Introduction
Miles Austin, a former professional American football player, has left an indelible mark on the history of the sport. As an undrafted wide receiver, he played for teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, and Philadelphia Eagles. Known for his dedication and hard work, Austin’s story has become an inspirational tale for students to learn how perseverance pays off in achieving big dreams.
This article outlines various aspects of Miles Austin’s life and career to help teachers educate their students effectively and engagingly about the remarkable athlete.
Early Life and College Career
Born on June 30, 1984, in Summit, New Jersey, Miles Austin grew up with a passion for athletics. He excelled in track and field while studying at Garfield High School before enrolling at Monmouth University. At Monmouth, he played as a wide receiver for the college team and made a reputation as a formidable player with excellent speed and agility.
NFL Career Breakthrough and Achievements
Despite showing exceptional talent during his college days, Austin went undrafted in the 2006 NFL Draft. However, unwilling to let that setback define him, he signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent. He worked tirelessly to establish himself as one of the team’s most reliable receivers.
In 2009, Austin made his mark on the NFL when he broke several records in a single game against the Kansas City Chiefs. This breakout performance earned him two consecutive trips to the Pro Bowl in 2009 and 2010. Throughout his career with Dallas (2006-2013), Cleveland (2014), and Philadelphia (2015), Austin accumulated impressive statistics – over 5,000 yards receiving and 37 touchdowns.
Life Post NFL Retirement
After retiring from professional football in 2016, Miles continued to make meaningful contributions to society by engaging in charity work. Additionally, he joined the San Francisco 49ers as an offensive quality control coach, proving his commitment to staying connected with the sport he loves.
Teaching Methods and Activities
To ensure students gain an in-depth understanding of Miles Austin’s journey, educators may adopt several teaching methods and activities:
1. History and Background: Start by providing students with a brief overview of Austin’s early life, college career, and his undrafted status. This foundation will allow them to appreciate the challenges he faced from a young age.
2. Interactive Worksheets & Quizzes: Create worksheets focusing on Austin’s career statistics, significant games and events in his life. These worksheets can be accompanied by quizzes that challenge students to recall information and engage with the material.
3. Presentations: Encourage students to research other underdog stories in sports history and present their findings to the class via PowerPoint or Google Slides. This activity fosters a deeper understanding of resilience and hard work exhibited by athletes like Miles.
4. Group Discussions: Host group discussions, allowing students to reflect on how Miles Austin’s story inspires them personally. Ask them about their goals and dreams while encouraging them to think about the qualities they can adopt from Austin’s journey.
5. Evalyn Edward Guest’s Poem – “It Couldn’t Be Done”: As a concluding activity, read this motivational poem that emphasizes the power of determination amid adversity – much like Austin’s NFL success story.
Conclusion
Miles Austin serves as an excellent example for students that determination, hard work, and persistence can help overcome hurdles and achieve big dreams. By incorporating various teaching methods and activities centered around Austin’s life and accomplishments, educators can deliver a lesson that resonates deeply with their young audience.
