At the end of my junior football season at Michigan State, our team had just come off a stellar season, falling short to the Georgia Bulldogs in the Capital One Bowl. Needless to say, our team had some big goals to accomplish and the expectations were at an all-time high.

We grinded hard in the summer because my teammates and I believed in our hearts that we truly had something special. The season began and we rolled past our first opponent with ease.

Our next game was against Central Michigan, which traditionally had a solid team each year. But that season’s Central Michigan team was a juggernaut because they had guys like Antonio Brown (Pittsburgh Steelers receiver) and Dan LeFevour (former NFL quarterback) who led the Chippewas into Spartan Stadium.

Their fan base was confident they could pull off the upset. We were confident as well, but that was not going to be enough to beat them that day. Central Michigan came to East Lansing and stunned us on a last minute field goal.

Our season felt like everything that we worked for was over.

At this juncture in the football season, perhaps some of you might feel the same way  I did when we lost my senior season. Maybe the year isn’t going exactly as planned. Maybe your team has endured an upset loss, or maybe you’re falling short of your personal goals for the season.

I can tell you from experience that this is not the time to point the finger at anyone else or blame coaches. Rather, examine the man in the mirror to see what you can do to help your team get better.

Are you doing the little things right, on and off the field, such as going to class, seeking help from your teachers, and holding your teammates accountable? When the chips are down, you must remain true to yourself, continue to do the little things right and never doubt your God-given abilities.

I can vividly remember doubting myself when times were tough. However, I realized that the situation was temporary, and it was preparing me for the next trial that was awaiting me down the line.

There is still a long season ahead and lots of things to play for. Your goals may be different, but you have to ask yourself what you want your legacy to be. Sometimes life will punch you right in the mouth, but it is moments like these in your season that will define how you will attack life.

After we loss to Central Michigan, we made a vow to fight hard to get to a bowl game. We made it. I challenge you to take control of your team because there is still a lot to fight for.

Work hard. Be great.

Ashton Henderson was a four-year letterman at defensive back for Michigan State University as well as an honor student and co-author with former teammate Travis Key of “Beyond The Gridiron: How to successfully transition into collegiate football,” a detailed account of what it takes to be a Division I college football player and successful in life. To learn more about their mission and purchase your copy today, visit: www.beyondthegridironllc.com