Reese inspires, teaches crowd with life lessons

New York Giants Senior Vice President, General Manager and Tiptonville native Jerry Reese stands with members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority on Saturday. From left: Marion Bowers, Mary Jacox, Iva Jarrett, Atalta Campbell, Darnisha Halliburton, Reese, Reese's sister, Sandra Lanier, Will Ann Avery, Nettie Thomas and Phyllis Barlow.

"I've have accomplished a lot in my life so far, but if I can do it anyone can," said Reese.

Reese talked about different aspects and important people in his life that helped pave the way to his outstanding career that began as an assistant coach at the University of Tennessee at Martin, where he was inducted into the UTM Hall of Fame for his outstanding career at the defensive back position from 1981 through 1984.

Jerry Reese signs an autograph for Lucas Dial, 11, of Dyersburg with Dial's mother Laura, who graduated with Reese from Lake County High School, at Dyersburg State on Saturday. Behind Reese is his brother-in-law, Greg Ross, from Tiptonville, Sherrill Armstrong and Wilson Armstrong.

Reese said he still uses leadership techniques today as general manager he learned playing quarterback for Lake County High School. The humble boss spoke to the youth on how important an education is in life because of how slim the chances are for someone to make it professionally in sports.

"Only 224 people get drafted a year out of around 10,000 people who sign up for the NFL draft," said Reese. "That is why having an education to fall back on is so important."

Reese took time to answer questions from the audience, such as different obstacles he has overcome, and if he is going to trade Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey.

Reese's Super Bowl ring. [Click to enlarge]

Reese was named general manager in January 2007 after spending five years as director of player personnel, where he was responsible for picking the Giants draft picks, and four years as a scout for the Giants.

Reese also interviewed for the Miami Dolphins general manager position, but didn't receive the job. Reese called the failure "a blessing from God."

"God told me that I wasn't ready to manage a billion-dollar company, when I couldn't even manage myself," said Reese. "The first thing I had to learn to do was learn to help myself and my family."

Reese is a 1982 graduate of Lake County High School and holds bachelor's degrees in health and physical education from UT-Martin. Reese was also a two-time All-Gulf South Conference selection as a member of the UTM football team, while being named MVP of the conference his senior season.

Reese's stop in Dyersburg might have been brief due to the upcoming 2008 NFL season, but according to the local hero it was well worth the trip.

"New York is a wonderful city, but there is no place like home," said Reese.