The biggest responsibility a man can have is being a father. It's a powerful position of impact and something that should be cherished.
As a player in the NFL, I constantly see the media expose the small percentage of athletes who get caught up in doing the wrong things. With Father’s Day right around the corner, I want to expose some players and staff who are doing the right things by being great fathers.
In seven years, I have come across some amazing men who treasure their roles as fathers and, I believe, are great examples of what fatherhood should look like. These men carry themselves in such a way that they not only impact me, but others inside their locker rooms and facilities.
In today’s day and age, more children grow up in homes where the father is not present and it leaves a huge void. Sometimes the father is in the home but only a father by title, not by function, which can lead to some consequences.
I see girls growing up without fathers, and they don’t know what it's like for a man to treat them with respect because they don’t have an example at home. I see boys growing up in fatherless homes, and they don’t know what it's like to be a strong, caring leader who respects women and himself.
There is a passage in Proverbs 20:7 that reads, “The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.” All the men I spotlight in this article are men of great character and integrity, and I know their children are blessed as a result.
The first individual I'll highlight is my former Seahawks teammate, cornerback Kelly Jennings. I believe a father is a leader, and in order to be a great leader you must serve. Kelly showed me early in my career that this trait is a necessity in fatherhood. He was a man of few words, but you could tell Kelly embraced his role as a father. I would watch him work hard at practice, then go home to his family and help his homeschooled kids with their homework, hold reading time and, sometimes, prepare meals.
The next individual I would like to point out is also a former Seahawks teammate, Matt Hasselbeck. Matt is an amazing quarterback and person. He's somebody who I was able to build a strong bond with during my time in Seattle. Quarterbacks must be great communicators, and Matt showed me communication was not only important on the field, but in the home, as well.
I believe to be an effective father, a man must be able to communicate with his kids. Please don’t misunderstand: When I say communicate, I mean talk as well as listen. I would see Matt bring his kids to the facility to hang out and play all the time. What stood out to me was when his kids started running around or started to do something they weren’t supposed to, he had an uncanny ability to get down on their level and have a conversation with them that would cease all mayhem before it began. He was careful with his words and sensitive to their needs. As a young player, this was new to me. Where I grew up, sometimes a belt would do the talking first and everything else would get hashed out later.
I had a brief stint with the Colts during my career. While I was there, I had the privilege of being coached by the great Tony Dungy, a man who's as good as advertised; a man of virtue and honor. As a leader and a father I learned a lot from him even in my short time in Indianapolis.
The main thing I took from Tony on the issue of fatherhood is transparency. I believe transparency is a key to having a lasting impact as a father/leader. I just remember his openness and sincerity — a breath of fresh air. You could tell he loved his family and genuinely cared for his players because he wasn’t afraid to share his heart. When you see somebody as open and accessible as Tony, it inspires you to be a better player and person. So when leading a family, it’s crucial to be transparent because that openness will inspire and encourage those around you.
Finally, this last person has made a substantial impact in my life, and his name is Sherman Smith. Coach Sherman was my running backs coach for two years in Seattle, and he taught me some valuable lessons on life and football. He was a great coach and an even better man. Whenever I was around him I always seemed to learn something new. So when it comes to fatherhood, I learned a lot just by listening and being a sponge.
Coach Sherman taught me that fatherhood is a lifelong mission. He's in his 50s and his kids are older than me, but every time he would talk about them his face would light up as if they were newborns. For instance, I can remember sitting in his office and listening to him on the phone giving advice to his adult children. He was consistent and intentional in building up his kids even though they were grown. The man was full of wisdom and knowledge, and I was blessed to be around him.
There’s a passage in the Bible that states, “One waters, one plants, but God gives the increase." I believe that, as fathers, our role is to plant such love into our kids' lives that, as they grow older, they won’t depart from it. After we have done that, let God do the rest.
As a father, I hold this position in high regard and I’m determined to be that example in which my son and future kids can look up to. Being in the NFL, I’ve seen some great examples of what a good father looks like. I was also blessed to have an awesome example of what a father looks like at home with my dad. He was a major influence in my life, so I know how important it is to have that father figure there to guide and instruct you.
I once heard somebody say, “A leader knows the way, shows the way, and goes the way.” As fathers and leaders, let's lead with integrity, instruct with transparency and live in humility.
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads, and happy Father’s Day to my dad, Rodney Forsett Sr.
Justin Forsett is a running back for the Baltimore Ravens and contributor for Sporting News. He writes on religion, faith and family, and how each fits in his sport. Follow Justin Forsett on Twitter: @JForsett