b'learned his dad, his rock, his best friend, had passed away suddenly.Mike didnt think he could take any more. He was still in a lot of pain, both physically and emotionally, and he was trying to get back to the game hed loved.It sent him into a downward spiral.He didnt feel like playing or going to class, and he was trying to take care of his family. One day he refused to run a punishment drill for skipping class, but K-States legendary coach Bill Snyder brought him into his office and reminded him, You dont think I know what youre going through?Youre a leader on this team; youre a role model.If I let you off, what kind of example are we setting for the younger players?You still have to perform.It doesnt feel like it now, but youll love me for this later.Mike credits all the staff at Kansas State for helping topullhimthrough.Theytaughtmewhatfamily was outside of my own.He now has a tattoo that says, Loyalty makes us family.Hes lucky to have had a lot offriends,family,teammates,andmentorsalongthe way who have stuck by him and encouraged him to keepMike was drafted by the Chargers, but he was cut from the roster when he couldnt going.As he looks back on getting through that year,come off the injured reserve list.He was still in pain but was growing tired of all the their commitment spurred him on. He finally decided Ianti-inflammatory and opioid medications he was being prescribed to treat it.As went through all of that for a reasonIt really showedluck would have it, he was connected with Chris Hardy at Aloe MD.I was looking me the values my mom and dad instilled in me my wholefor something all-natural to help me out, and it worked for me. Now hes working to life, he reflects. connect athletes from high school to the professional level with this alternative way to Mike managed to graduate from K-State in just threeaddress the inevitable pain that comes with high-level sports. years and was drafted by the Chargers, but he was cut from the roster when he couldnt come off the injured reserve list.He was still in pain but was growing tired of all the anti-inflammatory and opioid medications he was being prescribed to treat it.As luck would have it, one of his mentors connected him with Chris Hardy at Aloe MD.I was looking for something all-natural to help me out, and it worked for me.Now hes one of the biggest proponents of their line of products.Hes working to connect athletes from high school to the professional level with this alternative way to address the inevitable pain that comes with high-level sports.Hes also fired up other business ventures and is especially passionate about the motivational speaking hes doing and the messages he can share with students, advice he can offer because of his own experiences.Life isnt over when you go through something,heremindsstudents.Lifeisallabout transitions, he says, and when those times come, You cant be stagnant.Right now Mikes own two children Chance, age 4, and Chaya, age 3, dont really have an appreciation for the strength of character their dad has or even what hes gone through, but he does plan to pass along many of the same words of wisdom he learned from his parents.Hes also looking forward to teaching Chance to play football, and he believes its important to teach my daughter what to look for in a man. What theyre sure to see isMike credits all the staff at Kansas State, especially legendary coach Bill Snyder (shown their father taking on new challenges and following theirhere) for helping to pull him through.They taught me what family was outside of my grandfathers message to attack lifedont let it come toown.you.Theres no doubt Mike Sr. would be very proud.GoodLifeFamilyMag.comMAY | JUNE 201915'