BLOG.LEVARFISHER.COM

Thoughts from the Field

Levar Fisher's Blog — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 15:18:33 GMT

Welcome back to a new school year! I hope you had a great summer. Lots of exciting things have happened at Levar Fisher, Inc. during the summer months. Not only did we start a self-publishing company, I authored two youth books – one is named, “Hold On To Your Dreams” and the other one is “F.R.E.E.Z.E. and Think About It.” Besides that, our non-profit organization Fisher of Men Inc. and the Pepsi grant joined forces to encourage youth to check us out on YouTube.

“Today’s youth are in desperate need of breakthroughs. They need to learn how to not get down on themselves, they need to fight adversity and stand out from the crowd.” -Levar Fisher

My mission is to make students aware that they DO have a choice in any situation they may face. One choice can take them down a terrible road and another choice can lead them to higher ground. Today’s youth face intense bullying and unbelievable peer pressure. Guys, in their attempt to be accepted, join gangs, looking for that sense of family and community. The girls are being pressured for sex like never before and they think if they give in, they’ll be liked and accepted. Part of my message to youth is – don’t join a group just to belong – find out who you are and stay true to that.

“I was on drugs and hangin’ with some kids who were always getting into trouble. The day Levar spoke at my school changed my life. I started playing basketball and football and I’m not hangin’ with the bad kids anymore. Thanks Levar!”
-Antoine, age 16

By the way, while you’re web surfing, check out freezeandthink.com/shop and find out how you can adopt an annual FREEZE and THINK Spirit Day at your school. I will encourage students at YOUR school to F.R.E.E.Z.E. and Think BEFORE they make decisions that will affect the rest of their lives.

In fact, it’ll bring together your entire school to help students focus on making positive, daily choices. Also on the website is a pledge page so students can make their own personal pledge to F.R.E.E.Z.E. and THINK. We have all the tools you need to make sure your school’s Freeze and Think Day is a total success.

“Freshmen really need to hear your message Levar! After hearing you talk about the decisions you’ve made in your own life, both good and bad, I decided right then and there I wasn’t going to waste my life in juvie. I know now that there is so much more in store for me.”
-Tara, age 17

When I read stories like the one above, it makes all the travel, the tiredness, and the time away from my family worth it. When I hear how students are affected by hearing me speak, it gives me such a sense of fulfillment and purpose. They’re the reason I travel the country!

My speaking schedule is filling up fast but there are still a few openings for October.

I could be in your city next to share my dynamic, powerful talks about F.R.E.E.Z.E. and THINK decision-making. I’d love to come to your school!

BOOK NOW! Don't miss out. Call TODAY to reserve your life-changing event. Call 800.574.4PRO (4776).

Maryland State Testing Rally

Levar Fisher's Blog — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 13:00:00 GMT

These last couple of weeks has been the best weeks I’ve ever had on the road. Every group I speak to has different dynamics; they each have a uniqueness all their own. But in Maryland two weeks ago, it was a life changing week for many kids I spoke to…and for me too.

The beginning of the year presented a lot of scheduling challenges due to snow storms and generally bad weather. That resulted in multiple speaking cancellations. And, just when I thought it was all over, then came more snow, more blizzards, and more cancellations. It was taking away from what I love to do…I was home bound. It gave me a chance to spend a lot of time with my kids and we had a ton of fun but I wanted to get out and start changing lives with my speaking tour.

I was humbled by being home; wanting to get out and do what I love to do best, but knowing at the same time that no schedule is set in stone. I found myself thankful that I really am living my dream. I have the best “job” in the world and I’m sure I get more from the experience than the students do.

It was state testing time in Maryland schools and that gave me the chance to tell the students to dig deep in their souls to give their best effort during their tests and beyond. They listened intently to the message as I told them to F.R.E.E.Z.E. and Think about the consequences when it came to bullying and I shared how they could get the help they need. I wanted them to think about their future and about how their choices today can affect their future forever.

They sat on the edge of their seats as I shared a story about being purpose driven in life. “Never let anyone tell you what you can’t do, or what you can’t achieve,” I told them from the microphone. “Being purpose driven is getting from point A to point Z – that is starting wherever you are now and getting to where you want to be. There will be obstacles, there will be challenges but don’t let anyone get in the way of your dream. If you were trying to save someone from drowning, nothing would get in your way. No matter who was in your way, you’d get to the drowning person to save them.”

