WEST PALM BEACH – The idea of assembling a personalized seminar session came into fruition for King’s Academy legend and former NFL fullback Heath Evans.

The intimate event took place this morning (July 13) at his alma mater, The King’s Academy School.

As a group of youth and their parents took in some advice and information from the Super Bowl champion, they learned what it takes to achieve their dreams.

“We can take whatever God gave us and rapidly expand it if we want to,” Evans told the participants. “The battle is won before its fought. You are in control of your mindset.”

Evans shared a story about the time he was the only player from Auburn who raised his hand when asked by then-head coach Terry Bowden who was going to make it to the NFL.

“He said there would always be one,” Heath said of Bowden.

Evans’ level of confidence grew throughout his time in both the college football and NFL ranks. He said the desire to obtain information from coaches and other leaders led to him unlocking his potential over time.

“We’re at our most peaceful place when we submit to a level of authority in every realm,” Evans said. “If you start living it out, then you will see yourself dominating in life.”

Throughout his time in the NFL (2001-2010), Evans played for Super Bowl-winning coaches Bill Belichick, Mike Holmgrem, and Sean Payton. He played for the New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks, New Orleans Saints, and Miami Dolphins.

The former NFL fullback chose to share some experiences he had learning from Belichick, who will almost undisputedly go down as the greatest NFL head coach of all-time.

“When you master the details over and over and over again, you don’t even have to think about it,” Evans said. “Practices were mentally exhausting. But there was a method to Coach Belichick’s madness. He knew exactly what he was doing with us when I played for them.”

Evans, who is legendary for his approach to fundamentals, illustrated comparison between a player who consumed alcohol and one who didn’t consume alcohol prior to a game. He said Belichick modeled the contrasting results for the Patriots after one weekday practice years ago.

It turned out to be a motivational note for Evans.

“We have to find ways to trigger our level of discipline,” he said. “If we can find trigger points, we can accomplish most anything we want to achieve…You can formulate your dream into a plan for success.”

Here are some points that Evans repeatedly made sure to drive home:

•Shift your mindset and push through it.

•A positive mindset is everything.

•Repetitive messages, drills, and skills lead to a high level of success.

“Set a plan based on your needs,” Evans said. “Work on your weaknesses and strengthen your strengths. There are people out there who want to work with you on it.”

Evans spoke on topics such as weight room discipline, nutrition discipline, recovery, sleep, and character.

Of all these topics, Evans spent the most time on sleep.

The NFL retiree recommended individuals getting their eight hours of sleep each day and night. He also recommended a midday nap, preferably for 45 minutes.

“Write your sleep plans out,” Evans said. “Make sure it’s mapped out. Routine is key. Within weeks, you’ll feel better about yourself.”

Evans moved on to the topic of flexibility. He said having a level of it can help you recover better from a workout, a practice session, a game, or even an injury.

“Hip flexibility and glute training will improve your conditioning,” Evans said. “You’re using less energy by having a longer stride length. You should always be stretching at least five minutes per day. It opens your body up.”

Evans, who was projected to be a lineman in his early days by some coaches, started applying all of the aforementioned actions before he reached his high school years.

Guess how his transformation from potential lineman to NFL fullback began?

During his eight grade year at King’s Academy, Evans ran two miles per day, for five days per week. He also ran sprints.

His level of body fat dropped considerably. As a result, he ended up starting at running back for the King’s Academy junior varsity team.

In four months, Evans went from not being good enough at running back on JV to too good at running back on JV.

He moved up to the Lions varsity team during his freshman season as a 14-year old.

“You gotta ask for help,” Evans said. “You have no excuse not to have a plan.”

At that particular time, Evans said he would play 10 years in the NFL and re-evaluate himself.

“Everything I spoke from when I was 14 years old, it happened,” Evans said. “The power of my speech and my discipline is just that.”

Evans, who went on to become a NFL Network analyst after retiring from the pros in 2010, spoke about the importance of having a “built ready” outlook on life.

“There are challenges. There are major successes. There are major failures. But God is always there with us every step of the way,” Evans said. “No matter what we think or feel about God, what His Word says is true. It will forever guard you and protect you.”

Evans ended his two-hour seminar on this note.

“The Word of God speaks very clearly about who we are,” he said. “In life, we have choices, decisions, and consequences. But He’s always loving, He’s always purposeful, He always knows what’s best. He will meet you at that perfect space. He will meet you there.”