Odell James Returns Home to Encourage MacArthur High Generals

Odell James returned to his roots to address athletes at MacArthur High School with an inspiring message during the school’s Fall Sports Banquet, held Wednesday, Dec. 18 at the M.O. Campbell Educational Center.

James was a high school sensation from 1993-95 and was one of the most sought after quarterbacks in the country after his senior season. He was recruited by a number of top programs across the country, including Texas, Nebraska, Florida State, Ohio State, Oklahoma and just about every other major Division I program before signing with Baylor.

As a sophomore, James led Bob Alpert’s Generals to the Class 5A Division II state title game, where MacArthur fell, 43-37 in the Astrodome. That game is still considered one of the most exciting state title games in the storied history of Texas high school football. The lead went back and forth throughout the contest with Lewisville scoring a late touchdown to hold off the Generals.

James led the Generals to the playoffs as a junior and senior and was named a Bluechip and Super Prep All-American his senior season. He played quarterback his first three seasons at Baylor before moving to free safety his senior season. He received his bachelor’s degree in speech communication and sociology from Baylor in 2001 and a master’s degree in Sports Leadership from Duquesne University in December of 2010.

For the last 10 years, James has worked on Baylor’s football operations staff and currently serves as the school’s assistant director of football operations. In 2012, he served in the Bill Walsh Coaching Fellowship with the Washington Redskins working with the wide receivers.

James said losing the state title game was tough to handle as a teenager, but he and his teammates knew they gave it their all that magical season.

“One of my biggest memories was during my sophomore season when our football team went all the way to the state championship,” James said. “It is still talked about as one of the best games ever played in Texas high school football history. Although we lost, I will always remember how me and my boys from the Mail Route fought hard the whole season. We gave it our all for each other and for our coaches. We were a family and we made the choice to be great.”

That 1993 season was a magical one for the Generals and their fans. They earned the final playoff berth in District 21-5A and then won five playoff games to earn a spot in the state finals. James was remarkable during the playoff run, rushing for more than 1,000 yards and passing for more than 1,000 yards.

The top programs around the country took notice and began contacting him. He knew then he had to make the right decisions in his life if he hoped to reach his goal of playing college football.

“The week after that game, my life changed forever,” he said. “I got my first offer to play college football at the University of Texas. It was the first of many offers to come. From that point on, I had my future in my hands. I could make wise choices and succeed, or I could throw it all away on one bad decision.”

James challenged the Generals and Lady Generals to make the most of their opportunities in the classroom and on the playing fields and gyms.
“I want to talk to you about choices. Choose to be great. Choose to dream big and choose to work hard at accomplishing those dreams,” James said. “God placed you on this Earth for greatness. It is up to you to achieve it. You cannot say I came from here or my family did not have money or that nobody ever told me that I could be great. If I did it, then you can do it!”

MacArthur High head football coach Andy Garza (right) presented former General quarterback Odell James.

He also reminded the student-athletes that they must steer clear of distractions if they hope to succeed and reach their goals.

“My dad used to always tell me before I left the house, ‘Odell, you have a mind of your own.’ I am standing here at 36 years of age and I want to tell you that you have a mind of your own. These streets, social media, TV and the video games, want to get you off of the path that you should be focused on at this time in your life. You should be thinking about your spiritual growth, your school work and the sports you are playing.”

James admitted that he was tempted as a high school student, but it was his mother who reminded him to remain on the straight and narrow path and is he ever glad he listened to her words of wisdom.

“My mom told me something that I’m so thankful for. She said, ‘Baby, just keep on going to school, keep on playing your ball, keep putting God first and keep doing the right things,’” James said. “She reminded me to be patient and it would all work out. And you know what, it did. I have a beautiful family and a great life. I have coached a Heisman Trophy winner (Robert Griffin III), and have mentored several NFL players. We just won the Big 12 championship at Baylor and next week, I will be hopping on a team charter with my family and flying to Phoenix to win a Fiesta Bowl championship. None of this would be possible if I had made bad choices. God’s grace helped me to make good choices and that is why I am standing here today.”

James reminded the audience that what they do as teenagers can impact their lives as adults.

“Your choices today impact the choices you get to make tomorrow,” he said. “Don’t be afraid of others calling you a sell-out. Be more afraid of waking up one day and realizing that you sold yourself out. And now your life is not what it could have been. All because of the choices you made. Think about what my dad said, ‘you have a mind of your own.’ Be strong enough to use it. Choose to be great. I chose to take the opportunity that God placed before me…to be great. You can too! Remember, you have a mind of your own. Choose to be the best you can be. And one more thing, Go Big Red!”

Once a General, always a General!