Sport and Socialization- Athletes as Role Models

In class on February 9, 2016 in American Sport in the 21st Century, we discussed athletes as role models. At the beginning of the 20th century, athletes viewed being a role model part of their job. If you impact someone's life, don't you have an obligation to be a role model? The answer to this question is yes; you represent more then just yourself. Besides playing a good game, a role model should possess the following qualities: honesty, commitment, good sportsmanship, sense of humor, fairness, determination, good self- image, and high moral values. Although these are not the only qualities a role model should possess, these are just a few.

One athlete that stands out to me as being an exceptional role model is Carolina Panthers quarterback, Cameron Newton. Cam is known for his random acts of kindness by handing out footballs to random fans after the Panthers score a touchdown. This all started in 2013, when Panthers offensive coordinator, Mike Shula teased Cam about his Superman pose and how it would be better if he hand delivered a football to a young Carolina fan. His love for kids did not start because of this. He always had a love for children.

The most notable moment for Cam was when he delivered a football to six- year- old Panther fan, Colin Toler. Little did Cam know, this gesture by Cam meant the world to young Colin. Colin's father promised to take him to a Panthers game, and unfortunately, his father passed away due to an illness before the father and son could attend a game. Thanks to Colin's friend, a few weeks later, he was able to attend a game with his grandparents.


Cam did not know the story behind Colin attending the game. As for Colin, that day will go down as the best thing that has happened to him. It does not matter how big or small an athlete does something for a child. A small gesture could mean the world for someone, just as the football Cam gave to Colin. I truly believe that if you want to be a professional athlete, you have to uphold the values of a role model. So many children look up to these athletes during competition because they want to be just like them, both on and off the field.

More: http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2016/2/7/10909594/cam-newton-giving-footballs-away-kids