St. Louis Rams defensive tackle, Adam Carriker, can recall the very day as a sixth grade student when he was on his way to basketball practice, and it suddenly became difficult for him to breathe. Having never experienced any symptoms before, he wasn’t quite sure what was wrong, but it was at that time that doctors diagnosed him with asthma.

Required to take a pill every night, as well as the use of an inhaler every morning, Carriker could have easily given up any hope of playing sports in his future.  But instead of letting it hold him back, Carriker exemplified the same qualitiesmas a child that have also made him a successful professional athlete as an adult.

Being strong-willed, as well as physically and mentally tough, Carriker stated, “There are times when I get tired quicker than the other players, but that only makes me work harder to stay in shape and on top of my game.  If I allowed myself to think that asthma would hold me back, then it would; but if I am careful and take all of the necessary precautions, then I know I can achieve whatever I set my mind to.”

With that said, Adam proudly states that he took more plays than any other player at Nebraska in his college career; and just as many plays as any other defensive tackle in his professional career, all while having asthma. So, he offers that same advice to any other child suffering from asthma with the desire to play a professional sport.

”If you think it will hold you back, it will," Carrkier said. "But if you believe, be careful and take all of the necessary precautions, you will successfully achieve your goals whether in sports or life in general."