WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - Born and raised in Northern California, New England Patriots defensive line Jeremiah Pharms Jr. had one goal at his visit to Stanley Elementary School Monday afternoon.
"Giving hope that's my thing out in Stockton I give hope and Wichita has been good to me you know they've always helped with my dreams and pushed me so why not come out here and give hope as well," said a very humble and modest Pharms.
Pharms attended city colleges in both Sacramento and Stockton, California.
"I ran into a coach his name is James Tabor out here and at the time he was coaching at Friends University and now he does his own thing and he trains and everything. He was my recruiter at Friends."
Pharms played for the indoor professional team, The Wichita Force, after attending Friends University and joined the NFL two years ago.
His visit to Stanley came through non-profit organization Prime Fit Youth Foundation. Prime fit focuses on mentoring marginalized youth.
Pharms said he faced many challenges and added his biggest challenge was not giving up.
Pharms said, "If you've got the talent, you've got the work ethic, they'll find you, you've just got to believe in yourself."