Wide receivers are often known for their speed and agility, but West Virginia University’s Ricky Rogers is doing his best to imbue the position with grace and fluidity as well. Rogers has spent his time on campus following two seemingly conflicting passions -- dance and football -- breaking down stereotypes in both fields with every sequence he performs and touchdown he tallies.
Rogers, who redshirted his freshman season in 2014, took part in WVU’s recent “Project Me” video initiative, speaking out about his dance major and the similarities he sees between a sport known for its violence and an activity known for its beauty.
“There’s nothing like being up on a stage and having people cheering, and there’s nothing like being in an end zone and people cheering and going crazy … [In both, performing] is the thing that I really love the most,” he explained, listing body control, flexibility and focus as three other skills that play a part on both the stage and the gridiron.
Later in the video -- a two-minute montage in which Rogers’ voiceover is paired with clips of him at football and dance practices -- the wide receiver relays the two possible paths he sees in his future. Either he achieves his dream of competing in the NFL or he joins a dance company, owns his own studio, teaches the craft to others. But maybe, maybe, if he’s so lucky, he could do both.
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