Rams Tight End Michael Hoomanawanui Knows How to Give Back

I’ve played in the NFL for three years. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is how vital teamwork is to the success of an organization.

If you don’t work well with your teammates, coaches, and the staff, you’ll be cut before you even see the locker room. 

I witnessed firsthand the value of teamwork this weekend at the annual Walk Run ‘n Roll event. Eight organizations, including Rainbow Village, Life Skills, Community Living, Emmaus Homes, Giant Steps, Pathways to Independence,  St. Louis Arc and United Services joined together to raise money and awareness for people with cognitive and developmental disabilities.

I was pleased when Life Skills asked me to serve as the honorary chair because my passion is to work with kids with special needs.

Recently, I saw event participants working together to accomplish one common goal: to finish the race and to raise money for organizations that work with people with developmental disabilities.

It’s amazing what can be accomplished when everyone works together. Not only were there eight agencies cooperating to make the event a success, but the race participants, clients and friends exuded the characteristics of teamwork.

Whether you’re running the race, cheering in the stands, or coaching, we must remember to work as a team to accomplish our goals.

This lesson is as important for young children as it is for adults in the corporate world. Everyone, including professional athletes like myself, can learn a thing or two from seeing how teamwork can propel an organization forward.