All across college football, walk-on players are being rewarded with scholarships. Walk-on players are players who are not “good enough” to receive an athletic scholarship right out of high school. They typically report to camp and try out to make the team as a “walk-on.” They receive no money to do this and typically serve on the “scout” teams for their entire college career. A few of these players are able to prove themselves through their commitment or their play, thus earning a scholarship.
Usually when a “walk-on” player receives a scholarship, no one outside the program hears about it. Historically, this scholarship is awarded quietly in the office of the head coach with little publicity. However, recently coaches have openly awarded these scholarships in open forums to reinforce the positive values of the team.
In this specific case, P.J. Fleck awards a backup kicker a scholarship. Justin Juenemann has never played a down in his career and he might never do so. However, he frequently volunteers his time and showcases the commitment that Coach Fleck wants all of his players to emulate. Check out the following video to see the unique way Juenemann finds out he is receiving his scholarship.
Joe’s Perspective: I love these feel-good stories. It reinforces the notion that sport is about more than just X’s and O’s. Character matters… Service matters… Commitment matters. Athletes can be leaders and positive role models. They can have enormous impact on others in their community. I love the reaction from his teammates. I love the excitement from Juenemann. I love how emotional his mother gets. I hope this story inspires all who watch/read this post to give more and do more for others.
Your Turn: What do you think of this recent phenomenon of walk-ons receiving scholarships in this public way, particularly the story of Justin Juenemann receiving this scholarship for his off-the-field actions?
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He finally gets a shot at playing because for an act of kindness.
I think it’s amazing to see how even if you are not chocien from the start you still have a chance to receive that scholarship. It shows that when you give kindness expecting nothing in return great things can happen.
I like how the coach showed they valued character not just athletic talent.
For someone that has never played a down yet, earning a scholarship for doing something he doesn’t have to do but he does it anyways. Showing up at the children’s hospital then having one of the patients recognize you is one of the greatest feelings in the world. Random acts of kindness like what Justin repeatedly does can get anyone far.
I think he did a great job with what he did.
I enjoyed how he put character and leadership into everything he does, along with inspiring others to do the same.
I think that it is really cool that people can look at the players personality and not just their talent. I think that walk on scholarships are a really cool thing!
I like this video because it showed that even if you don’t recive a scholar ship at first, if you keep trying anything can happen.
I really like how, even though he isn’t a star player, he got a scholarship for working as hard as he has been. That’s why scholarships should be given out. Not necessarily because you’re a star, but because you work hard.
I think this is amazing, it allows people who rarely get recognized to get recognized for the hard work that they out into the team.
I liked how he was being a good person and expected nothing from it.
I think that it was very cool what happened to the kid. He really deserves thay
I feel like this reticle really shows the importance of developing a positive mindset and good character. Sportsmanship is one of the most important parts of becoming a great athlete.
I think it really reinforces the values a program lives by. You can talk all day about how players should act but until they actually get out there and do something it means nothing. When a walk on gets out in the community and proves he lives by the values of the team it sends a powerful message. Not only does he buy in to the program no matter if he is playing or not but he serves others before himself. Justin was always out in the community helping the kids at the hospital and it made a big difference for the kids. Like the coach said, there is no reason for him to do anything because he’s not recognized but he does and he cares. He is not doing the work because he has to for the team or fame but he does it because he wants to and wants to change someone’s life. This shows his teammates that it’s bigger than football or playing time, life it more important that that. It matters how you treat others and how you serve the community.
When you do good and be kind it will comeback to you even better.
I feel it is a great way to show the person that they not only get a scholarship but with what they are doing is actually helpful and worth it.
It really taught me that they care about work ethic
I think it’s really cool that they give walk on scholarships because that can help many people for them to saves money.
It shows that schools really look out for u and care about u
I believe its beautiful for getting a Scholarship just for being a great person and it’s the best feeling in the world to help a another person to improve there lifes like he could have just go to practice and go home but instead he help out in children hostiapl like you don’t need to be the best to get s scholarship when you can just be the greatest person by having random act of kindness.
I believe it’s something that that kid really deserved. Glad to see he gets help paying his college for off the field actions. And it shows how the coach wants more out of players than just athletic skills.
Taught me that work ethic is really important for you
This is very special because justing never thought of getting a scholarship and by his off the field actions like helping other people, justin got a scholarship.
I feel that this is great because it shows that you always have a opportunity. Also it shows to never give up.
I think they deserve to have that scholarship presented in a public way because they have worked hard to earn and can impact the team on the field and in the locker room.
Its a way to do it to see their reaction and let them enjoy a moment of a spotlight being shined on them.
I think it was a really nice thing from him !!
This reinforces that it’s more important to have solid core values than than just athletic ability. It makes you think about why you play and what really matters
I think that Justin Juenemann deserved to get that scholarship because he is an all around good person.
The fact that Justin is getting noticed by people like that and Justin probably has no idea. People always have eyes on you. Younger generations always have eyes on you. Lots of them look up to you. I love how they did this for Justin. Giving people scholarships in a public manner is awesome!
