My First Day
My first day back on the field since the Georgia Southern game felt really good. For the first time in a very long time, I had butterflies before I started practice. This was my first real test since I had my injury and I didn’t know how well my knee would hold up.
My first day back on the field since the Georgia Southern game felt really good. For the first time in a very long time, I had butterflies before I started practice. This was my first real test since I had my injury and I didn’t know how well my knee would hold up.
Within seconds, I felt alive being out there. My confidence came back as soon as I put my helmet on. I didn’t realize how much I missed the little things that go into getting prepared for this game. While I was out with my injury, I had the chance to realize how much I really love playing football and how passionate I am about what I love to do. I am so thankful to have this opportunity and blessed to have the ability to play this great game at the collegiate level. I realize now that I took football for granted and I forgot how fast it could all be taken away from you. In the past, ACL injuries would be career-ending, but technology has changed a lot and now I have the opportunity to play my senior year “between the hedges”.
Sitting back and watching 11 on 11 drills, I truly believe that this team will be great. We have a lot of young talent and a lot of guys that want to be great. Former NFL player and coaching great, Tony Dungy, spoke to us and talked about doing things uncommon. Our team is a collection of uncommon men working toward a common goal—having the best season that we can. I believe in the coaches at UGA and what they stand for. To win a championship, a team must be hitting on all cylinders. Watching the first day of practice, I see we have chemistry and the guys are buying into the system. I’m excited about our team’s potential and can’t wait to see how the rest of spring practice goes.
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enjoying the insight into the team. thanks!
ReplyDeleteGreat to have you back—with the team and on the field. Can't wait to watch the d-line this year!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear things went well. I think you guys are going to be a lot better than people think. I don't really see this as a rebuilding year. More as a retooling year. Good luck and I look forward to seeing you back on the field.
ReplyDeleteGreat to have you back Jeff. Hopefully everything works out well for you and for all the Dawgs out there.
ReplyDeleteFrom a Dawg in Ft. Lauderdale....make the most out of your last year in Athens, once it gets in your blood it stays there forever.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jeff. I am excited to hear that you've made it back. Have a great senior season!
ReplyDeleteYour words are motivating to this old Dawg. I'm proud to have you associated with my alma mater that's soon to be yours too. Your faith shows in your words and lets God shine through you as my 10 year old says, "Christly." For that I'm even more grateful. Good luck Jeff and thanks or being a Dawg inside and out.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck this year Jeff. You represent the team, the university, and yourself very well. GATA!
ReplyDeleteGATA this year, Jeff! We need your leadership!
ReplyDeleteWhats funny about being off the field and the "little things" you miss like, the smell of your helmet when you put it on, the grass..ect. Glad to have you back Jeff and enjoy every second of it.
ReplyDeleteGo Dawgs and Semper Fi.
Outstanding read Jeff, I`m sure alot of fans would agree with me that we are extremely happy to see you healthy and back at it again. It`s time to bring back the swagger and strike fear into the hearts of the opponents who see UGA on their schedule. Good luck this year, and let`s see that Junkyard Defense GO DAWGS!!!
ReplyDeleteJeff - you were sorely missed last year, especially your leadership. You are such an inspiration to others! Be careful and stay healthy!
ReplyDeleteWe need you J.O.! Keep those youngsters fired up!
ReplyDeleteGlad to have you back/ Happy to hear the enthusiasm. GATA!
ReplyDeleteGlad to know your knee held up, Jeff--every Dawg missed watching you plug up the middle last season, and it'll be great to watch you take the field again. Keep those boys moving...everyone's counting us out. Like our famed women's gymnastics coach once said: A wounded dawg is a dangerous dawg. GATA this year!
ReplyDeleteHey! thats cool Jeff. Butterflies for practice. Enjoy every second and GATA!
ReplyDeleteGo Dawgs and Semper Fi
Can't wait until September 6 so you can tell us what OSU cowpoke QB taste like. The big Dawg will eat!
