New Orleans Saints’ defensive tackle Kaleb Eulls has a pretty cool career. He shared his inspiring story this week with a third grade class at Bowmar Elementary School.

His message: Your success later in life starts right now in school.

Eulls was at the school as a guest of third grader Harber Williams. Williams’ father, Matt Williams, was Eulls’ coach when Eulls was in high school in Yazoo City. Williams now coaches at Warren Central High School.

Harber Williams’ mother, Emily Williams, is a special education teacher at Bowmar and set up Eulls visit as a part of a series of guest speakers who are discussing their careers with the students.

Eulls is a champion of the underdog, which in part is why he chose to go to college at Mississippi State, when he also had scholarship offers to LSU and Alabama.

“…I went to Mississippi State because people felt like it couldn’t be done there,” Eulls said. “When I was there, we went to five bowl games, won three, and we ranked number one for five weeks straight. Things people think they can’t do, they can be done.”

Eulls told the students to be respectful and to realize their grades are important. He said he really began to buckle down when he entered junior high and graduated high school with a 3.3 gpa and an ACT score of 24.

Eulls said his family didn’t have much money. He was one of five children being raised by his single mother. His family was even homeless at one point. However, it was encouraging words from his mother that kept him going during the bad times.

“That’s why I’m glad I got the chance to do what I’m doing, because I also got my momma out of the situation that we were once in.”

Eulls’ story is one of hard work, laser-like focus and determination.

What a fantastic program at Bowmar, introducing students to a variety of careers so early in their academic lives.

We think Eulls’ message was one we all need to hear.