Exclusive: Who Is Aaron Maybin?

Laeann Amos caught up with Aaron Maybin for a exclusive one on one interview. She touched on life, his faith in GOD and more. Read full interview below:

For those people that only know you for being on the field, Who is Aaron Maybin? I tell everyone that asks me that the same answer. That I’m just me. I can’t put myself into a specific box any easier than the next guy. I consider myself to be genuine and original in terms of my personality and style but I am just as normal as the next guy.

What are you passionate about? I am passionate about few things. But the things I am passionate about are what I live and breathe for. My family, my art, my career, and my faith.

What are the achievements you are most proud of? It’s hard to pick out one accomplishment that I cherish above all others professionally. But in life, without a doubt it would be being a Dad. My kids are my heart and soul outside of my own flesh. There are no words to describe the pride and joy of being a father.

What are you most grateful for? I have been blessed with far too much in life to say I am most grateful for one particular thing. But I will say I am happy that I was able to retire my father a few years back. He has worked his whole life to provide for my siblings and I. So being able to build him his dream house and see my family happy is something I’m proud of.

If someone had the chance to be in your shoes, what would you want them to do differently than the direction you took? I don’t know if I would want them to do things differently, because I am pretty proud of the man that I have grown up to be. But I would just caution those with big dreams like I had to know the responsibility that goes along with those dreams and goals.

What are the most important things to you in life? My children, my family, my faith and my home actually. I just bought my first house this past year with my studio where I paint and create. It is a very relaxing environment that I have grown quite fond of.

What is you source of inspiration? Life inspires me. Anything from a person who overcomes adversity to a beautiful piece of art. Inspiration is all around us for those that choose to see it.

What drives you? I’m pretty self motivated so it does not take much to keep me focused on my goals. But providing for my family is a big motivation. I also love seeing the looks on people’s faces when I do what they say can’t be done.

How important is family to you? It comes before everything else. Before anyone knew or cared about who I was as an athlete, artist, or person, my family loved me. And when all those accomplishments are forgotten they will be all that remain.

If you could go back in time would you make the same decisions made to get you where you are today?  Yes. Every mistake was a lesson learned. And I am better and stronger for it.

How would you describe yourself and your relationship with GOD?  It’s a never ending quest for me. I believe that as u get older, your relationship with God should get stronger and deeper. None of us in life are perfect, least of all me. But as I said, with every mistake and lesson I have grown closer to him. To the point now where now I lean on my faith more than ever.

What advice would you give to someone in your position? Be humble, be passionate about what you do, be faithful to God, and only worry about pleasing him. Be kind to people. But don’t let there opinions or thoughts about you control your actions. You will never be able to please everyone, don’t kill yourself trying to.

What do you represent? I represent a lot. My family, my schools, my teachers, friends, my fraternity( kappa alpha psi fraternity inc) but most importantly, every child that grew up being told what he couldn’t be.

What do you want to embody? I want to embody the idea. That no matter who you are or where u came from, you have the ability to go as far as your own heart, will, and passion will take you.

Look at your life now. Are you living the life of your dreams? Of course. When I was a kid, I used to tell everyone I would make it to the NFL and be one of the best artists out there. I no longer care about being recognized as the best artist. I just love creating. And of course I made the NFL dream come true as well.

If you have one month left to live, what would you do? What I’m doing. We never know when our time is up so I try to live each day as if tomorrow will not be guaranteed because it’s not.

What are the biggest things you’ve learned in life to date? That nothing is impossible and that you can’t live your life trying to please everyone. You have to find your own happiness.

Do you feel that you have accomplished you ultimate goal with life yet? If not what steps are need to get there? I’m always moving forward and trying to better myself so not yet. But I feel like I’m on the path to getting there.

Make sure to keep up with Aaron on Twitter here!! May God continue to bless him and his family!

Highlights of NY Jets, OLB, Aaron Maybin’s 3rd Annual “Celebration of the Arts” Week with his charity, Project Mayhem. Get involved with their mission of supporting access to art programs for all children by contacting info@aaronmaybin.com.