This is where Elgin Davis’ book begins. Elgin had come far in life from the days when his family was so poor they often cooked their dinner on a hot iron. Growing up in Jacksonville, Florida, Elgin lived in a house that had few material possessions and where addiction was a presence but where parental love and support were abundant.
As a young boy, Elgin found a home in Pop Warner football. His great talent was evident then, through high school and then as a member of the University of Central Florida’s football team. He was drafted by the New England Patriots - the 330th pick of the 1987 draft. During the hours until he received notice he’d been chosen, Elgin wondered if all his work had been worth it. His dream was so close and yet seemed to be just out of his reach. But he did make it and went to Foxboro to join the team.
He found that the NFL was an amazing place - much of what he thought it would be. But he also discovered more in the extremely competitive and often painful playing arena. He had good games and was making a name for himself but he faced injury after injury. He began to use cortisone, a legal but potentially harmful steroid, to ease the pain and hasten his return to the playing field. The result of the injections was permanent damage to his leg and an early end to a promising career.
Elgin had married and was going to be a father. Earlier in his career, Elgin had found a best friend in Patriots teammate Darryl Usher. The two had planned their lives to include each other in business, in family life and in football. But on the day that Elgin was in the hospital at the birth of his daughter, he received a phone call with horrific news. Darryl, at the young age of 25, had been murdered by the jealous former lover of his girlfriend. Darryl’s bright light as a football player and man was violently taken.
Elgin was devastated and his life began a downward spiral. He turned to alcohol to ease his depression. He was adrift and wondered where all of the promise had gone wrong. But Elgin was a fighter and he used the same perseverance that had made him an NFL player to come back. He found a renewed faith and strength in the Islamic faith and began to reach out to help others. He had come full circle.
Why Did It Happen To Me is the story of Elgin’s life and the lessons he has learned from his experiences. It is the glamour of playing with the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers and the reality of what happens outside of the stadiums. It is finding a best friend and then losing that person to violence. And it is a realistic but inspirational look at a family life that taught a young boy love and responsibility, joy and sadness. It is a motivating story with laughs and sorrow but ultimately one that gives the reader hope -- always hope.