Students approached me after I spoke and said I changed their life by some of the things I said. They “heard” me and made a commitment to start heading down a better path by making better choices. One student said his birthday was the next day and that listening to my message and meeting me was the best gift he could receive for his birthday. It humbles me when people come up to me and tell me how my words changed their lives. Just hearing those words changes my life too.

It’s important that people hold on to their dreams. Just like a kid holding onto an overhead towel for dear life, with their legs and feet dangling above the ground, or a small child attempting to cross the monkey bars – it’s tough and it’s hard to do but you’ll have fun holding on. That’s my goal as a speaker – to show kids they can have fun holding on to good choices and good dreams.

I want to thank my staff for being part of my speaking engagement success. Their diligence and attention to detail makes the process flow much smoother. Without them there would be no me.

Stay tuned for more updates about my 2011 speaking tour.

Levar Fisher's 2011 Campaign & New Websites

Levar Fisher's Blog — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 21:03:00 GMT

My name is Levar Fisher, retired NFL player for the Arizona Cardinals and New Orleans Saints, and now a Motivational Speaker traveling across the country, changing the world; one life at a time. For the past several years, I’ve spoken to thousands of groups of all ages about achieving dreams and how the importance of a healthy self-confidence can make any person’s future the brightest and best it can be.

I am excited to announce my official Levar Fisher website with my new F.R.E.E.Z.E. & THINK 2011 campaign . This tour looks to be even more powerful, infused with life, hope and promise.

BelieveAgain 2010 Tour was so successful that one school superintendent in Maryland booked me for the next five years. Many lives have been changed because of my passionate speaking and as a result, my schedule is filling rapidly!

In addition to my speaking tour, I have two books releasing – my official book and a youth book. Join our Mailing List for updates and locations to purchase your copies.

My official book, shares my personal stories & transition from a professional NFL player-to my current life. I inspire people how to pro.claim, pro.fess, and pro.gram - It’s a must-have tool to help your team handle the inevitable transitions in business life.

The youth book, F.R.E.E.Z.E. Think About It – encourages students to “FREEZE” and think BEFORE they make a decision that could change their future forever. It’s filled with Levar’s real stories and life-changing testimonials along with an extensive resources list and website pertaining too many of our youth issues today.

I’m now booking for 2011 and I would love to add your event to the calendar before my schedule is full. I exhibited my passion for excellence on the field and now I achieve a high level of success off the field. I’d like to speak to your group about moving beyond the status quo and achieving their dreams with extraordinary personal quality and distinction.

If you, or someone you know, are seeking a powerful, motivation, inspiration, youth or sports motivator for your next event, you’ve found your solution! Give our team a call today at 866-574-4PRO (4776) to discuss your current speaking needs or send me an email at levar@levarfisher.com.

Today’s youths are faced daily with decisions about bullying, suicide, sexting, and other youth-related issues. Levar asks students to FREEZE and think BEFORE they make a decision that could change their future forever.

>Find out more.

NEW MEXICO OUTREACH

Levar Fisher's Blog — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 17:31:00 GMT

The people… the city…everything about New Mexico was beautiful. Since this was my first trip to New Mexico I didn’t know what to expect. The first school I visited was amazing! These high schoolers were so excited and appreciative that I showed up to THEIR school. The principal introduced me to a crowd of over five hundred students and as I jokingly do sometimes, as soon as she gave me the mic, I noticed two football players in the front row. I grabbed the microphone and immediately jumped in front of the two guys and screamed AAAaaaaa!!! These guys almost jumped out of their shoes. One guy, the largest of the two, screamed at the top of his lungs - like a little girl. It was one of the funniest things I’ve ever experienced, the gymnasium erupted in laughter.

This school outreach was great. As the assigned driver and I drove from school to school, I noticed New Mexico had the most beautiful scenery. As I looked at the mountains, a sense of peace came over me. I wanted to just get out of the car and walk, breath in the air, and look into the sun. Riiiiight. As soon as I got out of the car, I laughed at myself because it was smokin’ hot with a vast desert surrounding me - NOOO THAAANKS.

