Making The Most Of The Situation

No doubt Alterraun Verner suffered some headaches
while finishing his degree at UCLA. But the Tennessee
Titans' cornerback proved that you can be productive
even in a lockout.

At certain times, the NFL lockout has looked like a messy divorce. Neither side is speaking to each other, and when they do talk, it usually results in an argument and more bitter feelings.

But while some players lounge by the pool sipping Mai Tais and listening to Jimmy Buffett at their mansions, others are using their current free time to do good in the world.

Yes, that's right – good. Not every player is a spoiled, often overpaid brat that is concerned about how he's going to afford his next Porche if he doesn't play this season.

Take Kansas City tight end Leonard Pope, for instance. While attending a pool party in Americus, Georgia, Pope saw a 6-year-old boy of a longtime friend drowning. Dropping whatever food may have been in his hands – something that's difficult for any tight end in the league – Pope dove in and saved the boy like he was making a game-winning catch. The only casualties in this scenario were a wallet and a cell phone.

Pope may get all the glory for being Superman to a youngster, but he isn't the only one making his momma proud. Tennessee Titans cornerback Alterraun Verner also did right recently by using his time off wisely.

Verner, who left UCLA early to pursue his dream in the NFL, saw the lockout as an opportunity to return to school and finish the five classes he needed to get his degree in mathematics and applied sciences.

Instead of renting an apartment or making the outrageous commute from his parents house, Verner has become part of the student body – holing up in a 144-square-foot dorm room barely big enough to hold his 42-inch TV, let alone all the books he needs to complete his degree.

Verner often interacted with the students – even UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley, who happens to live on the same floor – without much fanfare. He doesn't flash Titans gear or the fact that he's already made millions in the NFL. He probably parties about as much as every other math student – which is not at all.

No, for Verner, the lockout proved to be a second chance in life.

The career as an NFL player is so short, most players are forced to promote some product or another after they retire just to keep themselves from getting bored. But with his new degree, perhaps after his playing days are over, Verner can continue to inspire others to make the most of their lives as a teacher.

So for all those players out there enjoying their current unemployment, take a tip from Pope and Verner – get out there and be productive. It doesn't matter if you get involved in a charity, go back to school or improve your game – heck, you could even work on your tan as a lifeguard at the local pool – but don't just sit around and do nothing. Remind the world why we love you because, at this point, you need all the good publicity you can get.