MEMPHIS, Tenn. (BVM) – In these turbulent times, it seems that many hopes and dreams can get lost in the shuffle. While dealing with the aftermath of COVID-19 throughout the world to racial protests, it can lead one to lose sight of what is important to them.

Memphis Blast wide receiver Savion Sibley is not that one. The Akron, Ohio native has been a football player since he was seven years old and has no intentions of slowing down.

“I love football because it is like a second home to me,” Sibley said. “I did not grow up with a male role model in my life, so growing up I looked up to my coaches and teammates. They became a second family to me. The football field is where I can clear my head and unlike in real life, all of my troubles are gone.”

That is not to say that the 23-year–old has not had his fair share of controversies during his playing career. From battling with diabetes all his life to missing the opportunity to play college football, Sibley still maintains his intentions to make football into a career.

“I want to accomplish my dream of playing on a higher level,” Sibley said. “Whether that is the Arena Football League or the NFL. I’m trying to make this my career. Not because I need a career, but because I have love for this game. I think about it all the time from when I go to sleep to when I wake up.”

In his pursuit of reaching that goal, he had to go in a bit of an unconventional route: playing pro-development football.

Now to some, this level of football may not even be on their radar. Most people would be led to believe that once a player’s playing career is done, they are done playing entirely unless they create themselves on Madden.

For those who play it though, they recognize that it is more than a way to regain old glory, but a means to reach the aspirations of their playing days.

This is not an incorrect assessment, the Gridiron Developmental Football League (GDFL), has routinely sent players to higher levels such as the AFL and even the NFL. Most recently, cornerback Delvin Breaux, who played for the New Orleans Saints between 2015-2017.

With that in mind, Sibley began his GDFL career with his hometown team, the Northeast Ohio Silverbacks, in 2019.

Sibley admitted that it was not as smooth sailing as he would have hoped when he first started.

“My first year was a little rocky,” Sibley said. “I was a rookie, just trying to figure out the semi-pro life. I just stayed with it and trusted the people around me. It worked out and we won a championship in my first year with the team.”

As Sibley’s time continued with the Silverbacks, he was not only one of the most productive players on the field, but was a key member of the locker room too.

“It might sound a little cliché, but I have been a football captain since middle school,” Sibley said. “I don’t like to just say I like being a captain or being in charge of people. I just like that people look to me for guidance and that they can trust me to have a lead role.”

After two and a half years with the team, Sibley was then dealt another change that turned the tide of his playing career. Sibley had received news that some elderly family members in Memphis needed medical attention. Rather than turn down the responsibility, Sibley said that he looked forward to the move.

“I moved to Memphis on Jan. 25,” Sibley said. “I took the opportunity to come because it would be a new beginning for me.”

But what of his playing career? Even in a new state, he still wanted the opportunity to play the game he loved. So, he did what every 20 something would do in his situation, he took to social media.

“I found out about the Blast by asking about it on Facebook,” Sibley said. “I got in touch with Coach [Charles] Thompson and felt that this was the right opportunity for me.”

With the season not starting until June, Sibley will have several months to get to know his new teammates and surroundings. More than anything, he wants the players to get a feel for him and recognize that he is here to help make the team better.

“I bring leadership to any team I join,” Sibley said. “I can be a fun guy, but we have a job to do at the end of the day. Truly, I bring a winning attitude and results. It is easy to talk, but every team needs somebody to walk too.”