STATESBORO - As part of Black History Month, the Georgia Southern Athletics Department and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion group within the department are highlighting successful former Eagle student-athletes. GSEagles.com had a chance to catch up with former two-sport start JR Revere, who played football and baseball for the Eagles from 1998-2001.
Revere was a stand-out on the football team for the Eagles, helping the Eagles win the SoCon championship every year that he was a part of the program. In addition to four conference championships, Revere also helped guide the Eagles to three FCS National Championships games, winning two in 1999 and 2000. Along with his success in football, Revere also enjoyed immense success with the baseball team, helping the Eagles reach the NCAA Regionals in 2000 and 2001, while winning the SoCon regular season and tournament titles in 2000, as well as the SoCon regular season title in 2001.
1. How did your time at Georgia Southern pave the way for your success?
My time at GSU facilitated my growth as a person tremendously! I learned a great deal about being Accountable, Responsible, Disciplined, and being Mentally Tough. But the greatest skill I learned was how to be a leader of people within an organization.
2. How did being a student-athlete prepare you for the position that you are in today?
Working with people from all walks of life. Understanding how to deal with the Adversities of life as well as the Successes. But possibly the best thing being an athlete at Georgia Southern taught me was how to Win and the preparation that is required to win consistently…
3. What is your current career? What do you enjoy most about it?
I work for the local school system in the town I currently reside in. Along with running my Quarterback Development organization and Distribution Company. What I enjoy about what I do the most is working with young people and helping them reach their dreams and goals. I had a great experience as an athlete; and looking back on it I'm reminded that I had a lot help from a lot of wonderful people. I realize I'm at the stage of my life where it's time to pay that back.
4. Who was your biggest inspiration at Georgia Southern?
I had several while I attended Georgia Southern. Numerous teammates like
Adrian Peterson, Greg Hill and professors like Willie Burden, Dr. Saba Jallow and Darin Van Tassel. But if I had to be honest, Tracy Ham was my biggest inspiration! Coming out of HS most D-I programs didn't have a much of a Black presence at the QB position. I meet Tracy and find out not only is he black but was a record setting QB and the face of a championship program. That's what I wanted to be! So I dedicated myself to chasing his legacy for my entire career while at GSU.
5. How do you hope to serve as a role model to younger Black athletes and women?
My hope is that I can be the influence for young Black people who desire to be athletes to remember our history and deeply understand the platform we have. To use that platform in showcasing not only your talent but using the influence of being an athlete to remind society of its duty to be Just and Righteous to its fellow American.
6. What does Black History Month mean to you?
It gives the entire country, and the world, the opportunity to focus on the truth of our American history. And that's Black Peoples immense contribution to our American society along with societies throughout the world.
