Seattle Seahawks Richard Sherman made a surprise visit to Thomas Jefferson High School on Thursday on behalf of his family foundation, Blanket Coverage.

He talked about the decisions young people make, emphasizing the importance of choice in our daily lives.

Through personal stories of obstacles he has overcome and examples of success, Sherman illustrated how the choices teens make today, will affect the rest of their lives.

Students had an opportunity ask Sherman questions during the morning assembly. The opening question, “What about that pass in the Super Bowl?” was one the Seahawk humorously declined to answer.

The audience then transitioned into more serious questions, asking Sherman to describe some of the techniques he used to achieve goals in his own life. One of his most important points was that education is very important, stating “knowledge is power.”

Sherman explained that his body is only temporary and that he could suffer an injury at any time or any day.  His mind and his education belong to him and will provide him support throughout his lifetime.

When the Super Bowl champion was asked how he came to be so successful, he replied “perseverance.” Sherman cautioned students that people often give up right before the moment they succeed and encouraged all of us to never give up and to achieve to our fullest potential.

Blanket Coverage, the Richard Sherman Family Foundation, was formed in 2013 by Richard Sherman to provide students in low-income communities with school supplies and clothing so they can more adequately achieve their goals.

Since forming Blanket Coverage, Sherman and the Blanket Coverage team have made it their mission to provide school supplies for students across America. Sherman has visited several elementary and high schools, speaking to the student body on making the world a better place than when they entered it.

Contributing writers: Kallen Laupati, Jayvon Buckley, Jose Ramirez-Hernandez, Jeremiah Lewis and Devaris Reece – Thomas Jefferson  High School Leadership class