ReplyDeleteDGD
ReplyDeleteMan its good to have you back out there Jeff! I have a good feeling about this year's team too, especially with all the seniors on defense. I think you guys will be a very good group of leaders and surprise a lot of people this year. Good luck with the recovery and preparations!!
ReplyDeleteJeff - glad you're back in the red and black and gearing up for an awesome 2009. I'll be just as excited to see you out there between the hedges in September!
ReplyDeleteGO DAWGS!
It's great to have a UGA football player in the world of social media! You should add a twitter account so you can alert new posts
ReplyDeleteAfter you and your family, I think those of us reading your blog are next in line for "Happiest To Know Jeff Was Suiting Up Again" :).
ReplyDeleteWelcome back, Jeff!!
-Michael
Muckbeast - Game Design and Online Worlds
http://www.muckbeast.com
Jeff,
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming back for your senior year. You are truly a wonderful person both on and off the field, as well as an outstanding representative of UGA. This year's team is going to surprise a lot of people around the country and you will be a big reason for the team's success. Go Dawg!
I love that you are doing this blog, it means the world to those of us that always wanted to be in your shoes. I only have one request, please leave everything on the field in Jacksonville. Coming from a lifelong dawg, who has had the unfortunate pleasure of living in Gainesville with all of these Gator "fans". I wish you the best, I hope you have the season of your life, and I hope the NFL and their huge bank account comes calling next April. You are the man... I'm looking forward to watching you plant and fertilize Tebow in October!!!!
ReplyDeletegata jeff!
ReplyDeletePlease play the Gators like your hair is on fire!!!
ReplyDeletethanks!
I love a Georgia squad without high expectations. We are great under the radar team. Go dawgs!
ReplyDeleteGreat to see the Dawgs with some much needed leadership on D again especially the D-Line. Its refreshing and exciting to read Dawg news coming from the inside. God Bless, Go Dawgs and GATA
ReplyDeletewoof woof woof
I wish you all the luck in this upcoming season and I hope you show everyone what you can do. I expect great things from you. Good luck and play like there is no tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteGood Luck this upcoming season. Hope Spring Practice is a productive one for you. On a different tip: One of my 7th grade teachers at William Dandy is your aunt. She talked about you all the time. It's nice having the opportunity to follow the remainder of your college career. Also, your former coach "Hawkins" works with my mom. Small World HUH!!! Maybe I'll get a chance to meet you in person the next time you are in Ft. Lauderdale. Thanks for the inspiration and following my blog.
ReplyDeleteGreat Post! Jeff, I don't know what your major is, but I think you have a future in journalism. Your writing style is very smooth and insightful!
ReplyDeleteAlex Adkins
Grady College of Journalism
Class of 2003
Jeff,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy not only what you have to say, but how you say it. Once, your playing are over, you should pursue a career in journalism.
GATA 95!
ReplyDeleteJeff, thanks for coming back. With you and Rennie the D's gonna be a lot of fun to watch this year.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to have you back on the field. I feel it in my bones that this year's team is going to be special. Have a great spring!
ReplyDeleteGATA!!
J.O., Glad you're back man and keep up this intensity. THIS IS GEORGIA FOOTBALL!!! Oh and by the way, tell DeMarcus (DMAC) us folks in Savannah cant wait to see him in action either.
ReplyDeleteWe are praying for you guys and your health. Remember that when you are on the field!
ReplyDeletePraise the Lord you are back and healthy. To say you were missed last year would be a gross understatement. Go Dawgs Sicem JO
ReplyDeleteJeff, As I share your last name, I know that all Owens' are tough as nails. I can't wait til you make a good play on the field and I nudge the wife, and say, there's that Owens guy. Good luck during the upcoming season. And thank you for sharing your insights with us fans. GO DAWGS.
ReplyDeleteI think the O bomb is going to go off this year. Welcome back J.O. Hunker down!
ReplyDelete