After many seasons in the league with teams such as the Falcons and Bills, Fletcher is getting the recognition he deserves for the impact he’s made in football, and lives he’s changing outside of football.
A recent recipient of the famed Bart Starr award for leadership and character off the field, Fletcher won the award from a ballot that is sent to each team who votes on the recipient. A great role model in the league, Fletcher attributes much of what he has been able to accomplish in his life to God.
Fletcher fondly remembers the time in which he embraced his religion, and it allowed him to finally change his life. “It was during training camp of 2004 when I surrendered to Christ and I said ‘here I am lord take me.’ And it was alike the light was lifted on me instantly, that joy and peace I was looking for came right away.” Fletcher said.
Roughly around the same time Fletcher founded his charity London’s Bridge. The organization is all about helping underprivileged and underrepresented children. Through mentoring and various charitable programs, the organization looks to teach proper life skills to today’s youth and better prepare them for the future.
London’s Bridge also tries to build on the importance of education, teamwork, and healthy lifestyle choices while also teaching the children to give back themselves. The organization currently targets various regions across the country including Cleveland, Buffalo, Washington and Charlotte.
Fletcher however wasn’t always “Mr. Nice Guy”, when he joined the NFL in 1998 he thought he had to play bigger, tougher and meaner than anyone else because of his lack of size. However, this 5-foot-10 linebacker‘s tough persona on the field also went through a transformation after he accepted Christianity. At first Fletcher thought his new devotion to faith might work negatively with his career choice, in fact though it has done quite the opposite and he is now enjoying some of the best football in his career.
“I don’t play the game with a great anger and rage. My game has actually gotten better I think. The reason being is because I have Christ in my life and all the clutter, the distractions and all the other different problems I was walking around with are no longer a part of my life.” Fletcher said.
The numbers back up Fletcher’s claim as well. Since the 2004 season Fletcher has been named to three pro-bowls and led the league in tackles in 2011. In fact as a total, from the 2000-2009 seasons Fletcher has had more tackles (1,244) than any other defensive player in the entire league.
With the off-season now underway Fletcher is focused on his charitable work and preparation for next season. For such a “pros-pro” it is nice to see Fletcher finally getting the recognition for the role model he is from not only his peers, but fans alike.
