Duval Comes To TBSHS

On Monday 2^nd October, The Bishop’s Stortford High School was delighted and honoured to host representatives from the Jacksonville Jaguars American Football organization, from Duval County, Florida.

The team are playing back-to-back regular season games in the U.K. who were so kind in paying the school a visit and inspiring the students.

Representing the team were DeShaan Dixon, an outside linebacker, and Erick Hallett II, a safety.

Both players spoke inspiringly, wonderfully about their journey to elite sport and the massive sacrifices required on and off the field.   They took the audience through a typical game day week of preparation which involved classroom work, film study, training and practice.  They motivated students to be the best they could be in whatever their appropriate passion in life was.

DeShaan and Erick were superb representatives for their organization, totally engaging students.

On his Instagram, DeShaan calls himself a “Girl Dad” and quotes Proverbs 27.1: “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.”  In his talk, DeShaan said he had three jobs whilst studying at college and playing American Football.  Movingly, he talked of living his life out of respect for his family name.

Humility too characterised Erick also who spoke very enthusiastically and passionately about being the best version of himself. In 2022, Erick was recognised as being one of the best safetys in college football.  It was easy to see why.

Both players are at the beginning of their careers. They showed great experience, maturity and professionalism.

The players  spoke to Year 8 students plus any interested students from all other year groups in assembly and small group sessions.

DeShaan and Erick  were interviewed by iconic and legendary American broadcaster J.P. Shadrick, of the Jaguars and Westwood One Radio.  J.P. led the event with characteristic brilliance.

At lunch, the players, with Jacksonville Jaguars coaches, participated so enthusiastically in a game for “Jag Tag”, a touch version of American Football, with some Year 10 Physical Education students.

The students were a credit to themselves, their families and the school.  We hope they were inspired by our guests to be the best version of themselves on their journey.

We are very grateful to Andy and James for organizing the day and to Maria for all her encouragement also.  Former TBSHS student Matthew Whittaker, also in attendance,  also played a vital role in preparation and delivery of the day.

With the Jaguars winning on Sunday, it was a very special “Victory Monday” and we greatly appreciate the time given by players, broadcasters and staff of the Jacksonville Jaguars U.S. and U.K. organization.

Thank you to all students who attended, and their carers and parents, for their efficient submission of consent forms.

We wish Jacksonville Jaguars very well for the rest of the season and, hopefully, another epic  play-off run.

Go Jags!