The Success Story of Alfonso Smith #29 to # 46

-Author: Tif

In this interview I would like to ask you some questions to get an idea of your story, your beliefs, and your success, to get to know a little about you and how you made it to where you are today.

Q: What is your name?

A: Alfonso Smith

Q: Where are you from?

A: I am originally from San Bernardino, CA.

Q: You attended high school in Louisville, when did you move to Louisville?

A: I moved to Louisville after my eighth grade year.

Q: What High School did you attend?

A: Waggner Traditional High School

Q: What sports did you play during your high school career?

A: I played football and ran track. I played basketball for a little bit. But my main focus was football and track.

Q: What sealed your decision to play for the UK Wildcats?

A: A connection. I just felt a better connection with the coaches at UK; coach Joker Phillips all of them had a personality that I was drawn too. I also didn’t want to be too close to home nor too far. So it was just perfect.

Q: With the Big Blue Nation, you are a great running back, what were your stats; yards, carries, TD’s, etcetera as #29?

I rushed for 974 yards, 215 carries and made eight touchdowns. I also had 30 catches which off my catches I got 322 yards and a couple of touchdowns.

Q: What do you love most about football?

A: Really, the toughness. Football also helps to learn self control and relieve stress.

Q: So, what key factors motivated you to get you to #46 for the Arizona Cardinals?

A: Opportunity, it was a good opportunity and warm weather.

Q: As a successful UK alumnus and athlete, what advice can you give to those striving to be where you are now?

A: Well, simply keep yourself motivated. You have to set short term and long term goals for yourself, and you have to be ambitious and have drive; to want success for yourself and your family.

Q: You have great speed is that your best attribute from an athletic standpoint?

A: Yes, I would say so, but I also believe that I have a strong mentality. Being mentally strong has been a great for me also.

Q: As far as personality what do you believe is your best trait?

A: I am caring. I have a big heart, a very big heart. I always trying to please others and support my friends and family. I love giving back; to organizations, to the community, I just love to help.

Q: What great things do you expect this year?

A: Well, I want to start a foundation to benefit cancer patients and hopefully this upcoming year I can have that up and running.

Q: Okay, you are not just a UK alumnus that made it to the NFL, what else do you do? What are some other hobbies, talents and etcetera?

A: True, I don’t just play football, though football is my life.  I also model, I am a member of the greatest Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated and I play some sports here and there, work out, and shop a little.

Q: Modeling, really. Tell us more about that. How did you get into that? Who do you model for?

A: Well, I started modeling through a friend. I was actually just a prop for a photo shoot. The photographer, Nat Carter, of BlackBox Visions Photography, out of Georgia, said that I was a natural. So, I was just doing someone a favor and it turned out good for me. It has been a fun experience; everything from shoots on yachts, skate parks, all types of creative and cool experiences. He’s real down to earth and just good at what he does. Check out the website: www.blackboxvisions.net. So yea, I plan to continue modeling and maybe in the future invest a lot into it. You know, I would like to do commercials, even movies, like,  I am never satisfied. I want to keep growing and get more into business. You know, I wanna do it all! I only live once!

Q: Wow, okay, great stuff! Now, tells about your fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma. Why did you choose to join that fraternity?

A: Well, Sigma, it’s a lot to be said but, simply, I love it. They are my brothers. I read up on it, did some research and I found out that there are many other great Sigma men. You know, I talked to some people and it was just for me, it was me. I wanted to be a part of a great organization, something big, bigger than myself. I wanted to be able to help and give back, like I said, I love helping and giving and family and Phi Beta Sigma is constitutionally bound to our sisters, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated. So yea, it was for me, it is truly family and I can be myself. You know, I will do anything for them to help out and give back; with events, the community, anything necessary; “Culture for Service and Service for Humanity.”

Q: Truly amazing! Okay, as with any human being we face obstacles, how would you say that you overcame many of the obstacles you faced to get where you are today?

A: You know, playing for UK didn’t go exactly as I had planned. But then what does? And that’s not always bad. My obstacles were really steps for me. They prepared me for what I would encounter in life and what I am going through now. I am stronger mentally and spiritually and I am able to face life; the NFL and every day. I know what to expect though in relation to business; you know if I am injured and if I don’t get playing time, I know how the NFL operates and UK prepared me for that. Nothing is always guaranteed.

Q: This may seem silly, but do you like the NFL? Is it everything you expected?

A: Chuckle. Yes. I like it, I love it, it’s a dream come true.

Q:  Well, share one interesting fact about yourself.

A: I like Cartoons, I watch Dragon Ball Z.

Very interesting, a kid at heart!

Well, I would like to thank you for your time and sharing your story. I hope that many young men look at you and know that they can achieve success, if they work for it and I wish you continued success in your future.

It Is So!

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