The Voice of Southwest Louisiana

was scheduled to work. “Commitment
is important at all levels in life,” says
McArthur. However, he was granted the
opportunity to return and was signed
to the Houston Oilers. He returned to
McNeese in the Spring of 1987 and did
student teaching. He then left the Oilers
and went to Shreveport, Louisiana. Out
of 150 defensive backs, only 2 people
were signed. They were McArthur and Flip
Johnson (former Buffalo Bill).
McArthur only played a total of 7games
with the Saskatchewan Rough Riders. In
1987 his mother died, which left him with
the inability to focus. McArthur returned
home where he did teaching and coaching
for 18 years, helped out with the Special
Olympics for 18 years, was a Houston
firefighter/EMT for 4 years, a fitness expert/
top trainer in Houston for 4 years, and an
entrepreneur since 2006.
Marlon Williams' son is currently
training with Coach McArthur. “He has
made him more aware of where his body
needs to be as a top player. My son was
extremely excited after his first session. He
trusts his skills and training. The biggest
thing is his consistency in training the
mind to believe first. Everything he does
reiterates words that make kids believe
in themselves,” said Williams. After two
short months of training he has already
witnessed a boost in his son's confidence.
McArthur was surrounded by leaders
as a young kid. His parents disciplined him
and gave him the opportunity to see what
a leader was like. There were also teachers,
coaches, and friends that helped him
remain positive. He has molded together
leadership that was taught to him and
gave it to others with hopes of further
chain reactions.
“Surrounding yourself with successfulthinking
people will eventually help you
become successful. When you have selfdiscipline,
being a leader is not hard,” said
McArthur.
Todd McArthur is currently the
president of the NFL Player's Association
501C3 Huddle up Foundation. The
foundation was formed to improve the
lives of kids by embracing the dreams of
current and former professional athletes.
The power of the foundation is derived
from the athletes “huddling up” in
teamwork to affect positive change in kids
in creative ways.
“Our mission is be servant leaders
and impact communities with a positive
attitude, giving back by volunteering
Pictured above: Sumarie Dowden, one of Todd’s oldest
mentor & client for 4 years, says, “Coach T-Mac came
to my home many times to train me and provide
physical exercise. Every time he came, he was kind
and very professional.”
Pictured at left: L-R: Chris Boykins, Owner & mother
Evon Boykins, Gen. Mgr. (DTFA) both inducted in
Semi-Pro Hall of Fame 2015, Las Vegas. Evon says,
Coach T-Mac is concerned about all families, not just
males but females also.”
Pictured below: Todd had many days and nights of
daddy duty and says, “I had a dad at home, so being a
dad is a special time for me.”
our time, talents, and team efforts,” said
McArthur.
In March of 2016, The Huddle up
Foundation was rewarded the NFL Player's
Association chapter of the year from
Hawaii. Todd McArthur, as well as the rest
of these athletes, continue to do powerful
deeds for the community. Volunteering
is not rare for McArthur. He also helps
with football camps in Texas aside NFL
players Fred Weary (former Houston
Texan) and Earl Thomas III (Seattle
Seahawks).
Earl Thomas' mother, Debbie
Thomas, coordinates one of the camps,
which began by the vision of her son
who has passion for others, especially
the less fortunate. When Earl was
younger, he was intrigued at the idea of
football camps helping him prepare for
the future, but could not afford them.
For that reason, his camp is free for all
Sheila, Todd and baby girl, Leisha Brianna
participants.
“I was diagnosed with cancer
in 1987 and I found out I was
expecting. The doctors told me
I couldn't carry the baby and
that I only had 6 months to live. I
refused to have a hysterectomy. I
miscarried. A year later I gave birth
to Earl Thomas III. He was a miracle
baby,” said Thomas.
McArthur volunteers his time
and patience along with many
others to help young kids who
have a desire to learn the game
and eventually succeed in football
careers.
“Todd is a great, God-fearing
man that loves his family. He
loves to help and give back. When
volunteering at Earl's camp he is
very passionate about the kids
and he pushes them. He is excited and
motivated. He always offers words of
encouragement,” said Thomas.
The camp is located in Orange, Texas
and features some elite professionals.
Upcoming dates are June 24-25 from 8am-
12pm.
McArthur's leadership skills were
taught to him by great athletes that came
before him. Hall of Famer, Kenny Burrough
mentored McArthur at a young age and is
highly impressed with the man he is today.
“He is a wonderful person. God put us
together. He was so much younger than
me. I didn't know he was paying attention.
He cares about people and kids,” said
Burrough.
Burrough also offered advice to the
youth saying, “Have self-confidence. Be a
good listener. Keep God first and practice,
practice, practice. Do not set yourself up.
You have to make your own decisions.
Don't follow anybody. Being cool doesn't
mean being stupid. Stay busy.”
McArthur's success was followed by
his willingness to never give up. Because
he had such great mentors, he chooses to
impact his community in the same way he
was impacted.
“I live by five rules. First, did I do
enough to hire me or fire me? Second, selfdiscipline
is developed in following your
Pictured above: Todd McArthur led McNeese as well as the
conference during his sophomore through senior year and
ended with 19 career interceptions.
Pictured right: Brother, Kevin McArthur, New York Jets
Retiree, knew Todd on a very personal level. He says his
brother has "always been a go-getter. He got up early and
stayed late. He was small for so long, but he always had a
lot of fight. Because he was small in stature, he was quick
and precise. He wanted to prove to others that it doesn’t
matter how small you are because what is in the heart
is what is so big."
priorities. Third, make a disciplined lifestyle
goal. Fourth, I will hold all rewards until
the goal is met. Last, stay focused on your
results with no excuses then you will create
massive actions,” said McArthur.
Aside from being an avid leader in
the community, Todd McArthur is a full
time father and husband. His God-given
talent of football, as well as mentorship
has been shared around the United States.
He has broken records at McNeese State
University and played with successful
individuals. He has also mentored
successful individuals. McArthur is a good
example of what a servant leader is. By
teaching leadership skills to one family
at a time, he is rewarding communities
(especially youth) with hope, faith, and skill
development. Simple treasures we long for.
Presented
to Houston
Chapter
2016
NFLPA
Chapter of
the Year
JUNE 2016 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 3 • Number 11 Volume 3 • Number 11 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM JUNE 2016