It's no secret that Mikado Hinson is a big boxing fan.
Texas A&M's Director of Player Development is also a big fan of Andre Ward, the current light heavyweight champion of the world. In 2014, in fact, Hinson built a list of top candidates to speak to Aggie Football. Ward was on that list.
Back in June, Ward defeated Sergey Kovalev. Hinson and Coach Kevin Sumlin were watching, and both came away incredibly impressed. Hinson remembers Coach Sumlin's words.
"Coach said, 'We need to get him here'," recalled Hinson. "I told him that we were working on it."
Hinson and Sumlin got their wish this week, as Ward made his way to Aggieland.
Andre Ward following his presentation to Aggie Football
It's not hard to see why Ward was so coveted to speak to the team. Ward is the last American to win a boxing gold medal in the Olympics. He's been voted the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world. Oh yeah, he's also undefeated in his professional career at 32-0, with 16 of those wins via knockout.
Needless to say, Ward had the Aggies' complete attention during his presentation, something Hinson fully anticipated.
"He had instant credibility with our guys," remarked Hinson. "Our guys were on the edge of their seats. Some of them were taking notes. This wasn't just a pump-up speech. This was looking big picture outside of football and how you conduct yourself as a man. He hit every aspect of our players' lives as young men, and they were blessed to hear it from a guy at the pinnacle of his career right now."
Christian Kirk looked forward to Ward's presentation for quite some time. Kirk emulates Ward in many of his diet, training and recovery habits. The presentation lived up to the junior receiver's expectations.
"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for sure," said Kirk. "It's an honor to be in his presence. Anytime you're around a champion and a guy who's never lost before, it's something special."
Ward's speech focused heavily on maximizing potential, being humble, the importance of listening and fighting through the peaks and valleys of life. Despite his success in the ring, things haven't been easy for Ward. Through the valleys of family issues, injuries and other setbacks, Ward found his way by focusing on his faith, foundation and support system.
"I had people who when I was going through my struggles helped me," said Ward. "I hope something I said can be of some help, because at the end of the day that's what it's all about."
Training camp and preparations for the season can be a daunting task that wears even the best athletes down mentally and physically. Ward certainly understands the work it takes to perform at the highest level, as he routinely goes through eight-week training camps for his fights. He knows the discipline and behaviors required to be at your best, something Hinson and the A&M coaching staff admire.
"He's a great example for our young men," added Hinson. "How he conducts himself, how he prepares for every fight, how he lives outside the ring and how he performs inside the ring…it is a high-class, A+ level all the time."
Ward's message didn't single anyone out, either. It resonated with all players from top to bottom on the depth chart.
"Ceilings are different for everyone," noted Ward. "What are you doing with your gifts and abilities? You are here for a reason. It's not about the individual. It's about buying in, and there is no way you're going to get where you want to go if you're only in it for yourself."
Development of student-athletes on and off the field continues to be of utmost importance at Texas A&M. Several speakers presented their stories to the Aggies during training camp, providing a nice balance with the work being done on the field.
"We will always make it a point to develop and educate the young men," admitted Hinson. "It's going to help them in the long run. Years down the road, they're going to remember things they learned as a member of the Texas A&M football team."
Ward echoed Hinson's comments during his presentation.
"I want you guys to make it and maximize your potential," stated Ward. "Live today in a way that you'll be proud of when you look back down the road."
The 12th Man and passionate fan support is well known, but it's clear that many others outside of Aggieland have their eyes on the A&M program. A&M athletics is a platform, which puts a responsibility on the coaches and student-athletes. Hinson isn't taking that responsibility lightly.
"We have eyes on what we do, and that even includes some celebrities," added Hinson. "People are watching how we conduct ourselves and how we operate. Just like with the speakers we've had before, we got better today. As a team and coaching staff, we were blessed by Andre being here today."
As for Ward, the champ seemed to enjoy his experience with Aggie football.
"I hadn't been to Texas A&M before, but I sure can't wait to come back."
