Circle of Giving in the NFL - Arlen Harris commits to area youth

Most high school and college football players can only fantasize about a career in the National Football League. The ambiance of the NFL stage is so larger than life that just meeting an NFL player can be a memory that lasts a lifetime. But what becomes of an NFL player’s dreams once he makes it to the big leagues and comes out on the other side?  Broadcasting has been a common landing place for many, while at the same time, there are those that choose to give back, and become the teacher. And then those dreams change. Seeing others succeed becomes more rewarding than anything else.

Enter Arlen Harris. Arlen left the NFL in 2007 after five seasons, three of which with the St. Louis Rams, and now calls St. Charles, Missouri his home. Arlen was one of those power running backs that delivered punishment to any defender that dared to enter his path. He has since evolved into a trainer, mentor, and coach, and is teaching youth and high school football players what it really takes to succeed.

Arlen’s high school coach, Jack Helm said he was not surprised upon hearing of Arlen’s commitment to the youth in the St. Charles community.

“What sets Arlen apart is he doesn’t big league anyone,” Helm said, “he just wants to be Arlen, and he has the unique combination of everything an athlete could be.”

Helm said he knew Arlen since the 4^th grade, taught him in the 5^th grade, and was part of the coaching staff for the Downingtown Whippets, a large high school in the Chester, Pennsylvania area when Arlen ran the football. Helm said Arlen did things that no one could coach. Records reflect Arlen ran for over 4,700 yards for the Whippets and scored 60 touchdowns.

Helm said he was not surprised to hear what Arlen was doing in the St. Charles community. “He has always been that kinda kid. Whatever “it” is, Arlen has it,” Helm said.

Arlen’s first mission was to assemble the right group of leaders, including Lindenwood Lions Running Back Denodus O’Bryant, and he started his own youth training program called Runit Performance. On Sunday, January 29, 2012, Arlen held the very first running back showcase which featured 32 of the best high school running backs in and around St. Louis.

“This was a great event,” said former Rams Offensive Tackle Orlando Pace. “I wish I had something like this when I was in high school.”

Pace was among several NFL players in attendance, and shared inspiring words to the group at the end of the event.

The showcase put 32 players through a combine style competition, and three athletes left the event with top honors. Kirkwood High’s Ramon Alton earned the top position player award. Lutheran North’s Ryan Moore earned the top performance award. St. Louis University High’s Terek Hawkins earned the “beast” award after having the highest cumulative score.

Devon Fuller, a competitor at the showcase and leading rusher at Troy High School said he was very inspired by Arlen Harris, and was committed to following his dreams of playing football.

“I’ve never been trained in such a demanding environment,” Fuller said. “I’m just used to running people over, and it was real cool to have been trained by a pro.”

Arlen closed out the day not with a final farewell, but with a commitment to be there for these athletes if needed. He pointed out this was simply day one of the rest of their football career.

“There is no one sheet of paper that can list a bunch of steps required to succeed,” said Arlen, “you have to live it, you have to train, and only you set your limitations.”