Myron Pryor is a 310-lb. defensive lineman whose athletic abilities have taken him from a stellar four-year career at the University of Kentucky to a promising role with the NFLs New England Patriots. Though he is used to squaring off against some of the largest men on a football field, Pryor told the Providence Journal that his younger years involved a struggle against a particularly difficult opponent: ADHD.

Sportswriter Shalise Manza Young provided the following details on Pryors journey from struggling student to football star:

Growing up, the Louisville native would frequently get in trouble for talking in class because he would simply forget that he was supposed to be paying attention. His grades were bad, and his self-esteem went down with them. &

Pryor saw therapists who taught him how to focus, and he was put on Prozac, which helped him stay in the moment. &

When he was medicated, Pryor found he was able to tune in, and things started to improve. He taught himself good habits, and eventually doctors wanted to see how he could function without the aid of medicine.

After a couple of months, they were very surprised because I was taking care of everything I was supposed to. I was staying focused in class, I didnt get in trouble as much and I did a lot better on my grades, he said. &

Pryor is just a few credits shy of receiving his [college] degree in family and consumer sciences, and he has every intention of returning to complete his studies.

Labels: students, athlete

Posted By: Aspen/CRC