Cosmo DeNicola Temple Univ 76’ alum had the privilege to address the Temple Football team on August 11 at the Edberg Olson Hall Football facility immediately following the Football Programs Season Ticket holder reception. Cosmo was introduced by Headcoach Matt Rhule who will be entering his 4th season as HC for the OWLS.” I don’t bring many people in to speak to the team but Cosmo is special and his story resonated with our players, stated Matt Rhule”. Like many of the current players Cosmo is a local Philly guy and had dreams of playing Professional Football but along the way his life and plans changed. Cosmo shared some points from his Temple (Fox school of Business) Commencement speech from 2012 titled “I went to Temple to play football and become a doctor but did neither”. The players learned that life doesn’t always go as planned but even when you don’t achieve your specific goals you need to stay positive and resilient and good things will happen. For Cosmo it was a successful career as a Technology and Healthcare Entrepreneur and businesses in Professional Football (US and China), Talent Management and Hollywood.
The theme of his speech was winning as a team. Cosmo related that he never was an All Star in any sport but he’s been a part of 10 Championships. Driving home the point that Teams win Championships not players, coaches or administrations. Cosmo emphasized that winning every game is attainable, not just some or most. He reinforced that you can win every game by winning every play and used NFL HOF player Reggie White as an example of someone who went all out on every play.
Another important point was the players should never lose sight that they are at Temple for an education and that Temple has so much to offer in their numerous and diverse programs and accessible support systems. In conclusion Cosmo told the players that he was told he was too small, too slow, and not strong enough but still believed in himself and felt INVINCIBLE!!! He told everyone in the room to feel that invincibility in all parts of their life. In closing he restated his philosophy of life… GIVE, LOVE then RECEIVE! The players left pumped for the next morning start of two a day’s football camp.