When was the last time you said “Today I Will________________________”

This weekend I had the amazing experience of traveling to my alma mater Iowa State University to attend ESPN College Game Day and cheer on the #9 Iowa State Cyclones vs. the #10 University of Iowa Hawkeyes in the only Top 10 College Football game.

As a life long Cyclone fan who bleeds Cardinal and Gold this was an awesome day! Being on Game Day, tailgating with my friends & family and cheering on my beloved Cyclones.

One of my favorite parts of the day was walking into Jack Trice Stadium and hearing his famous “I Will” letter read over the speakers to the players and fans prior to the game.

Jack Trice was the first African-American to play varsity at Iowa State University and died from injuries suffered in a 1923 game against the University of Minnesota.

The 21-year-old Trice, in his first season playing varsity, was so aware of the moment that he wrote a letter on hotel stationery the night before his second game about “the honor of my race, family and self” being at stake.

“To whom it may concern: My thoughts just before the first real college of my life. The honor of my race, family and self are at stake. Everyone is expecting me to do big things. I will! My whole body and soul are to be thrown recklessly about on the field tomorrow. Every time the ball is snapped I will be trying to do more than my part. On all defensive plays I must break thru the opponents line and stop the play in their territory. Beware of mass interference, fight low with your eyes open and toward the play. Roll block the interference. Watch out for cross bucks and reverse end runs. Be on your toes every minute if you expect to make good.”

Here is the full story of Jack Trice

After the announcer read the letter, my friend turned to me and asked

“What do you think Jack Trice would think of all of this?”

I just started crying and said I think he would be absolutely overwhelmed.

A letter he wrote nearly 100 years ago would have such a powerful impact.

To see his alma mater stadium which bears his name and the only major college stadium named after an African-American packed with over 60,000 football fans.

Pride, Joy, Gratitude

We each have the power to make an impact each day.

It comes down to two words “I WILL”

I ask you to finish this line.

Today I WILL _______________________________

How would your life change if you started each day by finishing this sentence?