I think that it will drive more walk ons to work harder and help the team. It will also help the team get better because everyone is working.
I think it shows that as long as you work hard all around and are a good person that good things will come your way.
I think it shows that as long as you work hard all around and are a good person that good things will come your way. So yes i do believe that receiving scholarships through this way is very beneficial
This just goes to show how far an act of kindness can get you. You never know what may come around goes around
Publicly celebrating this athlete for his character traits emphasizes his work ethic to the rest of the team and provides the whole team with a positive energy to display those same actions
I think that walk on scholarships should be publicly announced just as any other scholarship is! People that do good when no one is watching, is bound to get and achieve higher levels of success.
I feel like show respect to someone who has done so much even when they didn’t have too is amazing. Part of being an athlete is being a good person in and out side of school/sports.
I think Justin definitely earned the walk on scholarship because not only do you have to be a good teammate and a good player in general you also have to be a good person outside of sports because that shows that you have good character and that is what teams want.
This is a great way to reward the players that started off at the lowest level possible on a team. Being a walk on means you have to work even harder just to earn a position on the team and to see these players earning a scholarship is amazing to see.
This is a great way to reward the players that started off at the lowest level possible on a team. Being a walk on means you have to work even harder just to earn a position on the team and to see these players earning a scholarship is amazing to see.
It shows that with all of the hard work he has done it had finally payed off for him and he got his scholarship!
I feel like if the person works hard enough they definitely deserve the scholarship.
I think giving public scholarships is a good way to build a stronger team
I feel like this will push more kids to want to walk on and try their best as a walk on because if they work hard enough they can achieve their dreams.
I think it’ll push more people do wanna do kind acts off the field. Also give more kids hope to walk on to colleges.
This a prime example of the work ethic and mindset that all players should strive towards. Justin as mentioned in the article and video is not a star player as a matter of fact he doesn’t get much if any playing time, yet he still brings a positive and focused attitude toward not just football but all things he does as the coach mentioned with school, social life and spiritually. I definitely believe that players who have this kind of mindset and values should receive a scholarship so that not only they can get through college without the possible debt but so there mindset can be seen by all people and inspire them to do better as well.
This will motivate players to not give up, and to keep on working to accomplish their goals as an athlete, and as a person.
This will motivate players to not give up, and to keep on working to accomplish their goals as an athlete, and as a person. This can also buid a ownership mindset within the team.
This will motivate players to not give up, and to keep on working to accomplish their goals as an athlete. This this also can build a ownership mindset within the team.
It’s a great way for him to be shone publicly for all his hard work and dedication
I feel like it shows that it doesn’t matter where you begin ,it’s all about where you finish and if you work hard and stay humble then you will be recognized.
This will motivate you not to give up and accomplish as a athlete and or as build a champion mindset with a team
This will motivate you not to give up and accomplish things as a athlete and you can build a champion mindset
I think it’s awesome that the walk on scholarships are becoming more public. It shows hard work and being a great teammate even if you don’t play. More people need to be like Justin
I think that this is a prime of example of hard work pays off. You know there’s some guys that only work to prove themselves to their coaches. And the funny thing is when the coaches aren’t there they don’t put in the work. Justin is a guy that was only trying to prove himself to himself because, in his case, no coaches were watching; at least he thought. More people like Justin deserve this kind of publicity!
I think it shows how the coaches see things and don’t just suck up to the good players it shows how important it is to be dedicated to the team even if you do not play.
It shows that hard work pays off, I feel like a lot of people would have just shut down and gave up. But he kept going
This goes to show every little thing you do matters. His actions didn’t go unnoticed and it obviously paid out for him. He tackled every opportunity he got to prove he is apart of the team. I believe that coach’s now making this a public thing is really cool and brings the team together
I think it’s great as it can serve as motivation for other walk ons who are trying their hardest to earn a scholarship.
I think it goes to show how hard work on and off the field pays off, he didn’t do it to show off he was humble it also goes to show how much coaches actually notice
I feel like it’s a good way to show other walk on athletes that just because they were good enough to start off with that if they put in the work they can achieve great things
I think that it’s good to be kind because even tho your not starting you will still have a chance to make it because your showing that you care and that you have good sports manship
This shows that you can earn a scholarship for not only putting in the work but also being a great teammate. You can go very far in the collegiate level by being a great teammate and putting in the work. Justin obviously showed that.
This shows that you can earn a scholarship for not only putting in the work but also being a great teammate. You can go very far in the collegiate level by being a great teammate and putting in the work. Justin obviously showed that.
This shows that coaches care about what players do off the field just as much as they care for what you do on the field. I liked how he got that scholarship for his off the field actions, because he is working just as hard on the field as he is off.
I thick it shows how people always suck up to the players that have all of the hype but the thing is if you Believe in your self do can do what no one expected and how dedicated you can be to someone that you love and you will do anything for it you just have to have that mindset.
