Players going through the motions at Sports International Football Camps just don't cut it for Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart.

"In order to be great you have to be extraordinary; ordinary just won't do."

His high expectations help players reach their goals and continue to develop their talents in order to reach the next level.

Following the dream to play football, whether collegiately or professionally, takes perseverance and talent. Finding individuals that offer emotional support, advice and preparation keeps the dream alive. Providing encouragement, guidance and physical training sits at the top of the list for Stewart who headlines one of Sports International's 4 day camps at Queens University of Charlotte during the summer.

Stewart believes the reason why players continuously return to Sports International camps in particular, revolves around the amount of encouragement kids receive in addition to the opportunity to learn from NFL players.

"Knowledge and wisdom of the game on [and] off field helps them possibly play at the next level, with encouragement along the way." 

Stewart, who began playing football in the fourth grade, didn't attend camps until he was given the opportunity to do so with his high school football team, the Timberline Blazers of Lacey, Washington. He felt the summer camps helped him learn new skills and discover different perspectives on the football field. And that is the opportunity the Jonathan Stewart Football Camp hope to provide its campers.

In addition to the football camps, Stewart lists Pastor Cecil Daniels as one of the most significant people influencing his football career. Stewart states that Pastor Daniels consistently supported him throughout his career and always stood by him.

Stewart, drafted in 2008, has proven to be a valuable contributor to the Panthers. In 2009 he tallied over 1,100 yards, averaging 5.1 yards per carry, and scoring 10 touchdowns. One of his most notable games that season took place against the New York Giants when he totaled over 200 yards and scored one touchdown. Prior to the NFL, Stewart played for the Oregon Ducks, where his rushing yardage for three years totaled 2,891 yards with 27 touchdowns. Stewart states that he feels blessed to be playing for the NFL and feels that the toughest part about playing professionally revolves around consistency.

"Preparation week in and week out and being able to maintain focus week in and week out as you prepare for each game... becomes repetitive at times, but you have to keep focused," said Stewart whose NFL idols include Emmitt Smith and Barry Sanders.

Stewart is a big believer in working during the off-season and focuses on conditioning so that he's ready when the season comes around. Groundwork and training, coupled with natural talent, contribute to his success in the NFL.

Stewart brings this same mentality into his football, which concentrates on building specific skills as well as offensive and defensive techniques for a variety of positions, from running backs to offensive linemen. His advice to young athletes aspiring to reach the next level: hard work.

"Always do more than the other person; there's always someone working harder than you, so push yourself....always be doing something to better yourself."

Article by Anel Laj