Graduation marks the completion of dedication and hard work, but also starts a new time of figuring out what comes next. For many, this period consists of searching for jobs, hunting for apartments and many more steps to becoming independent and following dreams. For others, though, there is another meaning to “following dreams.” Former Harding Bisons receiver Kurt Adams and defensive back Tracy Brown have proven successful in pursuing their dreams of playing football beyond college.
“I figured I would continue my football career after my last game, really before the season was up,” Brown said. “I still wanted to continue on and play, but I took the smart route and got my degree first and then decided to go out and play arena football.”
Adams began to start thinking about having a post college football career when he started getting attention from NFL scouts during his sophomore and junior years.
Both athletes are playing a form of football that is different from what is known by many as American football. On Feb. 17, Brown will leave for Cedar Rapids, Iowa to begin camp for the Cedar Rapids Titans arena football team. Arena football is different in size and speed.
“Arena football is a lot different from outdoor football because the field is 50 yards,” Brown said. “Usually the difference is that the players get a starting run instead of everybody being still at one time, and the crowd is more into the game because they’re right there next to the field.”
Adams is currently working in Searcy until he leaves in April for a three-day Canadian football training camp in Winnipeg, Canada. The season begins in June. Canadian football is more like American football than arena football. The field is similar in dimension but the game has different rules and dynamics. The league strives to have as many Canadian players as possible.
“The team is about 50/50 but the ratio has to be a little bit more Canadian,” Adams said.
Adams and Brown hope to make a name for themselves in their respective leagues which will set them up for a chance to play in the NFL.
