Carnell Tate spent July 10 paying it forward.
The former Marist football star is preparing for his first NFL season with the Tennessee Titans after being the fourth overall pick in this year’s draft.
But Tate hasn’t forgotten his roots on Chicago’s West Side. He was at Bulls Prep, where Michael Willis — Tate’s youth football coach with the Chicago Chargers — is now the head coach.
Tate spoke to the Bulls Prep players about his journey from the West Side to Marist to IMG Academy in Florida to Ohio State to the NFL.
And the rookie wide receiver brought an equipment room’s worth of gear to make sure the Bulls will be ready for the upcoming season. Every player will get two pairs of cleats, three uniforms, two pairs of gloves and extra Adidas accessories including shorts and undershirts.
Tate appreciates the opportunity to help out the Bulls.
“I was once in their position,” he said. “They grew up this way where I grew up. We come from similar backgrounds, so I know everything they experienced and everything they’ve been through. So it just means a lot to be able to give back to them.”
Bulls Prep players Eric Henderson and Karion Young appreciated Tate taking the time to talk about his journey.
“It means a lot because I know some people, when they get big, they tend to forget about where they came from,” said Henderson, a junior receiver/safety. “Carnell coming back shows he didn’t forget where he came from.”
“It feels good just seeing him come back,” said Young, a senior slotback/receiver. “It’s motivational, too, because he came exactly (from) where we’re at right now.”
Willis knew Tate was a special talent even in his youth football days.
“Carnell always had a different mindset than everybody else,” Willis said. “He wanted (something) different and he achieved what he wanted because he knew exactly what he wanted. And he wanted to attack it.”
What message did Willis want his players to take away from their visit with Tate?
“Hopefully it inspired them to see someone who’s been through the struggle and to see that that can too beat that and be somebody,” Willis said.
Tate, for his part, was glad to help Willis move forward with his current team.
:”Mike (is) my dog,” Tate said. “He did everything for me. He helped propel my career, helped me be this successful. He put me on the camp circuit and helped me get a couple offers. …
“He told me to stay consistent … (and) as long as you outwork everybody else, there’s nothing that you can’t have in this life.”