Former Houston/Seattle offensive lineman Chester Pitts knows a thing or two about competing in the National Football League. However, it is because of the charity of another individual that Pitts was able to make his living playing on Sundays.
Pitts, who attended San Diego State University, held a job bagging groceries at Ralph’s Supermarket as a way to pay for college. Little did he know that one day, a chance encounter would change his life.
One day, Ephraim Salaam, an offensive lineman on the SDSU football team, happened to notice a “big guy” bagging groceries. Enamored by his stature and size, Salaam convinced the man, and devoted oboist, to walk-on to the football team. Despite having no football experience, Pitts ended up trying out and becoming a scholarship player for San Diego State. Pitts started for two seasons before being selected by the Houston Texans in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft. For perspective, Salaam, the man who discovered him, was a seventh round pick of the Falcons in 1998.
While Pitts is no longer in the NFL, he has dedicated his life to help his NFL peers. As a former player representative, Pitts was instrumental in advocating a strong stance for player safety during the CBA dispute amidst a league-wide lockout. Despite competing against many of these same athletes on the gridiron, Pitts has always been known to do the right thing in situations of adversity. So when Saint’s defensive end Will Smith and actor Wendell Pierce were set to host a benefit in conjunction with Pro Player Insiders, Pitts was more than glad to show his support.
“I’m really here for my man Will [Smith]. He is a great man with a great foundation, and that’s what I’m all about, giving back. That’s why I am here and it is a really exciting event. [Smith] partnering up with Wendell Pierce, who is a great actor and who I enjoy watching is great. All I know is to do the right thing and give back, and that is why I’m here tonight.”
Pitts and several of his NFL colleagues like Mike McKenzie, Jabari Greer, and NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith were at the event to support Smith’s “Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way Foundation,” which aims to motivate, educate, and provide opportunities for women and youth. Actor Wendell Pierce’s efforts were to rebuild the Katrina-damaged Pontchartrain Park, located in the heart of New Orleans.
“I don’t really care who comes to these types of events, I just hope that people continue to donate for [these causes],” said Pitts. Chester Pitts is a man who has been the beneficiary of the goodwill of others, and if he has it his way, he will continue to return the favor as long as possible.
“To whom much is given, much is expected,” said Pitts. In reference to the the good fortune he had during his college years, Pitts was vary adamant in being able to support others. “Growing up as a kid, I was taught that everything you had growing up was a blessing. So when you have the opportunity to give back, you do so, and that’s really how I have tried to live my whole life.”
