OAK RIDGE, Tenn. — An Oak Ridge community leader has written a poem about Super Bowl LVI star and Oak Ridge native Tee Higgins.
Rose Weaver was inspired to write the poem about Higgins because of her admiration towards him.
"I admire Tee among the geniuses, Hollywood icons and personal entities because he did not limit his talent or ingenuity to fulfill his dream," Weaver said. "He believed there was magic in believing and did not let his circumstance nor environment determine his future."
You can read the poem below.
A Dream Realized - Higgins
Written by Rose Weaver on Feb. 12, 2022 - Dedicated to Tee Higgins
At a young age he thought of greatness,
Letting no obstacle stand in his way for within his means,
Was one passionate purpose.
To make a difference for his family and mom, that was his stand.
He had already set records as a Oak Ridge High Wildcat.
Next the foundation at Clemson was within his reach.
Continuously his athletic abilities unleashed.
With outreach arms this wide receiver would stretch and to his coaches
And fans amazement,
A style of his own he would catch, catch, and catch the ball.
Like Einstein with his formula for Energy,
Or Ernest Wilkens, who discovered three scientific subatomic particles,
Or Mary McCleod Bethune who opened her own college in 1904
With a $5 deposit on land.
Higgins had a vision, he had a plan.
As a teenager he praised the great Bengal receivers,
And in 2016 said he would meet A.J. Green one day.
Never wavering, never faltering with that smile on his face.
Today is a good day!
He charted his own path with choices in mind,
To believe what was possible he knew would take some time.
He studied, labored and with dedication, and compassion embarked
To SUPER BOWL STATUS, making his mark.
On his back the number 85 represented the legacy
Of those who were the first to desegregate the schools in the southeast,
With fortitude relentlessly he wavered to no defeat.
Higgins carried the torch to the finish to win.
So proud are we of you native Scarboro, Oak Ridge, TN young man,
You have influenced so many lives.
Venturing forth Tee we supported you all your future goals
You symbolize dreams realized and fulfilled
