Courtesy of North Carolina Central Athletic Communications


DURHAM, N.C. – Leading up to North Carolina Central's game at Mississippi Valley State, the team welcomed NFL All-Pro running back Todd Gurley to practice at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium. Gurley, a three-time NFL Pro-Bowl selection, is currently an NFL free agent and last played for the Atlanta Falcons during the 2020 season.
 
The Tarboro, N.C., native has family ties that stretch further than the football field at NCCU, including his older brother Shannon Simmons, who works for NCCU Information Technology Services.
 
"My brother works at Central and graduated from here, as well as my sister (Devin Simmons, 2019)," Gurley said. "I'm an honorary Eagle by heart."
 
Gurley mentioned the level of dedication it takes to play college football and how he saw it translate through the NCCU team.
 
"A lot of these guys come from different backgrounds and they want to be able to show their worth and skill set. For them to be out here mid-day in the heat, it shows a lot of commitment," Gurley stated.
 
He also spoke about what it takes to have a successful football program.
 
"It's not all about what you have," Gurley said. "When you have a good coach and staff that can try to give you all of the tools that you need to be successful on and off the field, that's all that matters."
 
Gurley talked about the growth of HBCU football and the impact it can have.
 
"It is normal now, to have guys consider HBCU's," Gurley said. "There are going to be opportunities for HBCU's to play against schools like Georgia or have contracts to play other Power-5 schools, and that's dope."
 
While at practice, Gurley was able to talk to the Eagles coaches and players and give some advice.
 
"I told them to have fun, to enjoy it, and to appreciate and be grateful for the opportunity," Gurley said. "There are a lot of guys out there that want to play football and have the comradery of being in the locker room. I always say to just enjoy your time, appreciate it, don't try to compare your successes to someone else's. Work hard and make the most of it."
 
Gurley spoke about why he chose to speak with the Eagles.
 
"I wanted to come out here to hopefully be an inspiration to someone," he said. "There are 118 players out here, and hopefully some of them can hear me out."