By Katherine Massopust

PERTH AMBOY – On Thursday, February 27th at Perth Amboy’s Raritan Bay YMCA, Evan Junior Rodriguez, fullback and tight end for the Buffalo Bills and Kashif Moore, wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers spoke about their choices that lead them to their professional career in the NFL.

The event was coordinated by Edison Jaquez, Program Coordinator for the Civic Justice Corps at the Jewish Renaissance Foundation, who also believes in the impact that motivation can have on someone’s life. He invited two NFL players to share their personal story and photo opportunities with the audience. “The message to our kids is clear and direct; through testimonies of overcoming struggles, the choices one makes can impact your life for good.”

Mayor’s Aide Irving Lozada stated, “It’s good for the community – to keep kids with sports and in school.”

Mayor Diaz thanked the two NFL stars for coming to Perth Amboy.”

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Evan Rodriguez was born in 1988 and is a fullback for the Buffalo Bills. He was drafted to the NFL in the 4th round in 2012. He spoke of his childhood and how football was a positive influence on his life. “I was raised by a single parent, my mother Frances with my brother and my grandmother. I found male role models through sports. It was an outlet.”

Rodriguez spoke about his hardships, “At age seventeen, I was stabbed in the throat. God gave me a second chance.”

When asked why he was stabbed, Rodriguez answered, “I got hooked up with the wrong crowd.”

Rodriguez decided to focus on football and was a 4th round draft pick by the Chicago Bears, he was then traded to the Miami Dolphins and then to the Buffalo Bills. Rodriguez played for the Bills in the 2013-2014 season. He said, “In college I made 15 to 20 touchdowns but none yet in the NFL.”

He spoke of how he received a football scholarship, “I love the game, but grades are important. I’ve been playing sports since I was seven years old. By 8th or 9th grade I knew I saw my vision (of the NFL) and said ‘Why not put 100% into it?’”

When asked why he loves football, Rodriguez answered, “Football is a team sport. You take your frustrations out at someone and not get in trouble for it.”

When asked if he was rich, Rodriguez answered, “I’m comfortable.”

Rodriguez continued, “If you believe in yourself, why not? It’s hard to play, but it’s competitive. You have to compete in your career, whatever you do.”

One kid asked: “40 yard dash?”

“4.56.”

Kashif Moore who plays wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers was born in 1988 in Burlington, New Jersey. He went to the University of Connecticut. In 2012 he was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts, then the Houston Texans. When he was free agent he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. It is his third year in the NFL.

“Everyone’s journey is different. Stay focused. Have a strong support system. It takes hard work and dedication. Whatever it is you want, to do if it’s your passion. Five percent of all high school players make it to college. One percent of college players make it to the NFL. It’s a great feeling to be in the NFL. It’s like waking up on Christmas and your house is filled with presents, ” said Moore.

Moore continued, “You get no days off. If you get hurt, you get back up and get better from it.”

When asked what sports he played, Moore answered, “Track basketball and football. Sports helped me with academics. Your grades need to be good. Anything you do, you make sure you do right.”

40 yard dash? “4.3”

When asked what role models he had, Moore answered, “My father and older brothers.”

He was asked who is the best quarterback in the NFL? “Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers).”

Both players stated that the young people in the audience should, “Be inspired.” They signed autographs and took photos for anyone who came to the event.

Sponsoring this event is the City of Perth Amboy’s Mayor’s Office and Recreation Department, Jewish Renaissance Foundation, Boys & Girls Club of Perth Amboy, Raritan Bay YMCA and Pizzarelli Restaurant.

Some info was taken from the JRF.

*Photos by Paul Wang