5 OR 50 is a phrase that was born in 2007. During the winter of my junior year at Ohio University, I had surgery on my right shoulder to repair a torn labrum. After having the surgery, I was down and out, questioning why this happened to me and whether my body was going to feel like it did before the surgery. While sitting in my apartment I decided to give my father a call to discuss my concerns, and I vividly remember my father telling me the following: “You have roughly five months to get as big, strong and football smart as you possibly can, to ensure you have the type of senior year that will enhance your odds of being drafted and that will allow you to do something you absolutely love for 5 years. OR you can choose to not work hard at your craft, and get a nine to five and work the next 50 years of your life like me.” From that day forward, I was determined to eradicate the vulnerable feeling I had in my stomach, and more importantly to make my dream of playing professional football a reality. Ever since I was a small child, I knew what I wanted to do for a living, and I was willing and hungry to do whatever it took to succeed. The very next day I created a plan that would help improve my strength, speed, size and football IQ.

Two years after discussing my post-surgery concerns with my father, I heard the words I’ll never forget on April 25, 2009, “With the 47th pick of the 2009 NFL draft, the Oakland Raiders select Ohio University safety, Michael Mitchell.” Through the creation of a plan and many hours of hard work, my dream of playing professional football has become a reality. With more dedication, and hard work, in 5 short years I will be 5.

Figure out where your passion lies, create a plan, work the plan, and dream big! Walk in your own destiny, not one chosen for you by someone else…………Will you be 5 or 50?

Sincerely,
Michael Mitchell

ATTENTION: Fans will be able to order the new 5 or 50 shirts online very soon. Check back regularly and as soon as we’re ready to sell the shirts, you’ll be the first to know...