MUNCIE, Ind. (WANE) – While most NFL players are spending their offseasons going on vacations and recharging their batteries New Orleans Saints wide receiver, Willie Snead IV, is back at Ball State to finish his degree in sports management.
“It was always something my mom wanted me to do,” Snead says when asked why he wanted to go back to school. “I watched Reggie Bush leave early when I was growing up and I thought wow that would be so cool. My mom was like ‘you’re not leaving school.’”
After three seasons playing at Ball State Snead decided to leave college early for the NFL.
After going undrafted in the 2014 NFL draft, Snead was cut from training camp by the Cleveland Browns and from the Carolina Panthers practice squad before landing with the New Orleans Saints at the end of the 2014 season.
Snead made his first pro start for the Saints in Week 2. He finished the season as one of the top rookie receivers finishing with 984 yards and three touchdowns.
After his breakout rookie year, Snead still made his education a priority. Once the season came to an end he returned to Muncie to finish up his final three classes he’ll need to graduate.
“Football isn’t forever. People forget that. You have 3-5 years and then what? I just to be secure.”
Snead will also have to complete an internship. He is hoping to work something out with the Saints so that he can graduate in July before training camp begins.
Once his playing days are over Snead would like to become a coach like his dad, Willie Snead III.Mobile App Users Click Here To Watch An Extended Interview