Yesterday, John put together draft grades for Curry, Unger, and Butler. Today, let's comb through an article on Aaron Curry the human, as opposed to Aaron Curry the soon-to-be nouveau riche 254 pound freak of nature. The Seattle PI has the human interest story.
You've probably heard bits and pieces of the story, but Curry's mother is a high school biology teacher in Fayetville, North Carolina. She struggled to make rent while supporting three sons in college. After being evicted from her home, Aaron gained some perspective on life:
"I realized then not to take anything for granted. Because anything and everything can be taken away from you. It can be a house. It can be a car. It can be the game of football. It can be your degree. It's just amazing how that happens. Once you realize that, that's when you look at life differently. So everything I do now, I do with the same passion and emotion and work ethic that I play football with."
He's not embarrassed by the circumstance, just enlightened.
That does not sound like the kind of guy who will take his signing bonus and spend it on champagne and Bentleys. Curry is not the first NFL player to come from a tough financial background, but he does not appear to carry any baggage from any hardship. Instead, he has gained perspective and has a maturity level far above most of his peers.
Aaron Curry also has some pedigree:
Curry's father is Reggie Pinkney, who played defensive back with the Detroit Lions and Baltimore Colts from 1977 to '81. Curry downplays any role from his dad, saying "he wasn't around when I was born and was not much of an influence on what I chose to do in life."
Then comes the issue of finishing school. After his Junior season, Curry examined the opportunity to leave Wake Forest early to pursue his NFL career.
"If I'd have told her I was going (pro) no matter what she said? I wouldn't be here," he said. "She wouldn't have let it happen, just because of the importance of having an education, having that degree. And what Momma says goes. Believe that."
We've heard a few people, especially Doug Farrar, mention the great support system already in place for Aaron Curry. This is what he was talking about. I can't wait to see Curry in Seahawk Blue.