Article and Photo by Allison Smith
July 30, 2019
The article title was too good to pass up, every time I hear someone call Qadree Ollison by his last name, I think they are saying mine, so had to do the pun here.
Carl Dukes and Mike Bell of the 92.9 The Game afternoon show “Dukes and Bell” spoke to Qadree Ollison; their interview aired on Tuesday afternoon.
Qadree was a 5th round draft pick from the University of Pittsburg, and is taking on a big number to fill, as he will be wearing the Falcons #32. Qadree is notably bigger than your average running back, coming in at 6’2” and 225 pounds. I met Qadree at training camp on Thursday, July 25th. I was able to chat briefly and he could not have been nicer. Having heard many great things about his playing ability, I was excited to see his practice and meet him personally. He did not disappoint, making some good moves and runs at practice. As a note, if you want to make FalconAlley a fan, do 1 of 2 things, play really well and/or meet her at training camp!
At the combine, Qadree was not the fasted RB out there, but he noted that, “Allot of people don’t run fast 40’s but don’t get caught in the game. I think I am fast enough to run fast and make good plays.” And as big as he is, he can run over people or stiff arm them out of the way. He is aware he may be blocking or performing fullback duties at times for Devonta Freeman and is ready for that responsibility. Playing at Pittsburg, he is well versed in pass protection and has a very good understanding of what it entails.
Obviously there are differences from college to the NFL game. Qadree stated that in college you have the playbook and practice, but also study hall and classes and such. Now, in the NFL you have practice, working out, and studying of the playbook time. So he plans to spend class and study hall time, studying the playbook and learning from the veterans, it is just a different routine.
Qadree has an excellent mentor as well. Ollison is learning from Freeman, “He is amazing, he teaches me so much, not just about football. He teaches you about life and being a professional on and off the field.” Qadree just watches the way Freeman works and prepares and he feels he has been put in a great situation here in Atlanta.
He said that he loves Atlanta, the city, and the people. Having grown up in Niagara Falls, Qadree is happy to play indoors or mostly good weather, but is good with any of the elements. Noting that he played college is Pittsburg……
When asked about how the death of his older brother affected him, Ollison said that it motivates him every day. He plays with a different sort of chip on his shoulder. He lives with a “Go get it attitude.” And he provided a quote that I love, “Be where your feet are.” Meaning, be present in the moment, not dwelling on past or looking very far into the future, just live in and appreciate today.
Lerowne Harris, Qadree’s older brother, was shot and killed early on a Saturday before Ollison played for Pittsburg against NC State later that day. He was not made aware that a former elementary school friend had shot his brother until after the game. Ollison has only ever offered forgiveness and hope and prayers for his childhood friend.
Ollison said that he had to provide forgiveness, so that he could move on from it. “You can’t hold a grudge and move on, so I had to forgive.” Qadree hopes that he inspires others to forgive and be able to move on from whatever life throws at them. Because of this, he really doesn’t allow football to stress him out. He is honored and blessed with his opportunities to play in the NFL, but is just going to do his work and not stress about football.
Thanks to Dukes and Bell for this interview….and making me cry as I listened and researched the story of Qadree’s brother Rome.
#RiseUp
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