At a Glance
Former NFL wide receiver Freddie Scott’s life was going well. After a successful career at Penn State, he had recently signed his rookie contract with the Atlanta Falcons. But his life was about to get better when he decided to go and listen to his hometown pastor from Southfield, Michigan speak at an Atlanta area church. It was there that Freddie reconnected with his assistant pastor’s daughter, Tondalanea. Freddie asked his assistant pastor for permission to take Tondalanea out to lunch after the sermon and fortunately he agreed. Over lunch, the conversation came easily, and during the weeks and months that followed, they became good friends. Freddie soon realized that this was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with, so he once again asked permission from his assistant pastor . . . this time for permission to marry his daughter. Over dinner that night, she said yes, and Freddie’s life hasn’t been the same since.Today, Freddie and Tondalanea are the proud parents of five children – Isaiah, Immanuel, Ian, Christian and Iyanna. Freddie always wanted to be a father, but it was at the delivery of his first child that the responsibility of being a father began to sink in. During those first few months of fatherhood, Freddie learned about himself and, more importantly, about God. “I have a responsibility to lead my children straight to Jesus”, said Freddie. He stresses the importance of praying every night with his family and being sure to lead a family devotion.Children today are receiving mixed messages through the media and society, and he has to be diligent in guarding his children’s hearts from any negative influences his kids may be exposed to through sports, the neighborhood, or school.When the Scott family relaxes, they like to have a family fun night on Fridays, with a movie and slumber party atmosphere. He and Tondalanea enjoy dinner, shopping, and “non-animated” movies when they get out on their date night.
Freddie, who recently published an autobiographical book on fatherhood, The Dad I Wish I Had, gives this advice to fathers : “Be confident in who you are as a father and husband. Realize what an impact you have . . . your voice, your presence, your composure in your home. Be the calming agent in all circumstances. And most importantly, ask God for wisdom, and walk with the Lord . . . your home, and the world will be transformed”.To learn more about Freddie’s incredible life and his advice for Dads, order your copy of The Dad I Wish I Had, at www.thedadiwishihad.com
Attend an upcoming NACA Football Camp with Freddie Scott. Register for the camp online or by mail.
