McNabb Inspires Orange

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Eyes were bright and attentive in the auditorium in the Iocolano-Petty Football Wing early Wednesday morning as former Orange standout and current Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb spoke with the current Syracuse Orange.

“It is really good to see you guys,” McNabb started. “I have watched a lot of games of yours. I am a very big supporter of this program.”

A three-time BIG EAST Conference Offensive Player of the Year, McNabb spoke with the Orange about his approach to the game and what he learned at Syracuse.

“I remember (former SU) Coach P (Pasqualoni) always used to tell us if you want to be great, you have to give all that you have. Practice hard. Go to class and study hard. Then, when you are out there on game day just have fun,” he said. “If you want to be great, put the effort forth. Every time I am in the weight room, every time I am out on the field, I want to be the best. You see me laughing and joking, that is an opportunity for me to have fun. It’s like a kid in a candy store, because I prepared all week to go out and give a good show. I am one of those guys who is really competitive. If I hear somebody say they are better than me, I am going to show you why you are not. I don’t care what position you play. I am going to show you I am the best. I am the best to touch the ball, I am the best to step foot on the field. I am the best to do anything.”

A four-year starter at Syracuse, McNabb’s teams won three BIG EAST titles and played in four bowl games. He still holds Syracuse records for the most touchdown passes thrown (77) and highest passing efficiency (155.1) and is second in completions (548) and passing yards (8,389).

“You have to have that confidence, that kind of drive, that kind of fire in you to go out and be the best. If you settle for second best, you are just going to find yourself by the wayside,” McNabb said. “You guys can accomplish anything you want. But every one of you has to believe. One person can’t believe. Two people can’t go out there and make as many plays as possible. You have to do it together.

“I played with some big names and with some guys you probably wouldn’t even know, but those are the guys who gave it all that they had. It’s all about effort. You don’t have to be the most talented, you don’t have to be the guy that everybody wants to talk about in the magazines or on TV. The guys who are the diamonds in the rough – you are the guys who have to step up. Then when you step up, believe me, your leaders will give everything extra that they have.”

McNabb recalled his Syracuse experiences and the special bond he made with his teammates. He emphasized the importance of every person in the program.

“I played here with guys like Keith Bulluck, Antonio Anderson, Antwaune Ponds, Dulayne Morgan, Malcolm Thomas,” he said. “The list goes on. Guys you probably would not know unless they played in the NFL, but they are guys you should know a little bit about. Donovin Darius, Tebucky Jones, Phil Nash, Kevin Abrams – these are guys who made so many plays at this University. They still love you guys. All we talk about is Syracuse. You guys will do the same. But, before you leave here, accomplish something. Get your degree. Win a BIG EAST title. Win a National Championship. Listen to Coach Robinson. He will get you where you need to be, but you have to believe first.”

The NFL Pro Bowl quarterback left no doubt about his gridiron allegiance. His passion for Syracuse University and Syracuse football was loud and clear.

“I represent you just like you all represent me. I am going to do the right thing and I know you guys are going to do the same thing. Every time I step on this campus, I want to put a uniform on and play with you,” he said. “I may wear green now, but, believe me, I bleed orange. Believe that.”

Syracuse University Athletics

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