The kids had many of the same issues as anywhere else; bullying, peer pressure, fighting, etc. I was in one city called Thoreau, New Mexico and, to my amazement, this city had a population of less than two thousand and there had already been a record-setting amount of suicides since January, fifteen in all. Speaking in that city, my heart went out to the families, teachers, and students. Thoreau was in need of someone like me and I gave them every bit of energy I had. I just wanted to give them any entertainment I could and that meant making them laugh… lots of laughs. My mission was to brighten their day. I extended my stay, giving them autographed cards, signing shirts, shoes, arms and elbows. To see those kids smiling so bright meant the world to me and everyone else that was a part of that event.

After speaking in eleven assemblies this week I’m confident that I made a difference in some young peoples’ lives. I love what I do and thank God for every opportunity where I’m able to stand in front of people to speak. Life is so good…and I intend on letting YOU and everyone else know about it.

THE BEST FUNDRAISER: A Football Camp that Raises Money and Self Confidence

Levar Fisher's Blog — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 18:52:00 GMT

I’m so excited about the “More Than a Pro Football and Life Skills Camps” that I’ve designed for organizations that are looking for a great fundraiser. I’ve produced football camps before, but this one is different, because I specifically developed it for:

Organizations that need to raise money and want something beneficial for youth and the entire community.
Youth who want to learn serious football skills from current and former professional NFL players.
Parents and Community Youth Supporters that want to see their youth develop life skills that will boost their self confidence and reduce the “mistake” factor.

Along with a solid program of football mechanics out on the field, I’ll be speaking and coaching youth in the areas of handling adversity, drug and alcohol use, academic achievement, and working toward a dream. We’ll include extra sessions for more personalized attention, and make the professional athletes available for add-on fundraising activities, such as a barbeque or social event.

I’ve crunched the numbers myself. Even a moderately successful 2-day camp with a dinner event between the two days, an organization could raise in the neighborhood of $12,000.

Here’s the kicker: I arrange and pay for all (ALL) of the professional athletes’ travel expenses. That burden isn’t yours. I make it a point to support my camp partners in pre-publicity by doing radio and print interviews with your local media well in advance of the camp. I’ll provide the step-by-step guidelines on how to produce this camp. And, I’ll provide guidance for training your camp volunteers.

It just doesn’t get any easier. For more information on the camp email me at levar@levarfisher.com or call 866.574-4PRO (4776).

FOOTBALL CAMP OR LEADERSHIP CAMP: WHAT IF YOU GOT BOTH?

Levar Fisher's Blog — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 19:03:00 GMT

I know I must speak to thousands of youth each year telling them stories of the kind of messes I got into when I was their age. I love the surprised look on their faces when I talk about how I actually used the bullies’ torment to motivate me toward my goal. I talk about my dream list – the list of things I wanted to accomplish that I kept pinned above my bed in college. I tell them about the night that a friend of mine made what turned out to be the worst decision of his life…and how close I came to making that my worst decision.

These stories are like vaccinations that I can inject into these kids – strengthening their resolve…and appealing to their own sense of self worth. So, what does this have to do with a football camp?

EVERYTHING! Because, all day long I can teach kids to run like their tail’s on fire, hold onto a football like it’s a baby, and tackle like they’re protecting their mama… but at the end of the day, it’s what’s inside a young person that pushes them forward.

This summer, I’ll be producing my “More Than a Pro Football and Life Skills Camps” all of the U.S. I’ve got it down to a science…beautiful combination of football drills and life skills coaching. Throw in some current and former pro coaches, some cool freebies for the kids, extra “more personalized” sessions, and a little “virtual” surprise I’m working on…and you’ve got a winner.

More importantly, for the organizations that partner with me to produce a camp…I’ve designed this to be an optimum income producer for you!

For more information, email me at levar@levarfisher.com or call 866.574.4PRO (4776)

Believe Again 2010 Tour: Inspiring Youth Around the Nation

Levar Fisher's Blog — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:47:00 GMT

The past eight years that I have spent as a motivational speaker has been a blessing. I have been given the opportunity to tell my stories to over 800,000 kids, and have heard so many life changing stories in response. The many kids who I’ve met have inspired me to begin a project that I’m incredibly passionate about. So, I am excited to announce this huge project, the Believe Again 2010 Tour!

