Jan 29, 2015Keynote Speaker Challenges Attendees
“You have the ability and power to make an impact on someone,” Keynote speaker J.R. Martinez told a packed audience as he thanked athletic trainers for their work. Due to a lasting friendship with his high school athletic trainer, Martinez was able to overcome several twists in his career path and adapt to his situation.
Since an ankle injury kept him from pursuing his NFL dreams, Martinez joined the U.S. Army after high school. While on the frontlines in the Iraq war, he drove over a landmine and obtained burns on 34 percent of his body.
Since an ankle injury kept him from pursuing his NFL dreams, Martinez joined the U.S. Army after high school. While on the frontlines in the Iraq war, he drove over a landmine and obtained burns on 34 percent of his body.
Eight years after overcoming depression and adjusting to his new life, Martinez has gained national recognition in the career he chose as a challenge to himself–motivational speaking. Along the way, he also landed a soap opera role, and earned a victory on Dancing with the Stars.
Most important to Martinez’s success has been the ability to adapt to his situation and overcome the obstacles in his path. Those two words–adapt and overcome–are important for everyone’s vocabulary, Martinez said, including athletic trainers.
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