If you have not heard the name before, you should definitely write it down. Duval is the son of a UN international civil servant in NYC, and he is considered to be one of the most talented youngsters in American football. He has just been granted scholarship to the Prestigious University Notre Dame where he will play for the Colleague’s football team. According to the specialists this is one of the best ways to begin a career in the American football world. Being quite ignorant about the American football we had the chance to meet with him and to ask some questions….
Q: American football is the most popular spectator sport in the United States, and how do you explain this popularity?
I guess it all has to do with the physical aspect of the game and the rigorous training that is involved as compared to other sports
Q: Could you tell us how it all started and why did you choose American Football instead the European one? Soccer is referred to as football in Europe and it’s more popular.
I was not introduced to soccer at my early age even though my father played soccer. In fact he wanted me to play basketball of which I did, but football is my passion.
Q: for an outsider, American football seems to quite violent and a very physical sport. Is this your perception or is this just part of American culture?
Some people might say it’s violent, but I guess all sports are violent. You can say it’s physical and that’s the fun part of it. It’s an American sport.
Q: You are only 17 years old and you are known to be one of the most promising young talents in US for American Football. How does it feel, and how do you tackle the pressure?
It’s a bit overwhelming at times, but I always try to stay level headed and keep my cool. It allows me to stay focus and disciplined. It’s fun.
Q: From what I have read in the press, you also participate in an ambassador programme. What is your motivation to participate in this kind of event and what is it all about?
Basically just to give back to the community and make a difference in someone’s life. The program is about high school student taking time out of their schedule to educate primary school student about the dangerous of drugs and the benefit and advantages of combining sports and education.
Q: You have just been admitted to one of the most prestigious American universities. What are you going to study and is this necessity for becoming a major college league player at an American university?
That’s right- Notre Dame, the fighting Irish. It is a prestigious university and I intend to make the best out of it by god’s willing. I intend to pursue a double major degree in Finance and Accounting and minor in computer science.
Q: You are an Afro-American growing up in the US and you may one day become a professional football player – would you like to become a kind of role model for other Afro-Americans?
I think I am a role model. I have no choice but to step up to the plate. My involvement with the ambassador program is a testament to that. The kids come by to watch me play and ask for my autograph. I also played basketball for my school and at the end of the basketball season, I was voted as the MVP in my conference. I think it’s always a good thing to make difference in someone’s life
Q: How have your connections to the United Nations through your father had an impact your choices?
Not necessarily, but I wont mind to one become a UN sport ambassador. I guess I am part of the UN family through my father.
Q: Finally if you have a message to share with others, what would that be?
Work hard and Play smart and also note that « the race is not for the swift neither the battle is for the strongest ». « Go after you dream regardless of what other people might think of you. »
