Behind the Facemask: Tommy Streeter
June 10, 2011
CORAL GABLES, Fla. — They want to tell their story. They want you – their loyal fans – to get to know them better. Over the next two months, HurricaneSports.com will continue the unique journey into the lives of each and every one of Al Golden’s Hurricanes.
Tommy Streeter | Wide Receiver | Junior | Miami, Fla.
I’ll never forget the times I was hurt freshman year and the things I had to go through, as far as surgery and who was there for me, and the adversity I faced.
I could say so much about Miami Northwestern. It prepared me for football in college. With the atmosphere there, there’s a lot of pressure from the community to win. With that type of playing environment, you learn how to play under pressure and play with poise. I developed a lot of relationships with a lot of great guys at Northwestern. I had an opportunity to come here with seven other guys and continue my relationship and grow with them.
Northwestern was a lot of blood, sweat and tears on the football field, but every Friday or Saturday it paid off. Northwestern was a perfect season, a national championship, and two-time state championship.
The U is family. A lot of guys before us laid the foundation, with a winning tradition and work ethic. Their spirits still thrive here, and motivate me to this day. I want to be considered one of the greats to play here. The U is tough. Not everyone can make it here. The U is for those who are strong-minded and carry their integrity. The U has a great support staff, coaching staff, teachers, and academic staff. Everybody is there for you. The U is a point on the map as far as your destiny goes, but it’s one that I don’t mind being at. It’s getting me closer to my dreams, and it’s a pleasure being here.
The best catch for me was in high school. We were playing Columbus in the playoffs, it might have been the first or second round. I ran a corner route, and as soon as I stuck to the cornerback, I noticed the ball was behind me. I saw a defender getting ready to intercept it, and I caught it with one hand on fourth down. That was my best catch.
I didn’t think that football would take me this far. And I find it amazing that I come in contact with a lot of people, and they see NFL potential all over me. But it always goes back to the idea that you have to see it within yourself first. I have everything to be successful; I just have to put it all together.
The greatest wide receiver is Michael Irvin. He’s a Hall of Famer and got there from the University of Miami. He put in those countless hours. He’s uplifting and a great person.
All I can think of are the things that he says that are so motivating, as far as talking about the guys before him that left something so they’re in a position to give back. How they left us a championship, how they worked hard, and how we need to fill their shoes, because this program is bigger than us.
Competition brings out the best in you. A lot of times, guys have different skill sets and, through competition and working hard, you can learn things from other guys to add to your game. Competition doesn’t just make you better, but it makes everyone around you better. I always say you’re as strong as your weakest link, so it’s important in a team aspect.
I have to make it to the NFL. There’s no added pressure in saying that, but I feel there’s a lot of things I have to do, and I really feel like I have to build my mom a huge church. I feel like I have to do that. I want to be in a position to do that.
I was raised in a two-parent home. I grew up with two sisters. We had a foundation of Christ in my house. I was raised by a strong woman. Growing up, my dad wasn’t always in Christ, but he worked a lot and couldn’t go to church that much. My mom did a great job of laying down the religious foundation while my dad was the disciplinarian. He pushed us in everything we did as far as sports and in the classroom. I think I got my first B in high school, I had a 4.0 all the way though high school. I was raised to put in hard work. A lot of times growing up I had to sacrifice a lot of things, like playing with other kids, going places, hanging out. After every football game I would go home with my dad and on Sunday we’d be back working out, so there really were no off-days. It was a lot of sacrifice, but it got me to the point where I’m at now, and I’m thankful.
When I was six years old I remember walking into class and Ben Jones walked in and he was so huge, I thought he was the teacher’s son. Then he sat down in the desk, and I thought, I’m no longer the tallest kid in the class. (laughs)
Everybody can criticize but everybody can’t take criticism. It’s only going to make you better. My dad always taught me that it costs you nothing to listen, but with people talking, you have to be strong enough to weed out the good from the bad. Just because you’re listening doesn’t mean you have to find value in what someone is saying. Take in the things that will make you better and push everything else to aside.
We are all sinners searching for our relationship with God, seeking Him everyday so we can be in a position for Him to give us glory in our lives and we can be uplifted.
Legacy is what we’re trying to leave. Everyone wants to be remembered for doing something positive, but it comes at a cost. Nothing comes easy in life. I always say everyone who didn’t succeed quit right before they made it. Legacy comes when you keep pushing and continue to believe in your dreams, day-in and day-out through those tough times, just knowing in yourself that the storm won’t last always.
Mr. Wilcox puts a smile on my face every time I see him. “Stretch `Em Out” Streeter, he gave me that nickname in high school. Every time I see him it’s a joy. A guy up in age, full of knowledge, knowing the history of the game, he’s seen a lot of guys come through the community. It’s an honor just being able to know him. He’s the voice of Traz Powell. Hear the legendary PA announcer as he emcees a Hurricanes Spring scrimmage at Traz Powell Stadium (3:09 mark).
My older sister used to beat all the guys running. My sister was ranked tops in the nation for sprints, so growing up, she used to beat all of us. I remember her winning the junior Olympics when we were little. My older sister was always that example, and I was always the person trying to follow in her footsteps. She was quiet, never in trouble, never did anything wrong. I tried to come behind her and do the same thing.
My little sister just went to prom, and she literally made me cry. My eyes were burning. I almost felt like a parent, seeing my little sister grow up. When you love someone so much, and you know she’s going off to college, I don’t know, I can’t even put it into words. I almost feel like she’s my child for some reason. I just want the best for them–both of my sisters, and seeing them happy, I’d rather struggle if they can be happy.
Make sure to check in for a new Behind the Facemask profile each and everyday in preparation for the Hurricane football season opener. For a review of all past profiles, check out Behind the Facemask Central.
