final roster and he found himself in an unexpected starting role by his second official NFL game. This game would end with him snagging an interception from his former college teammate David Carr (the big brother of Raider QB Derek Carr), who ended up being the 1st overall draft pick that year to the Houston Texans, in their inaugural season. Talk about irony! The first pick competing against the overlooked and rejected 6th stringer standing on the same stage with the same amazing opportunity to live out a dream.
