AI Answer
I'm sorry to hear about your injury. It's understandable that it would have a big impact on you, especially in your first year playing football at UCLA. Overcoming such a setback can be really tough, but it's great to hear that you're using it as a chance to come back stronger and take your football career more personally. As for your recovery, it's important to follow your doctor's guidance and give yourself the time and support you need to heal. It's okay to feel closed off and struggling, but reaching out for support, whether it's from friends, family, or mental health professionals, can be really helpful. And it's inspiring to hear about how you're toughening up mentally and focusing on training your mind, which is so important for any athlete. Keep taking care of yourself and keep pushing through this challenging time.

Ezavier Staples | UCLA Football

So understanding that it's a process like you're gonna have challenges at all points of your career . Um But recently some challenges that I've had to overcome is my first year , my first year being here for at UCLA , I actually got hurt in a car accident and um unfort very unfortunate , obviously , adversity is adversity , but like that hitting me like it was just , this is my first year of playing football . Um now , um , um , I haven't had any experience .

Ezavier Staples | UCLA Football

I've only been able to do spring ball and that's it . And , uh , obviously that took a toll on like me because me being hurt , I can't do the thing that I love . I can't do , I can't provide the way I wanna provide for my family , you know , so breaking my leg actually put me into like a , a state to where like I just wanted to be closed off from everybody , didn't wanna be close .

Ezavier Staples | UCLA Football

And , uh , obviously that took a toll on like me because me being hurt , I can't do the thing that I love . I can't do , I can't provide the way I wanna provide for my family , you know , so breaking my leg actually put me into like a , a state to where like I just wanted to be closed off from everybody , didn't wanna be close . Um Didn't want to leave the house .

Ezavier Staples | UCLA Football

Um So just from that , from all that I took me coming back more personal . So the challenge that challenge brought me the chance to bring to come back to football and be and take it more personal . Take more like , well , this is something I'm given every day .

Ezavier Staples | UCLA Football

And as you keep doing that , the process becomes easier and easier , you become more fluent in what you're doing because you , your intent is always there , your mind is on what you're doing . So , um to put me at an advantage during my practices . I like to focus .