Football

Corey Liuget's Biggest Challenge, Losing His Father

CALIFORNIA, USA - The Chargers' first-round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft met with the San Diego media for the first time Friday and said he's thrilled to join the team.

Corey Liuget, 21, wore a Chargers cap as he told reporters his mother wasn't happy to learn he was leaving the University of Illinois a year early to go pro.

"She's still kind of upset with me," said the rookie defensive end, who said he promised her he'd return to get his degree.

"I promised her 3 things before I left school: not to get married, not to get any tattoos and to also get my degree, so I did two of the three and she's still happy and proud of me for that," said Liuget.

Liuget said the biggest challenge in his life is not having his father around. His father was killed when he went back to visit Liuget's grandmother in Haiti. Corey Liuget was just 4 years old.

Liuget's mother has been an important part of his life, and he said, "She was with me every step of the way. She always told me just keep my head up and don't let anything get in the way and those are the things that got me here."

Lorraine Liuget was with her son in New York when he was picked by the Chargers.

"I was just filled up with so much joy and happiness and I had a smile that couldn't be wiped off my face or anything. I was so proud and I almost cried, but I had to hold it in for the cameras," said Corey Liuget, who added he used to root for the Dolphins, the Cowboys and the Bears.

When asked about going from college student to instant millionaire, Liuget smiled and said, "It feels great, but to be honest, I'm not too worried about that. Today I'm more worried about football."

Liuget and the Chargers haven't negotiated a contract yet, but when his payday does come, the rookie said the first thing he'll buy is something special for his mom.

10News called Hialeah High School, near Miami, where Liuget was once quarterback, to find out what kind of a young man he is.

"He wasn't the best student, but he was a good kid," said English teacher Colleen Murphy.

She told 10News Liuget often returns to his alma mater to speak at assemblies and to mentor football players.

"He tells them to listen to their teachers and parents," she said.

Full Article: KGTV 10 News