Lasting lessons at HS visit

11.06.2009

In many ways, Brian Schaefering can say that football saved his life.

Getting a little extra exercise while giving back to the game was just an added bonus. Schaefering, a practice squad defensive end, joined teammates Mike Furrey and Blake Costanzo two weeks ago for an off-day visit to football practice at Padua Franciscan High School in Parma.

The Browns players provided hands-on instruction, threw on some practice jerseys for a little run and offered whatever advice they could to a team that opens play in the Ohio state playoffs tonight.

The visit was part of a program the Browns coordinated with high school athletic directors throughout Northeast Ohio asking team captains to submit a letter to the Browns explaining the extra effort put forth by each responding school's coaching staff.

The letter submitted by Padua safety Nick Kaszei was the winner, and only Kaszei and Padua head coach Tony Shuman were informed in advance that the Browns players would be dropping by practice.

When they did, they brought along complimentary tickets for the entire Padua program to attend the Browns' home game with the Packers. But they also delivered a message each hoped would last a lifetime.

"I think our kids were in awe," Shuman said. "But to hear the guys talk honestly about priorities, about the hard work and everything it takes, that's so much more important than just being an NFL player.

"We're big on family here, about sticking together and overcoming adversity. And I think that hearing from these guys definitely made a lasting impression."

Schaefering told of his football journey, which included his status as one of the top-rated recruits in the country, being dismissed from the University of Illinois and finishing his college career at Lindenwood (Missouri) in the NAIA.

"I had people telling me I was one of the top defensive linemen in the country," he said. "Top three, top five, going to be a first-round pick. I started listening to it all. I didn't care about going to class. I might have cost myself eight million dollars. Maybe 10 or 12 million dollars. All of a sudden I was gone from Illinois, doing nothing, then just hoping somebody could come find me at Lindenwood.

"I've had two shoulder surgeries. If I have one more, I'm done. I've seen that this can be taken away. It can happen to anyone. Don't ever take one second of it for granted.

"I hope I can play football forever, but I know I can't. But now I'm two classes from having my degree, and that degree is forever."

Costanzo talked of playing at Lafayette College, a school known for its academics. Costanzo is now proud to be the only Patriot League player on an active NFL roster, and no Browns player was more hands-on during his two hours at Padua.

"Being out here gets me all pumped up," the Browns' special teams ace said. "I want to hop in a little inside run drill."

Furrey played in the Ohio state playoffs 15 years ago at Hilliard High School and shared some of his memories with the Padua players. But he also made sure his message was also about more than just the game.

"You guys having a winning season and getting ready for the playoffs, that's awesome. That's a lot to be proud of," he said. "And so many kids grow up wanting to play in the NFL, to live the NFL lifestyle. It's good, it's fun. But it's more important to be a good man. To be a good teammate, a good student, a good person.

"It all starts with work. If you put in the work, you never know where it might take you."