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Jamaican Rastafarian plays American Football win Super Bowl.
New York, USA — When the Green Bay Packers Football Team lifted the Vince Lambardi Trophy after winning the 43rd staging of the Super Bowl (symbol of the American version of Soccer) last month, it brought with it the usual elation and joy of winning such a prestigious prize.
But for one member of the victorious team, the win meant more than just elation and joy.
  BIGBY... fought the resistance to his locks by upping his game 1/1  |
For 29-year-old Jamaican-born Atari Bigby, the win was also about overcoming resistance and adversity.
In an interview with the Observer here, the Falmouth Trelawny native who plays at Strong Safety in defence at backfield said the journey to the pinnacle of one of the world's premier sports events "was not easy".
He said he faced resistance "because I am a Rastafarian. Some people did not understand, and would just not accept it", he said.
The University of Central Florida graduate said the resistance began as far back at age 15, when his High School coaches told him he would have to cut his locks, if he wanted to make it to the big league. He said he refused, citing his religious beliefs and the bible, but more importantly improving his game to the point where he could not be ignored as he was determined to play in the big league.
He carried that same determination into the league, and again fought the resistance to his locks by upping his game. But he also had to overcome adversity, as he was affected by an injured ankle which he said is now fully healed.
Asked whether, as a Jamaican it was difficult to adjust to American style Football, Bigby credited his knowledge and playing of soccer for "making the transition easy". He said he would like to see the game introduced and played in his native Jamaica, "if there is enough interest there", as his success shows that Jamaicans can achieve at whatever they set their minds on.
For the future Bigby, whose contract with the Green Bay Packers ended at the end of the last season -- making him a free agent -- is uncertain, due mainly to the current impasse between the owners of the National Football League (NFL) and the players association.
He, however, confirmed that there are some offers but said he could not discuss them.
Meanwhile, he continues to train and is looking forward to visiting his homeland soon with his Super Bowl ring.
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