Not everyone is lucky enough in life to be able to do what they love.
Although everyone has different passions, a lot of times it's not feasible for one to earn a living by doing exactly what they enjoy the most.
However, don't put former Glenville State College All-American linebacker Terrell Parker in that category just yet.
That's because Parker, who just finished his degree in business administration from GSC, recently latched on with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League.
"I just got up here yesterday (Tuesday) and we had our first day of rookie camp today," Parker said via phone early Wednesday evening.
The Baltimore, Md., native didn't play any professional football last year after he had a very successful stint in 2010 with the German Football League's Assindia Cardinals.
"I turned down a couple of shots in Germany last year," admitted Parker, who had 14.5 tackles for loss and 92 total stops during his lone stint with the Cardinals.
"I had to finish school and get that degree. I wanted that paper. I thought last year I was going to get signed by Calgary. They didn't sign me and I just went back to school and I was coaching."
With his education secured for a lifetime, Parker now faces the task of trying to make another football team in an attempt to earn a living doing what he loves to do the most, compete on the gridiron.
Parker said he thinks one of the main reasons why he was given a shot this season to make a CFL roster was because of his performance at the Powerhouse Placement Top 75 Combine in Pittsburgh.
"I went to the combine and ran a 4.49 in the 40," said the 24-year-old. "Then I went to a private workout in March for Winnipeg and I ran a good time and they signed me on April 24."
It's not easy for any college football player, no matter whether they are from a Division II institution like Parker or a big-time program, to make a professional roster. Parker, though, isn't the only ex-Pioneer still playing because two of his former teammates - Claude Tindong and Norman Seignious - are with the Warsaw Eagles in Poland.
"This is my first time in Canada and it reminded of Parkersburg. It looked like a regular city," said Parker, who noted fellow former GSC teammate Xavier Glenn had been playing with the Milwaukee Mustangs of the Arena Football League.
Even though nothing is guaranteed just yet for Parker, who still has to make the final cut or at least latch on to the seven-person practice squad, there's little doubt in my mind if he's able to stay healthy he'll make an impact for the Blue Bombers this summer.
"Of course, that's the dream," Parker said of perhaps getting a shot in the NFL some day. "But, I'm comfortable right now and I'm enjoying this situation right here. I just want to make the best of this opportunity and I'm taking advantage of it."
Contact Jay Bennett at jbennett@newsandsentinel.com
