TALLAHASSEE, Fla. _ Devonta Freeman's upbringing has been a storyline that is often revisited when discussing the rise of the former Florida State Seminoles star.
Freeman even bought it up himself, referring to his childhood in the Pork 'N' Beans section of Miami as a real-life distraction relative to the distraction _ if any _ lobbying for a new contract extension during Super Bowl week presents.
Jimbo Fisher shared how Freeman's success began in Tallahassee as FSU wrapped up its 2017 signing day Wednesday with an event for boosters at the Tallahassee Car Museum.
"That's my first recruit. He had zero stars," Fisher said.
Fisher recalled the first time he watched Freeman practice as a junior backup at Miami Central High School when he had no scholarship offers. Freeman earned his FSU scholarship offer about 30 minutes after participating in his first on-campus summer camp in 2011 during Fisher's first season as Seminoles head coach.
"At the end of that year, he ran for 2,200 yards and Miami Central won its first state championship," Fisher said.
Then, Fisher shared an interaction with Freeman that occurred after Freeman's cousin and close friend, Anthony Darling, was shot and killed in 2012.
"He said Coach, thank you so much for the opportunity you gave me," Fisher said. "And he said 'I'll never take it lightly the opportunity Florida State gave me with a scholarship to change my life.' Today, he calls back now, he comes back 2-4 classes a year, trying to finish up his degree. He's about done. He literally does everything in the world to go get that degree and appreciates that opportunity. He's now in his second Pro Bowl. ... "
Freeman hopes to help the Atlanta Falcons win their first Super Bowl in their 51-year franchise history against the New England Patriots on Sunday. He also hopes to earn a significant raise from his $600,000 salary this season.
Fisher shared Freeman's story with boosters to discuss the impact they had in helping Freeman achieve his success, starting with his scholarship at Florida State.
"I don't know how he plays and doesn't trip on his heart," Fisher said of Freeman. "His heart is bigger than his body."
