Ricky C Simmons graduated from Greenville in 1979. In 1979, Ricky signed a full ride scholarship to play for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Ricky played wide receiver from 1979-1983. After the 1984 Orange Bowl, Ricky was drafted into the USFL to play for the Washington Federals. The following year, he joined the Orlando Renegades where he played for one year. At the end of the season playing for the Renegades, Ricky was drafted into the NFL in 1986 to play for the Atlanta Falcons. During the first season playing with the Atlanta Falcons, he quit the NFL to be a full time drug addict, which led him from the NFL to prison.
BUT that is not the end of the story. With encouragement and help from Coach Tom Osborne he changed the direction of his life. He realized that he does have control of his life, and that he does “have a purpose”, but it has to starts with him. Unlike prior incarcerations, he used this time to become the man that his family, and his mentor Coach Osborne, knew he could be. Leaving prison in 2009, Ricky had a plan, and a different mindset.
Now his plan is now in full effect…. As a footnote Ricky returned to the prison he was released from 11 months later, not as a repeat offender, but as a licensed drug and alcohol counselor and guest speaker.
“IT’S ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE!”
This is Ricky’s way of living today. To him, it is a “mind set” that allows him to live a life of “gratefulness versus complaining”.
Come hear the details and ask questions to see how all this happened while enjoying dinner.
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