Former NFL players return to GSU for degree

Because they know the importance of obtaining degrees and to fulfill personal goals, former Grambling State University football players Kalvin Pearson and Thyron Anderson returned to school to complete their degrees.The two former National Football League players were encouraged return to GSU by friends, family and folks at GSU.


Pearson was assisted by his former teammate Brandon "Bruiser" James, who has encouraged, motivated and helped many people to obtain degrees.

James said he wishes more people would get degrees, especially athletes, since by the time they meet eligibility requirements for the NFL, they are close to finishing their coursework.


"As an athlete, you must prepare yourself for 30 years, not just four or five," he said.


James said Pearson was on the right track and was going to get his degree anyway. Thanks to help from James and his mother, Carolyn Collier, Pearson fulfilled another one of his goals this spring when he received his degree in accounting.


Collier, interim director of the Office of Retention/High Ability, helped Pearson by telling him of his options. She told him he could take correspondence courses, attend classes or take online courses. He decided that attending classes was best.


Pearson said Collier made it easy for him to return and register. "I always wanted a degree. I had to seize the moment while I had the time," Pearson said.


He said the campus is very different with the new buildings and more international students. Pearson said he is different because he knows how the real world works, and he pays more attention to details now than when he was enrolled previously.


"I returned to Grambling to finish my degree in accounting and start a new chapter in my life," he said.


Pearson played at GSU from 1999 to 2001 and was part of the 2000 and 2001 championship teams. As a G-Man he received the Eddie Robinson Award in 2000 and 2001. Pearson played for the Cleveland Browns (2002-2004), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2005-2008) and the Detroit Lions (2008-2010). He also played overseas.


Anderson graduated from GSU last year. He said Aaron James, Brandon's father, helped him and served as his adviser.


Although he received help and encouragement from James, his family members and friends, finishing school was his main goal, so Anderson pushed himself.


"When I start something, I like to finish," Anderson said. School was one of those things.

"In order to succeed in life, one must have a degree. I recommend that every athlete should go back and finish their degrees.

"No one plays forever. Having a degree gives you more opportunities," he said.


Anderson played football at GSU from 1999 to 2002 and left in 2003 and began playing in the Canadian Football League. In 2005 he played for the New Orleans Saints. He finished his career in 2007 in Canada.