A young man with big dreams – and the determination and skill to make those dreams come true – paid a visit to the WEIS Radio studios on Tuesday morning.

A.J. Starr – a student at the University of Alabama and a former resident of Centre – has recently become an official part of the Bama football program.

A.J. has cerebral palsy.  He was diagnosed with that central motor dysfunction after the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck prior to his birth.  That condition has done nothing to diminish his drive and his ability to accomplish whatever he desires.

Starr became involved with the football program after he became fast friends with another A.J. – A.J. McCarron, the Crimson Tide star quarterback.

McCarron saw Starr trying to hail a bus on a rainy day, and he watched, as not one but two buses pulled away leaving the young man in the pouring rain; McCarron offered him a ride and that led to a firm friendship – one which also led to Starr becoming involved in the sports program.

McCarron contacted Joe Pannunzio, Director of Football Operations, and he arranged for Starr to come on-board as overseer of the equipment room, helping to get everything ready for the game.

A.J. McCarron says Starr is an inspiration to all the players on the team – stating (quote) “Here’s a kid who’s been through all these obstacles and he still wakes up smiling every day and ready to go work…I feel like he’s given me more than I could ever give him.” (end-quote).  Starr said that he would like to eventually start a foundation, to reach out and help those suffering from cerebral palsy and other disabilities, adding (quote) “I’ve been blessed and it’s my time to be a blessing to others.” (end-quote).

If you missed that interview with A.J. Starr, you can still listen to it in its entirety by CLICKING BELOW

(Information provided in part by yellowhammernews.com)