During the Believe Again 2010 Tour I will be traveling the country speaking to youth at sports camps, leadership conferences, school events, rallies, and banquets! I will be speaking about emotionally heavy and applicable topics that relate tour youth and their struggles. Some of the topics I will cover will be bullying and peer pressure, abstinence, drugs and alcohol, teen violence and teen suicide, and decision-making. My goal with this tour is to transform our youth with some positive stories that will inspire them to make life-changing decisions.

I remember one time when a young girl, a 9th grader, came up to me after I spoke at her school She was crying, shaking, telling me that she had just had a baby and couldn’t handle all of the disappointment and mess in her life. She had already written letters telling her family whom she was going to leave the baby with and that she was going to end it all. I was so overwhelmed when she said that it was the story I had told about never giving up that changed her mind. This is the impact I want to have on the youth throughout my tour. These are the realizations that I see in young people each time I speak. I can’t help but anticipate what a difference this tour is going to make – even though they may not know it yet.

The Believe Again 2010 Tour is designed specifically to open the eye and boost the self-esteem of America’s youth. Through grants, partnerships and endorsements, I have been able to compile what I know will be an effective tour. I’m incredibly grateful for the endorsements that I have received from the following organizations: Kids Are Heroes, Operation Kid Equip and Lil MDG’s. They are all dedicated to inspiring children and building youth self-esteem as much as I am.

A lot of work has gone into the Believe Again 2010 Tour and there is still so much work left to do. My team continues to book speaking events for the tour each and everyday and I’m truly excited. So far states that I will be visiting include North Carolina, Florida, Texas and Illinois, it should be your state.

I know you are excited, why you wouldn’t be, you can help change the lives. If you are interested in booking me for a speaking events during the Believe Again 2010 Tour please send me an email. If you are a corporation or association and are interested in making a donation to help fund my tour, simply visit my Sponsorship page.

Thank you for your support! Check back to see if I’ll be touring near you!

THE "MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER" CAREER THAT WAS INSPIRED BY MY NFL CAREER

Levar Fisher's Blog — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:56:52 GMT

I'm Levar Fisher. Welcome to my official blog. I’m really excited to get this blog up and going so we can get to know each other.  This gives me another opportunity to inspire and motivate with the written word, the way I do in person on my speaking tour.

Let's start with my story: After a terrible knee injury in the winter of 2006, I was forced to retire from professional football. I was clueless to what I was supposed to do. In my mind, everything I had known, the NFL dream I had worked so hard for, was over. After a year of recovery, reality hit and I had to develop a new career for the sake of my wife and kids.

I had always been told by coaches and teachers to “do what [I’m] good at and make a career out of it.” Other than football, the only other thing that I knew I was really good at was talking … a lot. So, here I am, a motivational speaker, speaking to youth and corporate executives across the nation. I have found my absolute passion.

Surprisingly, I love sharing my less admirable moments to a crowd of people who are watching me with anticipation, eager to hear what happens next. I love it even more when my stories inspire renewed self-confidence...when people realize that they have the power to improve their own lives, as I did.   I was not perfect in my youth. I don't mind saying, if not for a power-punch of "inspiration" from some unlikely sources, I doubt I would have achieved the NFL dream, much less be able to take that inspiration to others.

You see, I believe that we are all born with maximum self confidence, and along the way, we forget or others try to take it from us. But, the power is always there - it never leaves us. When you can believe again, you can overcome even the worst mistakes - (trust me on this), you can have the dream - and then you can inspire others to do the same.   It's that whole inspiring others thing that I believe takes us to a new level and makes us all more than a “pro." That's the message I carry.

Check out my video clip from a speaker event, where I talk about my first NFL game - what a memory...

I look forward to sharing some stories and suggestions with you here from my speaking tour. But, now that you know my story, I'd like to hear yours. Feel free to post here or e-mail it to me.

Check back soon - you can bookmark this page, or http://www.levarfisher.com/ or hit the RSS feed button on this page to get the link sent to your e-mail as soon as updates are posted. Be sure to do that, because, I'm getting ready to announce an exciting new project I’ve been working on!

Welcome

Levar Fisher's Blog — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:48:06 GMT

Welcome to my blog. Please check back soon for new entries.