Joshua Tate recently wrapped up his tenure at Clark Atlanta University as a student and student-athlete. After reaching acclaim on the football field as an All-SIAC, All-Region, and All-American status he was presented an opportunity with the National Football League by the Chicago Bears. Outside of football, Tate walked across the stage receiving his undergraduate degree in Biology.
During his time in Chicago, Ill., Tate penned a journal to detail the next transition in his football life - having grown up in Memphis, Tenn. and now potentially moving onto professional football.
Day 1 - May 12, 2016
So, I just kissed my wonderful mother goodbye and boarded a plane for Chicago. The whole ride here she has been telling me how she can't wait to finish her job and quit, and for me to become a millionaire and how proud she is, and how she is sure I will represent my family well. I am unable to explain how I feel. Everyone asks me "are you excited" or " are you nervous" or "how do you feel"? I would not say I am either excited or nervous, I am READY! It will probably hit me that this is a shot of a lifetime when I actually suit up in the Bears uniform and I receive a locker and playbook with my name on it. I am realizing I am blessed because so many people do not get close to this opportunity. As the plane takes off I cannot help but think about my hometown, Memphis, Tenn. and also CAU as I am the first player in quite a while to have this kind of opportunity. Graduation is also on Monday, so signing a professional contract would be a great gift - let's see how this goes.
As the day continues, we have a special teams meeting. I have received all my equipment, provided information to the team, and took a few pictures - and ate a great meal. I was able to introduce myself to head coach John Fox and thanked him for this wonderful opportunity.
I am very ready.
Today was a great experience, I am now wrapping up the day by studying my playbook. They have me slotted as a nickel defensive back along with a gunner on special teams. It is a must that I put in the work and turn heads tomorrow by knowing my assignments and pay attention to the details. They have assigned me number 21, the number I wore in high school, so I know this must be destiny.
I talked to moms, read my Bible verse, now it is time to hit the sack as the alarm is set for 5:45 a.m.
Day 2 - May 13, 2016
I just had a great meeting and the first meeting of the day is special teams. This meeting, day, everything about it is crucial for me. I am ready to take on the day to the best of my ability. This meeting went well, now is time to head to the field and COMPETE!
I intercepted a pass today during practice, and the defensive backs coach kept conversing with me about everything regarding playing in the league. It felt good picking off the pass in an official NFL practice with the cameras rolling and the coaching staff watching.
Day 3 - May 14, 2016
I have not had a chance to write all day. They told us the second day of activity would be the day we feel it - sore and tired - along with being the busiest day on the field. They were not lying. I put
in some good work today and received more reps than I was expecting. People have been telling me I should be trying my hardest on special teams, and I have, but it feels that the coaches know who they want on the field already. The DB coach keeps giving me more-and-more repetitions after being told by his assistant in a meeting early in the day that only one or two of us would be signed - there are more than 60 of us in attendance. I WILL BE ONE OF THOSE!
Day 4 - May 15, 2016 "The Last Day"
Woke up this morning feeling like a bag of mixed emotions - anxious, ready, eager, agitated, motivated, and humble - all at the same time. I am anxious to know who they are thinking of picking up. I am ready for practice today and to record another interception solidifying my spot. I am eager which stems from the anxiety and readiness. I am Agitated because I keep receiving messages telling me to "go hard" or "they better pick you" or providing advice and whatnot. These people are not in my shoes seeing what is going on while I am here. The Bears have told me that even if they go in another direction I have produced one of the best camps this week. I am motivated because if I do not make it here, I will not stop. I am humble because this is an experience of a lifetime. Most will not receive an opportunity like this. I have met some great players and coaches. I am glad I have been able to represent myself, the Tate family, Clark Atlanta, and Memphis. I will continue to go hard today and see how things play out.
Day 5 - May 16, 2016 "The Day After"
It is 6:45 and I did not make the Bears - THIS GO AROUND. The general manager and defensive backs coach both had individual meetings with me. The long story short is they loved my game, the success I had on the field and academically, and the achievements of getting to where I am today. Unfortunately, I was once again told if I was 6'0" and 185 pounds I would be signing and NFL contract. The Bears and now added to the list who mentioned my size and not focusing on the film I have provided.
On another note, I am headed to my graduation from Clark Atlanta University. I am very excited to walk the stage for my family and friends. Today is also my little sister's birthday! Today is a great day for achievement as I create the list of men who went to college and graduated!
