The Explosion of Redemption: Trying to Win the Game of Personal Forgiveness in Life

About the Book

One day a person is going to see your name somewhere on some piece of paper. When they inquire about you, what are they going to find out? Life is the same for all of us. We live, and we die. What makes us different is how we live it. Throughout my years as a football player at the University of Nebraska and my time in the USFL and NFL, I made decisions that were not in my best interest. While battling demons and opposition that are common to us all, I made mistakes that could have taken me out. However, here I am, still living and still loving. With that love, it is my hope that by sharing my story, I can help someone see a light of perseverance and forgiveness in areas where darkness is present. I want to help somebody live life to the fullest. Or, as I say, live life like another day in paradise.

About the Author

Ricky C. Simmons is a former standout athlete from the University of Nebraska and the USFL, born in Greenville Texas. Ricky had a journey through substance abuse and prison. Upon his release from prison, Ricky was aware of the many doors that were going to be shut in his face. Instead of letting it discourage him, he used it as motivation to continue working on his plan. The plan he developed while incarcerated was to become a drug and alcohol counselor and a motivational speaker. The first thing he did upon his release was meet with his parole officer and he told his officer the plan. He started school to pursue his license and volunteered to work with youth. At this point, Ricky began to work on the second part of his plan, which was to become a motivational speaker. Throughout this period, Ricky faithfully visited Coach Osborne once a week. With the blessing of Coach Osborne, Ricky began to reach out to different agencies sharing his story in the hope of helping others. Facilities such as Boys Town, Geneva, Work Ethic Camp, and Hastings Regional Center began to invite Ricky as a guest speaker, which led to more speaking contracts. Opportunities as a motivational speaker came to Ricky at the end of 2010 to the present. Also in 2010, Ricky received his Provisional Alcohol and Drug Counselor license. His plan was now in full effect. As a footnote, Ricky returned to the prison from which he was released 11 months later. This time, not as a repeat offender, but as a Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor and guest speaker. Ricky wants to help others live life like it’s another day in paradise.