La’Roi Glover – Big Man, Big Heart!

By Steve O’Reilly

 

On the 4th of July the people of America celebrate with cookouts, hot dogs and fireworks. The Glover family celebrates all those things and something more. In 1996 the Oakland Raiders selected a small (if 6′-2″ and 290 pounds can be considered small) Defensive Tackle out of San Diego State University named La’Roi Glover. Throughout his college and pro career he had been labeled too small to succeed and was considered undersized to play the interior lineman position, one that often boasts of men well over 300 pounds. In the NFL the Offensive and Defensive lines are known as the point of attack with scouts and coaches usually prefering very large men to anchor those positions. That didn’t stop La’Roi as his determination, hard work and solid character led him to greatness.

After the ‘96 season with the Raiders, Glover was off to New Orleans to start anew, he continued to work hard, continued to strive to prove that he belonged, then in 2000 he showed the world what he was capable of. La’Roi finished that season with an incredible 17 sacks! That is an astounding number for a group of Tackles let alone just one man. The Defensive Tackle position is one that usually doesn’t generate a ton of sacks as they need to be prepared to stop the run as well as rush the passer. They consistantly see double teams being that they are the biggest and strongest players on the field. La’Roi didn’t let the double teams or those that doubted him slow him down. In that incredible 2000 season he was elected to the his first Pro Bowl and was also named to the All Pro team, which is a collabortation of both divisions best players – the cream of the crop. Over the next 6 seasons he was a Pro Bowl regular and known as one the best Defensive Tackles in the game.

Off the field La’Roi began making his mark as well. In 1999 he started the La’Roi Glover Foundation – which provides scholarships for high school and college students in San Diego and also works directly with the San Diego community to provide for individuals and families in need. In addition the Foundation aids and supports nonprofit organizations that assist deserving children in achieving their educational goals.

That’s not all the Foundation does – here are just some of the great things that La’Roi does to help the communities that he has lived in!

• Teamed up with Edward Jones to Provide a Holiday Spree for Big Brothers Big Sisters
• He was selected the New Orleans Saints’  Man of the Year in 1999
• La’Roi Plays New Position…Big Brother!
• He Supports Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Louis.
• La’Roi was selected the St. Louis Rams’ Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2007

In addition to being named the “Man of the Year” in 1999 for his body of work both on and off the field, he was also name the “Unsung Hero” in New Orleans for his involvement in the community. Where does La’Roi get his inspiration, where does he find his drive? Like most people – it all starts at home.

“I remember growing up, we didn’t come from any money or anything like that,” Glover said. “Whatever my mother had, she was willing to share it with not only family members, but other folks who were less fortunate than we were. So I think that’s sort of what started it.”

So on the 4th of July when you are having a fun family cook out, drinking a cold beverage and watching the fireworks remember that the day that America claimed it’s Independence is also La’Roi Glover’s birthday.  After hearing about his hard work and determination, overcoming his obsticles and seeing all he does to help children better their lives, that’s a great reason to celebrate!

Hat’s off to La’Roi Glover!