Tyriq Withers is an ascending star in the game of football. He’s shifted his competitive soccer background to become a quarterback for Florida State University (FSU). Withers first started playing soccer when he was just four years old. For 14 years, he conquered every physical and psychological obstacle of high-level athletics—not to mention the everyday grind—until he just celebrated his 18th birthday. He’s a big dude at 6-foot-5. In his senior year at Paxon School for Advanced Studies, he switched over to football, starring as a receiver at Florida’s Golden Eagles.
The journey was not without its challenges. The demand of the intense travel and demands of competitive soccer wore heavily on Withers, leading him to look in a different direction. During his senior year in high school, he was a massive 6-foot-4, 185-pound mammoth. That’s where he made the fateful decision, at that moment, to focus on football. This change was instrumental in him landing a complete undergraduate scholarship. He quickly found supportive mentorship, particularly from Dr. Tadarrayl Starke, then-director and department chair of FSU’s Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE).
Withers’ introduction to Dr. Starke came during “Summer Week,” a life changing experience that opened doors and set Withers on the path to his future. Following that encounter, he decided to transfer to Florida State, eager to start this new chapter in his athletic career.
Withers’ energy focused on becoming the best possible quarterback. He committed to a rigorous training regimen, working under celebrated quarterback guru Jordan Palmer three days a week for two and a half months. This intense regimen shaped him from just an actor and former wideout into a believable, screen-ready signal-caller. What Palmer really stressed, though, was the importance of mindset, and that’s what he tried to impart as a coach.
“Every day I challenged him: When you step on the field, nobody can mess with you. It’s not cockiness — it’s an aura great quarterbacks carry. You can build confidence; you can manufacture it. It’s not hereditary, it’s not God-given.” – Jordan Palmer
Withers was all in on the QB life, putting in the effort with oodles of determination and a teachable disposition that Palmer really appreciated.
“He showed up not a thrower — and he left a thrower. That was his buy-in,” – Jordan Palmer
Withers’ stubborn streak was most clear in the way he wanted Withers to play the game. Kevin knew that as a Black quarterback, he was subjected to different tests and standards.
“As a Black quarterback, I had to be great in order to be good,” – Tyriq Withers
His time as a walk-on player developed even more his character and work ethic. As Withers recalled this humbling experience, he testified to how this fuelling environment bred the resilience and brotherhood ethos that lies deep in his core.
“The walk-on experience is a humbling one,” – Tyriq Withers
Beyond his own story, Withers established connections to define the team’s locker room culture. He developed an especially close connection with his new teammate Dalvin Cook. As you’ll discover, his own experiences and passions helped shape his character, Cameron Cade, in a new film endeavor.
“The person who inspired Cameron Cade the most was actually not a quarterback, but [running back] Dalvin Cook,” – Tyriq Withers
The movie beautifully captured the athletic power of hard work and strength of character. Withers hopes to reach this message to every aspiring athlete.
“Never sacrifice your own moral values to reach that next level,” – Tyriq Withers
Through a dramatic recreation of Withers’ metamorphosis, the film makes clear how commitment and diligence can lead to astounding personal change. In working on the film, director Justin Tipping said he wanted to convey an accurate depiction of an athlete’s rise to success.
“I didn’t want to make that one sports movie where everyone says, ‘Oh, they just cut around it.’ [Tyriq] had to be there first, leave last and every day was physically demanding.” – Justin Tipping
Withers’ journey serves as a reminder that success can come through many different routes. Dr. Starke telling his story to students at FSU. He dreams big and tells the story of how passion and perseverance produce unexpected successes.
“The path to success doesn’t have to be straight; passion and perseverance can lead to unexpected places,” – Dr. Starke
Withers is blossoming into a real franchise quarterback. Its real characteristics — resilience and commitment — are what truly make him athletic. His story is a testament to all athletes as they continue their own journeys both in sports and life.
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