Fourth Down and 50: How One Night Almost Took Me from a Promising Football Career to 50-Years-to-Life
Aug 2015 · Sold by Simon and Schuster
Ebook
112
Pages
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About this ebook
From a murder charge to the San Diego Chargers—defensive back Jimmy Wilson spent more than two years in jail before he was acquitted of murder. In this motivational coming-of-age memoir, he shares the inspiring story of how faith in God and the love of his family helped him turn his life around and achieve his NFL dreams.
Jimmy Wilson knew he shouldn’t have gone to his Aunt Opal’s house on the eve of his return to the University of Montana, where he was a star football player and preseason candidate for All-American. But when he learned her partner had badly beaten her, his primary concern was for the safety of her and her two young children.
Growing up a biracial kid in the San Diego projects, Wilson was always fighting. Kids tested him, and he relied on his physical prowess. Tussling with his aunt’s abuser on the lawn of her home, trying to defend himself from the man’s gun, Wilson was in his element—until a shot accidentally rang out, changing the game. Wilson was labeled a murderer, and his football dreams all but faded.
The next two years in jail opened his eyes to another world. When he was finally acquitted, he felt adrift back in his old neighborhood. But through his faith and the support of those who believed in him, Wilson made it back to Montana and eventually to the NFL. This is his uplifting story of growing from a boy to a man and how one bad decision that threatened to end his life became a catalyst for complete transformation.
Jimmy Wilson knew he shouldn’t have gone to his Aunt Opal’s house on the eve of his return to the University of Montana, where he was a star football player and preseason candidate for All-American. But when he learned her partner had badly beaten her, his primary concern was for the safety of her and her two young children.
Growing up a biracial kid in the San Diego projects, Wilson was always fighting. Kids tested him, and he relied on his physical prowess. Tussling with his aunt’s abuser on the lawn of her home, trying to defend himself from the man’s gun, Wilson was in his element—until a shot accidentally rang out, changing the game. Wilson was labeled a murderer, and his football dreams all but faded.
The next two years in jail opened his eyes to another world. When he was finally acquitted, he felt adrift back in his old neighborhood. But through his faith and the support of those who believed in him, Wilson made it back to Montana and eventually to the NFL. This is his uplifting story of growing from a boy to a man and how one bad decision that threatened to end his life became a catalyst for complete transformation.
About the author
James Leon “Jimmy” Wilson is a cornerback and safety for the San Diego Chargers, his hometown team. He played college football at the University of Montana before the Miami Dolphins selected him with their final pick in the 2011 NFL draft. He and his wife Alexandria have two children.
Andrea Williams is an author, journalist and editor who's always on the lookout for the next great story. Though currently residing in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and four children, Andrea's heart will always remain in her hometown of Kansas City, Missouri, where it feasts constantly on Kansas City Royals baseball and Gates & Sons Barbecue.
Andrea Williams is an author, journalist and editor who's always on the lookout for the next great story. Though currently residing in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and four children, Andrea's heart will always remain in her hometown of Kansas City, Missouri, where it feasts constantly on Kansas City Royals baseball and Gates & Sons Barbecue.
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