Arizona Cardinals’ Sam Acho Something to Look Up To

Writer Amanda Christmann Larson

Everybody needs someone to look up to, yet all too often those in the spotlight are embroiled in controversy. While so many of society’s heroes are making headlines for all the wrong reasons, Arizona Cardinals’ rookie outside linebacker Sam Acho is a breath of fresh air. At just 23 years old, he’s a rising star both on and off the field, and he’s the type of guy we all want our sons to become.

Acho is a big guy. Weighing in at 257 pounds and 6’3” tall, Number 94 is built more like a defensive end, which is what he played in college at the University of Texas. His speed and agility earned him a spot on the Cardinals roster as an outside linebacker; he’s fast, and there is no doubt that he is an outstanding athlete.

Acho is one of only seven two-time ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American in University of Texas Longhorn history, was named the National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete of 2010, and is a seven-time member of UT’s Athletic Director’s Honor Roll. He holds the 10th highest record for sacks in Longhorn history with 31.5.

Acho won a host of other awards, including the Academic Heisman and induction into UT’s Friar Society, the oldest and most prestigious honor society in Texas. He was a member of the Spanish Honor Society, the Intercultural Club and the student government and took part in several clubs and service projects while earning a double degree in business administration and marketing from Texas’ McCombs School of Business Honors Program.

That’s only half the story, though. Acho is a genuine guy. He’s a class act. He’s known for giving 100%, 100% of the time, and he doesn’t leave that dedication on the football field.

Being an NFL player does not seem to have stoked Acho’s ego, but it may help create awareness for something about which he cares deeply. Twenty years ago, his father started Living Hope Ministries after returning to his native Nigeria and finding that friends were dying from a lack of the most basic drugs and medical care. Acho grew up volunteering with Living Hope Ministries, traveling with doctors, nurses, surgeons, dentists and other medical personnel to provide care for some of the world’s poorest people. Last year, several Texas teammates joined him, and this year, he may be bringing some professional players with him on his annual mission.

He doesn’t do it for the fame or the kudos; he doesn’t even do it for his family or his coaches. He does it all out of his unwavering faith in God and his willingness to serve. It’s an attitude instilled in him by his parents, Dr. Sonny and Mrs. Christie Acho of Dallas, Texas, and his siblings are carrying on the tradition. His sister Stephanie works in the ministry as well, and his brother Emmanuel, who is a linebacker at the University of Texas, is also dedicated and involved.

“People have stereotypes of the typical athlete, the typical football player,” Acho explained in a quick break after practice. “My spiritual goal is to not conform to what people believe … my goal is to continue to walk the walk and talk the talk and to continue to be a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.”

See. He is all that and a box of chocolate.

Acho was a fourth-round draft pick by the Arizona Cardinals. It was a surprise to him because other teams had wooed him with promises of second- or third-round choices, and the Cardinals were not one of the teams that he’d spoken to. Still, he said he’s happy and proud to wear Cardinal Red, even if he’s starting out at the bottom of the barrel.

“I’m loving Phoenix so far,” he said. “I’ve been here three or four months now. I came down right after the draft and began practicing during the lockout with some of the big guys—Adrian Wilson, Calais Campbell and some of those guys. It’s great to see some of these veterans and how they work to prepare themselves for every game, every minute they’re out there. They give their all at all times.”

Acho continued, “I want to continue to get better and learn from the older generation of players. Respect isn’t given, it’s earned, and I’ve got to work hard to earn that respect. Right now, I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be, with exactly the right team and in exactly the right position.”

He seems to be finding exactly the right foundation of strong believers in the Cardinals locker room. Former quarterback Kurt Warner was always known as a leader both on the field and in spirituality, but there is still plenty of that left without him. New Cardinals quarterback Rich Bartel, who’s a bit of a Warner doppelganger with his helmet on, has become a good friend and fellow Christian athlete. There are other players, too, who are working for a higher power.

“You hear guys talk about having an “Audience of One,” he said. “Sometimes I’ve found myself caught up in trying to do something to impress a coach or my friends, but I’ve got to keep reminding myself that I’ve got an Audience of One. You have to ask yourself if what you’re doing is pleasing to God. That’s the real test.”

It will be neat to see how far Acho goes with the Cardinals. As his skills continue to improve and his hard work pays off, he’s making his place on the roster. He certainly represents the team well, with or without his pads and jersey.

“You have to work hard and never let anyone bring you down,” Acho said. “Whatever you’re doing, don’t do it for anyone else. Do it because you love it. Do it because you want to give God the glory.”