Horned Frogs First Person: Rick D'Abreu
9/13/2023 2:23:00 PM | Football
D-line newcomer appreciative to be at TCU
(as told to Lily Margaret Greenway)
"To whom much is given, much is required." That verse, Luke 12:42, was my first tattoo. If anyone asks me why I believe in God, I say it is because He has shown me time and time again anything is possible if I put it in his hands. My faith is my everything. It's the entire reason why I am here. I battled a lot of ups and downs both on and off the field this year, but my faith has strengthened as God has shown up in so many different ways.
Coming out of high school, I didn't have a single Power Five offer. I went to East Carolina because I knew I'd have a good chance to play there, but I quickly became too complacent and got off track. However, I am blessed with some incredible people who never give up on me. My family, friends, church, teammates, and even kids I grew up with all motivate me to get up every day and be better. If I started listing the people in my support system, I would have to go on for a while, because I can't leave anyone out – especially my aunties! It doesn't matter where I am or who I am with, there is always a lot of love going around in my tight-knit family. I check in with them as much as possible, and every time I call, we pick up where I left off. My parents and grandparents are especially great role models to me. They have always encouraged me that I can do anything I put my mind to, and that my mind is a terrible thing to waste. A year ago, I was disappointed in myself because I didn't achieve the potential everyone had seen in me, but God gave me a second chance when I got the call and the opportunity to come and show my talents at TCU.
I want to give myself to my teammates and coaches as much as possible, both in my actions and in how I approach the game. It was a struggle to learn a whole new defense, so I spent a lot of time in the film room. I stayed late to learn the plays and had my coaches quiz me as I wrote plays out on the whiteboard.
Every day, even if I'm not having a good day, I try to show up as the best version of Rick. We all have bad days, and you never know what anyone is going through. Lifting up others with my spirit just makes me feel better. Seeing other people smile makes me smile, especially when I can make my teammates happy. All of us guys are a close family – which is something I had never experienced on any team I've been a part of before. We all have love for each other and value each other as people, not just teammates. They would probably say I'm a character – kind of funny, probably a little strange, but somebody you can depend on. I'm quiet, but as you get to know me and I warm up to you, you'll understand me more. I can be loud and outgoing, and I bring a certain type of energy to the game, especially when I'm on the field and I see the biggest crowd I've ever played in front of in the stands. It makes me smile and think, "I just love y'all!" And when I look up at those TCU letters, I get excited to be here, and blessed to have the amazing opportunity to work to make my people proud.
"To whom much is given, much is required." That verse, Luke 12:42, was my first tattoo. If anyone asks me why I believe in God, I say it is because He has shown me time and time again anything is possible if I put it in his hands. My faith is my everything. It's the entire reason why I am here. I battled a lot of ups and downs both on and off the field this year, but my faith has strengthened as God has shown up in so many different ways.
Coming out of high school, I didn't have a single Power Five offer. I went to East Carolina because I knew I'd have a good chance to play there, but I quickly became too complacent and got off track. However, I am blessed with some incredible people who never give up on me. My family, friends, church, teammates, and even kids I grew up with all motivate me to get up every day and be better. If I started listing the people in my support system, I would have to go on for a while, because I can't leave anyone out – especially my aunties! It doesn't matter where I am or who I am with, there is always a lot of love going around in my tight-knit family. I check in with them as much as possible, and every time I call, we pick up where I left off. My parents and grandparents are especially great role models to me. They have always encouraged me that I can do anything I put my mind to, and that my mind is a terrible thing to waste. A year ago, I was disappointed in myself because I didn't achieve the potential everyone had seen in me, but God gave me a second chance when I got the call and the opportunity to come and show my talents at TCU.
I want to give myself to my teammates and coaches as much as possible, both in my actions and in how I approach the game. It was a struggle to learn a whole new defense, so I spent a lot of time in the film room. I stayed late to learn the plays and had my coaches quiz me as I wrote plays out on the whiteboard.
Every day, even if I'm not having a good day, I try to show up as the best version of Rick. We all have bad days, and you never know what anyone is going through. Lifting up others with my spirit just makes me feel better. Seeing other people smile makes me smile, especially when I can make my teammates happy. All of us guys are a close family – which is something I had never experienced on any team I've been a part of before. We all have love for each other and value each other as people, not just teammates. They would probably say I'm a character – kind of funny, probably a little strange, but somebody you can depend on. I'm quiet, but as you get to know me and I warm up to you, you'll understand me more. I can be loud and outgoing, and I bring a certain type of energy to the game, especially when I'm on the field and I see the biggest crowd I've ever played in front of in the stands. It makes me smile and think, "I just love y'all!" And when I look up at those TCU letters, I get excited to be here, and blessed to have the amazing opportunity to work to make my people proud.
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