Leroy Collins’ Bio:

Leroy Collins is a former NFL Running Back of the Jacksonville Jaguars and author of The Running Back: True Story From the Wheelchair to the NFL. He is now a motivational speaker, Current President of the Upstate Chapter of The NFL Alumni Association, runs a fitness center, and owns a construction company. 

To hear more about Leroy’s personal story click here. 

What life events or challenges that you’ve experienced (could be minor, could be major) – whether you’ve experienced them directly or via someone close to you, have had any type of impact on your desire to write and publish your book(s)?

When I was a young boy, I was in a terrible car accident and was pronounced dead. When I came back, they told me I would never walk again, but I did not stop at that, and instead fought my way back to being able to walk and succeed even further than ever imagined.

How did those events impact you emotionally/morally? How, if at all, did those events impact the storyline or characters in your book(s)?

The accident gave me the courage to try and never give up no matter what is happening.  I believe as long as I have breath I have a chance, and that is something we can all relate to no matter how different our circumstances are.

When and why did you decide to focus on writing and publishing your book(s), specifically, how was your decision shaped by the experiences above?

I decided to write a book when I spent many years training young athletes. I did it to encourage them to go after their dreams by believing and trying harder with each challenge they may face. By detailing my story and the many challenges I defeated, I hoped to shed light on our commonalities and how we can get in touch with our own dreams to get what we want to be done.

How do you feel your book(s) have helped connect society through the commonalities of challenges we all face?

I believe my book helped in many ways. First, I think it helped people to see that they are not alone in their struggle. Within that struggle, we can still go after our dreams, and that is what is similar about all of us together. And second, if there’s a will, there’s a way. The push may be difficult but it is completely possible and has been done. The book has inspired many to keep pushing. 

What advice would you give someone who wants to write and publish a book, but may be apprehensive about sharing their life challenges or personal experiences?

I would tell someone that their story can change the world. If not the world, their story will encourage someone else to see life differently, and dramatically help their healing process. 

If you have told your story before, how did people react when you went public? If you have not previously shared your story, how do you think people will react?

When I share my story people are amazed and encouraged and feel blessed from hearing it.