A Positive Role Model For Everyone
by John Curry
 In a day and age when Athletes are in the news for various
unspeakable transgressions against society, I'd like to offer a story involving a player who has and continues to be a positive role model for everyone. That player is former Cleveland Brown & Baltimore Ravens running back, Earnest Byner.
Byner spent a very successful 14-year career in only three
backfields during that time, most noteably with Cleveland and Baltimore. He was drafted in 1984 out of East Carolina where he was the team's leading rusher his senior year. Once entering the league, Byner shined.
Tallying 20 games with 100-plus yard performances, three yrs. of more than one-thousands rushing yds., was selected several times to the Pro Bowl and won a Super Bowl ring in '92 with the Redskins. Byner finished his rushing career among the top twenty all-time running backs in NFL history.
However, You may remember him best by his trademark afro, that has since been trimmed down somewhat today.
Still, Earnest Byner didn't cut his ties there with football, a lasting experience, he admits, that gave him so much. Byner, after retiring from the NFL in 1997, took a front office job for Ravens owner, Art Model's
as the Director of Player Development.
Today, everything seems to be in perspective for Byner who is still a contributing factor to the game. He
oversees player programs and works directly with the coaching staff on the field. Serving as a mentor to young wide-eyed players hungry to fill their records with some of the same successes Earnest was able to over his career.
Byner also enjoys administering continuing education, internship and financial planning programs for members of the team who are concerned with their futures.
Personally, when Byner is away from his duties at the office, he still finds it important to be a steady contributor to several charitable foundations in and around the Baltimore area, while truely being the best husband and father he can to his wife Tina and daughters : Semeria, Andriana Monique, Brandi and Kyara.
So, it can be done! Being an athlete, role model, father and husband while still maintaining some sense of balance in ones life personally. And If this major player, both on and off the field, isn't a beacon of hope for those of us trying to make a lasting impression of our lives. Then, it will very tough to find any other. It's individuals like an
Earnest Byner who restore our faith in today's strong Black men!
John Curry is a Sports Reporter and Producer for the ABC affiliate in Baltimore, Maryland with 8 years experience in Broadcasting. Contact John at: jcspice3@aol.com or (410) 372-2561
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