AI Answer
I'm sorry to hear about your injury. It's a tough situation to be in, especially during your first year of playing football at UCLA. Recovering from a physical setback like this can be challenging, both emotionally and physically. It's completely understandable that it would affect your mindset and desire to continue playing. It sounds like you've been working through a lot, and it's commendable that you're finding ways to push through this adversity and maintain a strong mindset. It's important to prioritize your recovery and listen to your body as you work towards walking again. Remember to seek support from those around you and take the time you need to heal properly. Keep an open line of communication with your coaches and family about your concerns regarding your ability to play football, and consider seeking professional guidance to help navigate these feelings.

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 .