I think it shows how people always suck up to the players that have all of the hype but the thing is if you Believe in your self do can do what no one expected and how dedicated you can be to someone that you love and you will do anything for it you just have to have that mindset.
This shows what hard work can do. He wasn’t a star player yet he worked his butt off and it payed off. The grind shouldn’t stop even if you’re the best.
This can motivate players to keep on working to accomplish their goals as an athlete and and if players are working harder for the team that would build a winners mentality within the team
It shows that being dedicated to the sport is just as important as being a star player.
I love it because not only does it validate the extreme hard work that person has shown. It also will motivate others to accomplish their dreams.
I think this is really great to see that your off the field actions are just as important as your on the field actions. Then to see this walk on be rewarded with a scholarship for his off the field actions is pretty cool.
Hard work and integrity achieves success in all aspects.
Being a walk-on and coming all the way from the bottom and getting to the top can be a big inspiration for all of those walk-on type players
I think it’s a good thing because it publicly recognizes a players hard work, even if they aren’t the most talented or famous player. I think it promotes good deeds over high profile ones. Not everyone can score a touchdown or play, but everyone can make a little difference for someone, somewhere.
This goes to show what effort does for a player, and that people notice what you do. They notice you in the sport of course, but people also notice how you affect others around you. Effort, perseverance, and attitude can go a long way, and this video of Justin shows just how much these attributes can push you towards success.
It gives people hope. Not only that but also keeps athletes on track with their goals, motivating them to be better.
This video shows how hard work and dedication and character can help you get the things you want in life. Yes the coaches are looking for the players with talent but they are also looking for the players who work hard and do the right thing.
I think it can help increase work ethic throughout the team
I like what Joe said in his perspective when he said “football is more than X’s and O’s” and there are many stories proving this and just showing that this sport builds character… your character is recognized in the community even when u do good things when no is there.
It’s a great way to show that hard work really pays off, it can give people a bigger sense of trust that the work they’re putting in can pay off. And can motivate them to keep pushing.
It gives people a chance to be recognized for the hard work put in.
I think that it’s great this guy gets recognition for putting in the work behind the scenes everyday. Hard work really does pay off, whether it’s in a large or a small way.
This shows the importance of players who do everything right behind the scenes. They may not be making all the Sacks or the TD’s but they are helping the starters everyday get better and that’s what is important. Doing all the right things even when nobody is watching
I think that publicly showing this mans accomplishments is a good thing because it inspires and encourages people that even if you are not the best right now in this moment, if you want that dream enough you can chase it, work hard enough, and accomplish your goals.
People are recognized for the work that they put in and gives others hope that they too can receive a scholarship.
I think it is cool how you can get put on scholarship for just being a good person.
It just goes to show you not everything is about your athletic ability. It’s about how good of a person you are. Having good character and carrying yourself well. Well-deserved.
it shows that if you work hard and don’t give up you can still achieve your goals.
I believe everyone deserves a chance and I loved that the coach gave him a chance. Coming from the bottom and working hard to get a scholarship is very hard but I believe more people deserve a shot like this kid.
I think this is awesome. Athletes tend to care more about what they go on the field or on the court. Obviously that matters, but when you do the right thing, you get recognized. People see you. I think that it’s amazing that he got recognized and I hope he continues to work hard.
I liked how this video shows that your coach cares about what you do off the field. I like how this guy got a scholarship for his off the field personality.
This shows that working hard pays off.
I think this is really cool. These walk ons have put in just as much work if not more than the scholarship players. Having a good locker room guy is very important. I’m happy that these people are finally getting noticed
I think it’s important to work hard and have a good attitude while playing a sport and it’s good to see someone get rewarded for it.
I think it’s amazing that they get these chances, they sacrifice their time and effort for something that they might not be able to be apart of but still show up, eventually they’ll get rewarded for their efforts. Whether that’s scholarships or life long friends
this gives people hope and a fight chance
It’s a good way to display the hard work that these players put in behind the scenes.
It gives the people that didn’t give scholarships a chance to show how hard they have worked
it shows that hardwork, leadership, act of kindness can go a long way.
it shows that hardwork, leadership, act of kindness can go a long way with greater opportunities.
I feel like the bearded guy was probably confused. Also it’s weird that they brought in a kid from the hospital. Like he probably need it more.
i doing the basketball one this one guy got in voided to a basketball collage and they all cheers with him
I think that this is a really good thing for people because some people are good both on a team and alone and people do not recognize the alone they just recognize the team part of it
I think that is a good idea because these people work hard. They most likely don’t gat a lot of credit and appreciation for what they do, but this is a great way to show it.
we can learn that we can always have hope. and to not quit on your goals.
This would be good for people to see so that other people could congratulate them on getting a scholarship so that they know that their is a chance they could get one.
Players recieving walk on scholarships for there actions off the field show that it is imprtant to be a good person.
It probably motivates him to play better and to put in more effort