THIS GUY GETS IT
Patriots defender is thankful for mentors for his success
PROVIDENCE – Standing before a group of wide-eyed youngsters who couldn’t shake the fact they were in the presence of an actual player from the New England Patriots, Lawrence Guy let the students from Frank D. Spaziano Elementary School in on a secret.
Growing up in Las Vegas, Guy was forced to overcome a learning disability. There were teachers and school officials who went out of their way to make sure the hulking defensive tackle didn’t lag too far behind his peers. It was a group of educators who took a fond interest in an individual who’s 29 and now in his ninth season in the NFL. Guy has never forgotten them.
“There were a lot of folks who helped me along the way … people who spent time with me after school and helped me achieve my goals,” said Guy. “It gives me this passion to want to do something similar for the next generation so that when they grow up, it keeps going like a domino effect.”
Guy’s message of making sure to take advantage of every opportunity that’s presented really hit home when he distributed bags filled with new school supplies. One by one, the kids went up to Guy, shook his hand, and walked away with the necessary tools to start the new school year well-prepared.
“It gives me this passion to want to do something similar for the next generation so that when they grow up, it keeps going like a domino effect.” — Lawrence Guy
As an added bonus, the names of 11 Spaziano Elementary School students were drawn with each of them receiving two tickets to the Patriots-Jets home game on Sept. 22.
After high-fiving the kids as they walked out of the gym, Guy expressed why setting aside a part of his off-day was no trouble at all.
“There’s a bigger picture. The community supports us and I believe everyone should get a little extra help or push when they need it,” he said. “Instead of getting looked over, there’s someone out there who cares about you and is willing to support you … looking out for someone who might need a little more help.”
Guy is no stranger when it comes to reaching out to the Rhode Island community. Last year, he came to Cumberland and helped apply the finishing touches to a new playground at Blackstone Valley Prep.
“We’re just trying to build relationships. There are a lot of schools and students out there. It’s about cherishing the moment,” said Guy. “For us, it’s about giving back.”
Switching to football, the Patriots represent the fifth organization that Guy has been associated with since coming into the NFL as a seventh-round pick in 2011. Signed by New England as an unrestricted free agent in 2017, Guy was asked how quickly it took for him to adjust to Bill Belichick’s style.
“When you look at it, this organization is a big family. They give everybody a big opportunity to succeed. That’s the best part about it,” said Guy. “Whether you’re an underdog or had a couple of incidents in your past, you always have an opportunity to go out there and be the best version of yourself.”
Is that the kind of advice that Guy would give to heralded newcomer Antonio Brown?
“We’ll see,” said Guy with a wry smile.