Cherry Point-born football player reflects on Marine Corps influence

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NORTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES

01.20.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Cory D. Polom 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

CHERRY POINT, N.C. - Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver David A. Gettis, 23, was born Aug. 27, 1987, to Dale and Valerie Gettis who each served about 10 years in the Marine Corps and were stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point when they had their football star.

Gettis’ numbers have been of All-American caliber since high school when he competed in the 2005 Army All-American Bowl and caught a 39-yard touchdown in the bowl game. Gettis was ranked California’s 50th best recruiting prospect and the nation’s 29th ranked wide receiver. Gettis committed to Baylor University in 2004 and enrolled in 2006.

“My father was my biggest influence to play football,” said Gettis. “My parents brought me up using the Marine Corps’ ethos of honor, courage and commitment. It was those traits and the discipline and support that my mother and father instilled in me that have helped me become a rookie in the National Football League.”

Gettis said he feels in his first year in the NFL he’s used those very traits and they have helped him become the player he is today.

“Since I was a military brat I had these traits drilled into my head,” said Gettis. “I use them day to day without even realizing it. For instance, at practice I have to show my commitment to my team, so I can earn playing time in future games.”

Gettis said during all games he shows mental and physical courage by pushing himself to outstride the defenders and stand up to the best in the league.

“I have to show my honor in my everyday life as well as in football games,” said Gettis. “On the field I have to honor the rules and also have to not underestimate the competition of the players across from me.”

“I feel the way I play demonstrates a lot of the Marine Corps ethos,” said Gettis. “I think our military members give a lot to this country and give a great service to the nation. To some families the football players they watch every Sunday are their hero. To me, the Marines and other military members are the true heroes with my mother and father at the top of that list.”

• Date Taken: 01.20.2011
• Date Posted: 01.21.2011 09:06
• Story ID: 63924
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NORTH CAROLINA, US